On the western part of the East African Rift Valley lie some East African countries like the DRC, which have the pleasure of housing the huge mountains of the Virunga Massif. The serenity of Mount Nyiragongo lies close to the border of Rwanda, and visitors wishing to access it should arrange a trip to Virunga National Park through Rwanda.
Uniqueness of Mount Nyiragongo
Mount Nyiragongo is one of the world’s largest volcanoes.
It possesses a lava lake on its summit that is still active with boiling lava, offering intriguing views from its peak.
It is the only mountain in Africa where visitors can hike to the top and see a lava lake up close. Such lakes pose existential threats to people as they contain boiling lava that can erupt unexpectedly.
Mount Nyiragongo offers one of the most challenging hikes among the Virunga volcanoes due to its steep slopes and rugged terrain. Therefore, it is advised for mountain climbing enthusiasts and experienced hikers.
It is among the few mountains in the Virunga area offering overnight experiences at the mountaintop. Tourists who want to enjoy the wonder of freezing on top of a boiling surface shouldn’t miss this hike.
Mount Nyiragongo Hiking Experience
The mountain is best accessed through Goma town, where visitors are driven to Kibati village for a short briefing before hiking to this active volcano.
During a brief but comprehensive briefing session at 9:00 am, hikers are informed about what to expect during the climb, what to pack, and resting points. The hike to the top of Mount Nyiragongo is divided into 5 segments, each progressively more challenging until reaching the summit.
The first segment takes hikers through areas at a fairly low altitude, gradually increasing as they approach the second level, where small loose lava rocks begin to appear. The third level involves navigating slippery rocks and steeper altitudes than previously encountered.
The fourth level is even more challenging with steeper terrain and colder conditions than the preceding stages. The final stage combines pleasure and pain as the steepest and shortest segment, offering beautiful views of the cabins at the summit, motivating hikers that their demanding climb is nearly rewarded.
Other Attractions and Activities Around Mount Nyiragongo
Birdlife
The area boasts a variety of birds, so visitors needn’t think they are as scarce as hen’s teeth. The DRC boasts over 600 species, with about 32 species globally threatened. More than 24 species are endemic, and visitors can see incredible birds like the Rwenzori Turaco, Francolin nobilis, Rwenzori Batis, and rare birds like the Rockefeller Sunbird, Nectarinia Rockefeller, found around swamps, wetlands, bamboo plantations, and other areas.
Unique Primates
Tourists visiting the mountain for hiking can also engage in trekking to meet the spectacular primates abundant within Virunga National Park. This legendary park is home to about 22 species of primates, but the most famous and sought-after are mountain gorillas, eastern chimpanzees, eastern lowland gorillas, and colobus monkeys.
Wildlife
Visitors can also enjoy sighting the wondrous wildlife that inhabits the park, including one of the 218 mammal species found here, such as hippos, okapis, lions, savannah, and forest elephants. Virunga National Park boasts the highest number of amphibian species in the Albertine Rift and over 109 reptile species, which visitors can observe during their hike.
Activities Around Mount Nyiragongo
Gorilla Trekking Tours
Virunga National Park harbors eight gorilla families available for trekking, along with other wild and solitary individuals in its dense forests. With an early morning briefing, trekkers are divided into groups of eight and venture into the forest in search of these primate giants, an activity that typically lasts from 30 minutes to six hours.
Birding
Congo is a birders’ haven with over 1185 species, including some endemic species and about thirty-two species globally threatened. Enjoy the songs of these small creatures and marvel at their flights as they aimlessly move from place to place and tree to tree.
Nature Walks
Tourists opting for walks through the dense equatorial forests of Virunga National Park are rewarded with exquisite views during wildlife encounters like gorilla and chimpanzee treks and forest hikes.
Chimpanzee Habituation Experience
This adventure offers visitors an in-depth understanding of a day in the life of chimpanzees. Here, visitors spend more than an hour researching these amazing primates and helping them socialize and become comfortable with humans. This activity accommodates only four tourists per chimpanzee family, so those interested should book well in advance.
When to Hike Mount Nyiragongo
A hike to Mount Nyiragongo takes over 6 hours, but nature enthusiasts can stay overnight to spend the night surveying the wilderness at the peak of this mountain. Hiking can be done throughout the year, but it is much easier during the dry season from June to September and December to February.
How Much Does Hiking Mount Nyiragongo Cost?
Hiking Mount Nyiragongo offers a strenuous yet rewarding experience at a cost of $300 per person. Trekkers gain access to gallop over the mountain, and the permit includes accommodation in mountain shelters. Come take refuge at the summit of this mountain and enjoy the survey of nature.