Mountain Nyiragongo Volcano in Virunga National Park Congo
Mountain Nyiragongo Volcano is an active strato volcano situated in the prominent Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo about 20 kilometers North of the busy town of Goma and West near Lake Kivu in Rwanda.
The Mountain comprises of a wide crater of 2 kilometers with a lava lake known to be the most capacious in the world. The Mountain Volcano includes two older popular volcanoes i.e Baratu and Shaheru. Other candid cones/ volcanoes also exist and these were formed by flak eruptions.
For all hikers/ Mountain Climbers around the world, Mountain Nyiragongo is a priority due to the unique experiences it offers to all that hike to the summit.
Hiking process of Mountain Nyiragongo Volcano
Mountain Nyiragongo in Virunga National Park Congo can be hiked all throughout the year and the process usually starts with a transfer to the Kibati Patrol Station where you will meet other hikers then be briefed on the whole Hiking/ Climbing Adventure.
You will then later be distributed in groups of until you are 24 in number then transfer to the Summit of the vigorous Mountain Volcano.
You will transfer with ranger guides and porters carrying your luggage to the top for a period of 4-6 hours depending on the physical fitness of the group.
You will climb with the Mikeeno Package which includes Sleeping bags, Drinks, Food, Chefs, Nyiragongo Backpack, Porter fees, Gratitudes etc.
You will transfer enjoying scenic views at the vegetation terrain, birds and small mammals en-route then later you will reach the Summit and have beautiful views at the red hot lava spewing into the sky and you will take numerous photos to keep for memories of your Mountain Nyiragongo Hiking Experience.
After your experience, you will rest; have dinner and Overnight in the 12 Summit Shelters which accommodate 2 people per cabin. In the Morning wake up have breakfast then prepare your luggage and embark on your descent.
You will transfer back to the Kibati patrol Post where you leave for Goma Town or your lodge.
How to get to Mountain Nyiragongo Volcano
By Road
Mountain Nyiragongo Volcano is located within the stunning Virunga National Park and travelers to this destination can transfer from Kigali for a period of 7-8 hours through the busy Town of Goma. From Kampala, you will transfer for a period of 9-10 hours.
From Kigali, travelers can transfer across the border to Goma Town where they will leave and embark on their journey for a distance of 362.9 kilometers to the prominent Virunga National park where the Mountain Volcano is located.
By Air
Travelers can also travel by Air from the Kigali International Airport to the Airstrip/airfield in Goma or transfer from Uganda’s Entebbe International Airport to Goma Town where you will transfer from to Virunga National Park.
When to Go Hiking Mountain Nyiragongo Volcano
Mountain Nyiragongo Volcano can be hiked anytime around the year although the Best Time to Hike Mountain Nyiragongo is during the dry season in the when the trails are dry and navigable in the months of June to October and December.
The Wet season is not so recommended and this happens in the months of March to May and November since the trails are slippery, muddy and challenging to trek/ hike on.
However, you should carry your rain jacket and other gear since it can rain any time around the year due to the location of Mountain Nyiragongo Volcano near the equator.