Hiking & Mountain Climbing Adventures in Congo
Mount Nyiragongo is the only active volcano among the eight Virunga Mountains featuring the world’s largest lava lake and a rich pristine landscape that is unique only to this mountain. Located at the edge of East African Rift Valley, Mt. Nyiragongo is perched north of the town of Goma and Lake Kivu on the western outskirt of Rwanda and DR Congo alongside Virunga Gorilla National park which is Africa's biggest and oldest National Park. Mount Nyiragongo is known for having the largest lava lake in the world on its summit, and most hikers have experienced the boiling magma and its cob-web structure.
Mount Kahuzi and Mount Biega
You can also carry out hiking in Kahuzi-Biega national park which is comprised of the two extinct volcanoes that are Kahuzi and Biega mountains. Hike mount Kahuzi which can take about 5 hours as you pass through the bamboo plantation on the lower slopes and sub-alpine vegetation. This rewards hikers with a magnificent view of Bukavu town and lake Kivu while on the summit which is 3,308m high. Also, one can hike mount Biega whose height is 2790m of an altitude differing from Mt Kahuzi, also it has magnificent ecological vegetation making it a great experience you need not miss out. Hiking to the summit can take up to 7 hours and descent takes only about 3 hours.
Hiking these mountains may sometimes become hectic and may require some energy but nevertheless, even novice trekkers can manage. One is only advised to use hiking sticks for support, strong hiking boots to manoeuvre through the rocky and slippery trails, light clothing, sunglasses and a cap to prevent you from direct sunlight.
Best time for hiking safaris in Congo
It is recommended to carry out hiking during dry seasons when there is little rainfall; during months of December – February, and June through to October. This is because the slopes are dry and can easily be hiked than in the rainy seasons (March, - May and November) when there is too much rain and the trails are muddy and slippery. The weather also will not give you a chance of viewing clearly because of heavy clouds.
