Nyiragongo volcano is one of the iconic attractions within the Virunga Region, D.R. Congo. Located in Virunga National Park (VNP), Congo, Nyiragongo is a powerful volcano renowned for its multiple eruptions, with the most recent one experienced in 2021. At its summit, there is a bubbling Lava Lake that will take your breath away, making your 3-day Nyiragongo tour a special experience of its own.
Virunga National Park is an officially recognized UNESCO site due to its remarkable biodiversity. Established in 1925, Virunga Park is home to not only rare mountain gorillas but also chimpanzees, bongo antelopes, buffaloes, elephants, 706 bird species, okapis, and more. On this short trip, your goal will be to hike to the summit of Nyiragongo, the world-renowned most active volcano.
Tour Details
Day 1: Kigali City Tour, Drive to DRC
Meet and greet your trip leader at a hotel in Kigali, the capital. Depart from your hotel for a 2-hour Kigali city expedition, visiting Gisozi Genocide Center, the Presidential Palace Museum, Kirimonko Market, and craft shops. Enjoy a leisurely lunch and then depart Kigali for the border crossing to Goma. Along the way, enjoy views of Rwanda’s charming countryside characterized by rolling hills and Lake Kivu, etc. Clear immigration with Congo authorities at the border and transfer to your respective hotels or lodges for evening relaxation, dinner, and an overnight stay.
Day 2: Kibati for Briefing & Ascent to Nyiragongo Summit
Leave your hotel for a briefing at Kibati patrol post, where a guide will be allocated to lead you to the Nyiragongo summit. The trek will take 4-6 hours but will be rewarding from the very start until you reach the 3470m summit. At the summit, you will have a clear view of the powerful bubbling Lava Lake. With your cameras ready, you have the evening and night to capture pictures and learn more about its formation from the detailed information provided by the guide.
Since this is a long day adventure to the top of Nyiragongo, bring bottled water, energy-giving snacks to keep you energized throughout, waterproof hiking boots, cameras, a daypack, long-sleeved shirts, trousers, a safari hat, insect repellent, a first aid kit, and a walking stick.
Day 3: Descending from Nyiragongo Summit & Return to Kigali
Begin your descent from the Nyiragongo summit to Kibati, where you started your adventure the previous day. Meet your driver guide and begin your journey back to Kigali, where you will be dropped off at a hotel or the airport.
