The 3 Days Nyiragongo Hike allows adventure seekers to take on Mount Nyiragongo-one of the most active Volcanoes rising at 3470 meters above sea level found in Virunga National Park, within the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
This Active Volcano has erupted more than 30 times in the last Century and the recent one being in May 2021 and also features a large Crater with lava pool on its summit. The Trip begins in Rwanda and involves crossing the border at Gisenyi-Goma to the East of the country then ends in Kigali.
Day 1: Arrival in Rwanda, brief City excursion and transfer to Virunga National Park in D.R. Congo
Undertake a tour of Kigali City on arrival into the country and this offers you the chance to learn about the country’s rich and painful historical background. This City Tour leads to Kigali Presidential Palace (site where Rwanda and Burundi former presidents were assassinated sparking the 1994 Rwanda Genocide), Kigali Genocide Memorial site (also known as Gisozi Genocide Memorial Site) and other Museums in addition to Craft markets. Your arrival time will determine the number of tourist sites to be visited and later you will continue to Virunga National Park.
Arrive at Grande Barriere Border post in Gisenyi-Goma border in the afternoon for check-in at Virunga Tourism Office. You will receive your Nyiragongo hiking permit and continue to Virunga National Park for late Lunch. Alternatively, you can connect from Gisenyi to Goma by a boat cruise on Lake Kivu.
Day 2: Ascend the spectacular Mount. Nyiragongo
Have breakfast, meet your driver from your Tented Camp within/near Virunga National Park for a transfer to Kibati Ranger Post at the base of Mount Nyiragongo. Attend briefing on the Hike and later hire porters to carry your camping/hiking equipment. Start the adventure at 10:00am and it will take between five and six hours to arrive the summit but this depends on the pace of movement and conditions of the trail.
You will come across varying vegetation zones across the mountain slopes, different wildlife and bird species. Enjoy views of the Lava pool Crater on the summit of the Volcano while overnight camping and dinner will be at the wooden shelters.
Day 3: Descend the stunning Mount. Nyiragongo and departure
Have a hot cup of tea/coffee for warmth in the cold summit of Mount Nyiragongo, then prepare for descent back to Kibati Ranger Post. Interact with your hiking team, tip them (if you appreciate the service rendered) and meet your driver/guide to travel back to Kigali. This marks the end of the 3 days Mount Nyiragongo Hike.
