3 Days Nyiragongo Volcano Hike

Mt Nyiragongo is about 18 kilometers from Goma in the Virunga Mountains. It’s located close to DRC’s border with neighboring Rwanda, found just west of the border. The main crater of Mt Nyiragongo Volcano is about two kilometers wide, and it contains a lava lake. Currently there are two unique cooled lava benches within the crater walls. One of them is about 10,400 feet altitude, while the other one is about 9,800 feet. Over the recent years, Mt Nyiragongo has become one of the must-visit tourist attractions when visiting Goma. Virunga Community Programs is among different organizations from where visitors may get more information when planning to hike Nyiragongo volcano for unforgettable adventure. The Nyiragongo Volcano Hike starts at the town of Gisenyi in Rwanda, and from there, it takes an average of 30 minutes to cross into Goma, Congo. The volcano is around 9 miles away from the town of Goma, so you need transit in order to get to the base of the volcano. Day 1: To Gisenyi On arrival at Kigali international airport your driver/guide will take you to Gisenyi on the shores of Lake Kivu. In the afternoon you have time to explore Gisenyi town. Optional activities can be organized by the lodge. Activities today are at your own cost. You will sleep in Paradise Malahide. Each comfortable bungalow was built using local wood and volcanic rock to blend seamlessly into the natural beauty of the area. A perfect night’s sleep awaits you as you fall asleep to the sounds of Lake Kivu floating into the shore.In the morning, you will be enchanted by the songs of the fishermen and birds. Day 2: Climb Nyiragongo Volcano After an early breakfast you will go by private taxi to Goma Grand Barrier border. The driver of Paradise Malahide will pick you up from the hotel at 7.30 AM. Your visa will be delivered at the border post. You will present the visa acceptance form and the visa invoice to the border official. This states that you already paid for your visa and you will receive a stamp in your passport for a two week single entry tourist visa. At the border a Matooke tours representative will assist you with the border crossing procedures for a hassle free experience. The driver of Virunga national park will be waiting on the Congo side of the border to take you to the Kibati patrol post on the foot of the Nyiragongo volcano. You will start hiking at 10 AM in the morning. You will have your personal cook who will prepare a nice hot meal on top of the crater rim and you will have a packed lunch. Matooke tours will provide you with a backpack with a sleeping bag and warm fleece vest. It can get quite cold at the top of the Nyiragongo. You can hire a porter to carry your luggage up. This costs US$ 24 per porter and needs to be paid on ground (exclusive). The Nyiragongo is one of the world’s most active volcanos and has the world’s largest lava lake. This Strato volcano recently erupted in 2002 but is predictable and therefore safe to climb. The volcano’s forested lower slopes are home to a variety of animals like Monkeys and Bush bucks. In the late afternoon you will reach the top with an extraordinary view of the crater filled with sea of lava. You are one of the few persons to admire this spectacle. After a nice hot meal you have some time to relax and enjoy the view.  At night you can see the sea of lava in the crater which results in fantastic photo’s! You will sleep in one of the basic huts on the crater rim. Day 3: Return to Kigali Today you will descend from the Volcano. After this amazing experience the driver of Virunga national park will take you to the border with Rwanda. On the Rwandan side you meet with your driver and he will take you to your accommodation in Kigali or take you to the airport in time for you flight. Please note that you will not be back in Kigali before 6 PM. Note: Accommodation for tonight is not inclusive. If you need an extra night in Kigali we will be happy to organize this for you.This is the end of a once in a life time experience in DR Congo. The  Nyiragongo Volcano Hike can be included among our Rwanda Safaris or en route our gorilla tracking safaris in Bwindi to give you the best travel experience that the Pearl of Africa has to offer. Book your Safari now!