Hey friend to mountains! Are you searching for well-crafted Mount Nyiragongo hiking tours? Nyiragongo, also known as “General Nyiragongo” among those who have hiked it, is a captivating active volcano with a massive stratovolcano adjacent to Lake Kivu, Rwanda’s largest lake, at the eastern border of the Democratic Republic of Congo, in Virunga National Park.
The enormous Mount Nyiragongo is located in Virunga National Park, within the extensive Virunga chain of mountains, approximately 47 kilometers north of Bukavu, south of Kivu, in the Democratic Republic of Congo. See some of our Nyiragongo climbing tours below and choose a package that matches your preference at the best cost.
Adventure is for everyone, and every moment is worth grabbing.
The world offers a plethora of experiences across its territories, from east to west, and south to north, including mountains, rivers, national parks, cultures, and lush tropical forests, among others.
It's time to discover why a mountain can be one of the most fascinating destinations for relaxation, exploration, or any other form of holiday experience.
Get to know the mountains worth exploring on Earth, those with natural wonders that captivate the attention of the entire world and the focus of cameras.
Mountains are not just huge hills; they are land-forms that rise above the ground and its surroundings, reaching breathtaking summits and steep slopes.
They are often part of a chain, surrounded by several other smaller mountains, creating an awe-inspiring landscape.
Let's take a moment to gain some knowledge: Mount Nyiragongo, located in the western part of the Albertine Rift, is considered by researchers as one of the most dangerous mountains on Earth, yet it is relatively safe for mountaineering activities such as hiking to its summit.
This mountain has erupted over 30 times, with the most powerful eruption occurring on January 17th, 2002, resulting in casualties and the displacement of local residents who lived on its slopes.
Congo is the second-largest country in Africa, offering welcoming citizens, breathtaking landscapes, good security, and fantastic weather.
A remarkable tour wouldn't be complete without capturing the breathtaking and historic giant Mount Nyiragongo, especially its 1.2-kilometer diameter peak caldera, which houses the largest lava lake on Earth.
If the lava lake were to drain, the fluid lava would flow like water, which is one of the reasons you should visit, discover, and learn about this mountain.
Whether it's for your honeymoon, research, family tour, summer holiday, winter break, or a Mountain Gorilla trekking tour in Virunga National Park, Mount Nyiragongo is an incredible addition.
Cost of Hiking Mount Nyiragongo
The cost of a Mount Nyiragongo hiking permit is approximately $300 per person, per hike, obtainable through tour operators or Virunga National Park offices.
However, please note that this permit is only issued to individuals with a Congo Visa, which costs around $105 for a 14-day period.
For safety reasons, it is recommended to use the Kigali route when heading for a hike on Mount Nyiragongo.
Mount Nyiragongo is one of the prominent mountains in Africa, situated in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
It is rich in history, incredibly fascinating, and a safe destination for a hiking safari.
Make it your next travel destination by adding it to your bucket list.
Nyiragongo Eruptions
While several researchers have conducted various studies to understand the mountain's activities, the causes of eruptions, and the frequency of these eruptions, the following facts are known:
Mount Nyiragongo has erupted over 34 times, with recorded eruptions dating back to 1882.
In some years, eruptions occurred repeatedly, forming a rolling lava lake in the fissure.
Limited studies were conducted on the mountain until about 1948 when the lava lake measured 120,000 square meters.
Subsequent studies showed a decline in the size, temperature, and depth of the lava lake, which remained limited to a steep-sided cinder cone on the crater floor.
Between 1894 and 1977, a significant event occurred on January 10th, 1977, when a crack appeared in the crater walls, followed by a rapid lava flow within an hour, traveling at speeds of about 60 kilometers per hour along the volcano's edges.
This was one of the fastest lava flows ever recorded, resulting in the loss of over 80 lives and the displacement of families.
Mount Nyiragongo is unique in having a steep-sided stratovolcano encompassing a lake of fluid lava, unlike any other volcano in the world.
The danger posed by the mountain was communicated to the locals and other interested parties to save lives.
Due to the 1977 eruption, a new small volcanic vent was formed a few meters from the slopes of Nyamuragira.
On January 17th, 2002, the world once again turned its attention to Mount Nyiragongo, anticipating another eruption.
Prior to this event, there had been an increase in volcanic and seismic activity.
A 13-kilometer crack opened at the southern edge of the mountain, and flowing lava covered parts of Goma and the outskirts of the capital city, reaching Lake Kivu.
The magma flowed from the three spatter cones along the crack, creating a lava flow approximately 200 to 1000 meters wide and about 2 meters deep, cutting through Goma town.
This prompted the evacuation of residents from the city, extending to the Rwandan border post and the neighboring town of Gisenyi.
The lava flowed across the northern section of Goma International Airport, rendering about two-thirds of its southern side unusable.
This, coupled with the fear that the lava could cause gas-saturated waters, releasing large quantities of carbon dioxide and methane similar to the 1986 Lake Nyos disaster in Cameroon, led to widespread panic.
Approximately 450 people lost their lives due to suffocation from carbon dioxide, building collapses caused by the lava, and earthquakes.
The eruption was followed by a significant earthquake felt across Goma and Gisenyi, resulting in building collapses.
These eruptions continued for about three months, with another eruption occurring six months after the 2002 eruption.
While Mount Nyiragongo still exhibits volcanic activity, most of it centers around the crater, where a lava lake has formed, covering about 250 meters beneath the neck of the lava lake formed in 1994.
Here's a summary of the years when eruptions occurred: 1884, 1894, 1898, 1900, 1901, 1905, 1906, 1908, 1911, 1918, 1920, 1921, 1927, 1977, 1982, 1994, 1996, and 2002.
Eruptions have continued, with ongoing research identifying new cracks.
The emitted lava consists of low-silica, ultramafic extrusive rocks, and alkali-rich, feldspar-free composition.
Dedicated teams of scientists at the Goma Volcanic Observatory closely monitor the mountain's ongoing activities.
Despite these studies and volcanic activities, hiking to the peak of Mount Nyiragongo remains very much possible, safe, and incredibly exciting.
Hiking is the main activity on the mountain, attracting hundreds of visitors who reach the summit.
The hike is relatively easy, taking about 5-6 hours depending on one's pace and physical fitness.
The adventure begins with a pre-hiking briefing in Kibati village at around 10:00 am local time, followed by the actual ascent to the peak.
The hike is typically a two-day activity, with visitors spending one night camping on top of the mountain.
Mount Nyiragongo is a secure destination, and precautions are taken for any potential dangers.
Nyiragongo Death Toll
The Mount Nyiragongo Crater Lake
The 2010 eruptions claimed the lives of over 100 people, while the 2002 eruptions resulted in the tragic loss of 147 lives and the displacement of approximately 500,000 people.
Previous eruptions have also caused significant loss of life, including fatalities from carbon monoxide poisoning.
Therefore, the actual death toll on the mountain and in the surrounding environment remains uncertain.
The hike to the summit of the mountain is not particularly challenging, and many tourists of various age groups have successfully reached it safely.
The key to reducing risk while hiking this mountain lies in the strict adherence to rules and regulations.
Best time to climb Nyiragongo Mountain
Mount Nyiragongo are during December to February and late May to October.
While visits are possible in other months, heavy rains can affect hiking activities.
It's advisable to book your hike a few months in advance to select the best months and dates from the available options.
As Mount Nyiragongo is located within Virunga National Park, you can also include mountain gorilla trekking in your itinerary.
The park is home to rare endangered mountain gorillas, close human relatives living in families throughout the lush jungle, feeding and roaming.
Gorilla trekking permits cost only $400 per person aged 15 years and above.
The pre-trekking briefing usually begins early in the morning and involves orientation and document verification.
Accommodation – Where to Stay
Tchegera Island Camp, Congo
The only accommodation at Mount Nyiragongo summit is the Nyiragongo Volcanic Summit Shelters.
This is where you spend a night at the summit.
Each shelter contains 2 single beds and a small space where you can put your sleeping bag.
The cost of sleeping at the shelter is not included in the $300 permit fee.
As mentioned earlier, you have to pay an additional $100 for accommodation and meals.
Alternatively, you can pack your own meals and camping equipment and save the $100 fee.
You can have your equipment carried by a porter at a fee of $24 per day.
If you are strong and persistent enough, you can carry them yourself.
The other accommodations within the attraction (where you can sleep the day before or after hiking) include VIP Palace 1 Hotel, Bukima Tented Camp, Mikeno Lodge, Ihusi Hotel, and Lac Kivu Lodge, among many others.
