Mount Nyiragongo Climbing gorilla tracking Lake Kivu, in 2014 Virungas National Park authorities announced that the route to climb Mount Nyiragongo has been re-opened for tourism. Mount Nyiragongo is a spectacular stratovolcano that hosts one of the world’s largest and rarest lava lakes, making it one of Africa’s most exciting and rewarding hiking experiences.
Lava lakes are without a doubt one of the most impressive forms of volcanic activity that any outdoors enthusiast could hope to witness. Once you have reached the summit on your Mount Nyiragongo climb, you will be able to observe its bubbling lava cauldron (from a safe distance) and feel this volcano’s energy, as it heaves and breathes. An overnight stay at Mount Nyiragongo’s crater edge will allow you to enjoy this spectacle in the dark, but also at dawn and dusk when its alluring beauty is enhanced.
Mount Nyiragongo volcano, in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, rises majestically to an altitude of 3470m overlooking the Virungas National Park and associated Albertine Rift valley. The climb up Mount Nyiragongo is not technically difficult and reaching the top should not take longer than 5 hours.
To further ensure an unforgettable experience this tour includes a mountain gorilla trekking experience in the neighboring Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Coming face to face with mountain gorillas is a hugely primal and humbling experience, if not life-changing.
Between these two walking adventures, you will also enjoy a short and relaxing visit to the idyllic shores of Lake Kivu.
Fitness: A basic level of fitness is required for trekking mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. Climbing Mount Nyiragongo in Virungas National Park requires a reasonable-good level of fitness and basic hiking experience. Summiting Mount Nyiragongo involves a 4-6 hour uphill climb often on uneven volcanic rock, muddy tracks, and slippery trails. It is however not particularly steep.
The pace of both trekking experiences will be set and determined by professional trekking guides who always ensure that everyone reaches the targeted troop/camp. To make your experience even more enjoyable, porters that can carry your bag (max.15kg), will be available for hire at Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda) and have been pre-arranged at the Kibati Patrol Post in Virungas National Park DR Congo.
