This 2 days Mount Nyiragongo hiking tour takes you to observe a boiling lava lake in Africa’s oldest national park. The Nyiragongo volcano is 3,470 meters high and one of the few mountains with molten lava at the summit. The lava coming out of Mount Nyiragongo is unique because it has low silica which makes it flow at a faster speed than those found in other volcanos around the world. It’s lava flow is compared to the one of Mount Hawaii whose speed is at 100 kilometers per hour. Since 1882, the mountain has erupted 32 times.
The most recent eruption was in 2002. In only 10 minutes, the lava flowed up to Lake Kivu claiming lives and property in Goma. The mountain has been stable for a while with no major eruptions making it very safe for tourists. Moreover, a group of international and local researchers monitor the mountain for any unusual activity.
Along with gorilla trekking, hiking Mount Nyiragongo is one of the most the two most popular activities in Virunga National Park. The volcano receives thousands of tourists every year who are drawn by the possibility of viewing the glittering red-hot magma at the summit. As one climbs to the top, there is also the beautiful scenery in the background to behold – the other Virunga volcanoes (Mikeno, Karisimbi, Bisoke, Gahinga, Muhabura and Sabyinyo), Lake Kivu, Goma and national parks (Virunga, Volcanoes and Kahuzi Biega). It is also possible to spot monkeys, birds and bushbucks along the slopes of the mountain.
Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro takes two days. It takes 5 hours to get to the summit and about 4 to descend. Hikers have to prepare to spend a night at the summit of Nyiragongo because darkness offers the most magical and beautiful view of the lava lake. The red magma lights up the entire sky at night and is a breath-taking sight even to residents of Goma town. This tour only involves hiking the mountain but you can combine it with gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park for one of the most memorable experiences in Africa. When combined with gorilla trekking in Virunga, more days will be required but you can also check out our 2 days Congo gorilla tour package. The 2 days Mount Nyiragongo Hike starts from Goma in Congo or Gisenyi in Rwanda.
Tour summary
Day 1: Travel to Kibati (Nyiragongo) for briefing and begin climbing the volcano
Day 2: Descend Nyiragongo and prepare for departure
Full Itinerary
Day 1: Travel to Kibati (Nyiragongo) for briefing and begin climbing the volcano
If you are arriving from Gisenyi in Rwanda, you need to wake up early and go to the Goma border crossing to clear with migration in time. After crossing, you will be received by a team from the Virunga National 
Park who will take you and other tourists to the starting point in Kibati. A driver will also pick you if you are arriving from Goma. The activity starts with a briefing and introduction of the hiking team. If you have very heavy personal luggage or cameras, hire a porter at the starting point to help you carry them.
There are 5 sections when hiking mount Nyiragongo. No one is left behind until after the 4th section. This means that you will have to wait for any slow hikers to catch up. The first section is where most of the wildlife (birds, reptiles, monkeys, hogs and bushbucks) can be spotted. As you ascend to the second level, you will find less vegetation but better views of the horizon. The third section is characterized by small volcanic rocks and other remains of past eruptions. This volcanic rocks will give you a hard time if you didn’t acquire sturdy hiking boots.
As you get to the final sections, the mountain becomes steeper and more difficult to hike. After completing the 4th section, fitter hikers are allowed to continue ahead and leave those who need to 
gather their breath before making the final push. By the time you get to the fourth section, the summit is only a few meters away and there is no way you can go back. The fifth section is very steep covers a very short distance before you find yourself at the summit. On reaching the summit, you can go straight to see the lava lake or sit and marvel at the beautiful scenery below as you wait for everyone to complete the hike. The best time to view the lava lake and take photos is during the night hours. This is when the entire lava lake becomes far more transparent and brighter. After enjoying the beautiful sights of the boiling magma, you will retire to your cabins for the night.
Day 2: Descend Nyiragongo and prepare for departure
After a night of camping close to one of the most beautiful features in the world, you will rise up at dawn, have breakfast and start descending down the volcano. In the morning, the sky is clear and is an 
opportunity to take time to enjoy the beautiful sights in the horizon. By this we mean the other seven volcanoes of the Virunga region, the four gorilla parks (Virunga in Congo, Kahuzi Biega in Congo, Mgahinga in Uganda and Volcanoes in Rwanda). Then there is Lake Kivu, the Rwenzori Ranges and the city of Goma. The descending process is less challenging and can be done in only 3 hours. A driver from the Virunga Foundation will take you up to Goma or the Rwanda Congo border crossing. Depending on the travel arrangement, you will find our company Guide waiting to take you to Kigali from the Rwanda side of the border.
Tour Inclusions and Exclusions
This 2 days Nyiragongo Hiking tour cost includes:
- Kigali Airport transfers
- Hiking permit for Nyiragongo
- Meals, drinks and a night in cabins
- The Nyiragongo package includes porters for cooking and setting up camp
- The Congo Visa if you are arriving from Gisenyi
- Transport to and from Kibati in Virunga
The 2 days Nyiragongo tour excludes: –
- Air tickets
- The Rwanda visa
- Personal insurance
- Personal Porters
- Wines and spirits
- Tips to the Rangers and porters
Additional Information about hiking Nyiragongo
The Virunga National Park provides clients with cabins on top of the volcano, sleeping bags and meals. A hiker is advised to carry hiking shoes, a camera, a torch, a raincoat, enough drinking water, energy drinks, snacks, a sweater, a rain jacket, sanitizers and bathing soap.
Hiking at Nyiragongo is done all year round but the dry season provides the best experience. The dry season occurs in December to early March and also June to August. All tourists will be required to show their yellow fever vaccination card before crossing the Congo Rwanda border.
In order for one to have a comfortable experience and avoid slowing others unnecessary, they need to be physically fit. Hiking the Nyiragongo can be challenging to those who are not in good shape or are not mentally prepared. People with serious illnesses are advised not to take up the Nyiragongo challenge.
Accommodation
Mikeno Lodge: This is a high-end safari lodge built close to the park offices. Mikeno is a true definition of a nature lodge. It is nestled on a hilltop overlooking the Nyiragongo volcano and is surrounded by dense forest. The lodge was built with volcanic rocks, mahogany trees and with grass-thatched roofs. Mikeno offers 12 self-contained cottages with lavatories, study desks, comfortable beds and a balcony. From the balcony, guests can spot different wildlife species like red-tailed monkeys, birds, baboons, chimpanzees and even mountain gorillas on certain occasions. The resident chefs prepare very tasty food accompanied by tropical fruits and juices. Mikeno’s strategic location makes it a 
perfect base for clients interested in gorilla trekking, Nyiragongo hiking and chimpanzee trekking in Virunga national park. Moreover, residents have an opportunity to mingle with park Administrators or visit the Senkwekwe Centre at no cost.
Kibumba Tented Camp: This is a mid-range lodge but will also appeal to luxury travelers who love camping. The lodge is built inside Virunga national park like Mikeno but very close to the starting point for Nyiragongo hiking. It is the lodge we would recommend for anyone planning to climb Mount Nyiragongo because it is very close to the starting point. The lodge is also a few miles away from Lake Kivu and an arrangement can be made to go for a tour of the lake. Kibumba has eighteen tented camps that can accommodate up to 36 guest. The food is excellent and staff can arrange a dining area out in the wild for those that want a jungle experience.
Tchegera Island Tented Camp: This is also mid-range lodging facility located on an island in Lake Kivu. It is an excellent choice for those who value privacy and want somewhere secluded. The lodge was opened in 2015 to offer more options for the ever increasing number of tourists interested in exploring Virunga National Park. It has eight tented camps with balconies overlooking the shores of the lake. Tchegera Island Tented Camp is excellent for relaxation and nature walks.
