The 3 day Nyiragongo volcano hike takes you to the summit of one of the most active volcanoes in Africa. This stratovolcano is one of the eight volcanoes that form the Virunga mountains massif and stands at an elevation of 3,470 meters (11,400 feet) above sea level. This magnificent volcano is located about 20kms from Goma town in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and features the world’s largest Lava Lake (2km wide). The fact that the Volcano is located in Eastern DRC near Goma and the border of Rwanda, the volcano can be accessed through the border from Gisenyi hence the trip starts and ends in Kigali.
Tour highlights
Day 1: Arrival at Kigali International Airport, transfer to Gisenyi then crossing to Goma (DRC).
Day 2: The adventurous Nyiragongo Volcano hike.
Day 3: Descend the Volcano and departure to Kigali.
Detailed itinerary
Day 1: Arrival at Kigali International Airport, transfer to Gisenyi then crossing to Goma (DRC)
You will be met by our driver-guide on arrival at Kigali International Airport, go for a city tour to the Genocide memorials and the King’s Royal Palace in Nyanza and have lunch within Kigali town then proceed to Gisenyi after which you will cross to DRC via Goma border. Dinner and overnight will be at Mikeno Lodge/Ihusi Hotel/Lac Kivu Lodge for luxury, Jerryson Hotel/Mbiza hotel for mid-range and Colibri Hotel for the budget.
The meal plan is Lunch and Dinner.
Day 2: The adventurous Nyiragongo Volcano hike.
You will be required to wake up early in the morning, have breakfast then proceed to Kibati Patrol Post which is the trailhead. Make sure you dress appropriately (long trousers, sweater, long-sleeved shirts, poncho, and hiking boots), pack the right things (torch, camera, and toiletries) and hire a porter to carry your day pack and support you during hiking.
The Nyiragongo volcano hike is totally interesting because you can opt for a Mikeno package whereby a set of equipment, packing gears, food (lunch and dinner with a cook to prepare your meals while on the mountain) are offered to tourists at a cost. The hike starts with a briefing about what to expect on the adventurous hike. You will hike for 5-7 hours in the company of an armed guard for your security and a tour guide. While at the top of the mountain, you will enjoy the breathtaking views of the Lava Crater Lake and the surrounding areas. Dinner and overnight will be at Nyiragongo Volcano Summit Shelters.
The meal plan is breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 3: Descending the Volcano and departure to Kigali.
After breakfast, descend to Kibati Patrol Post where you will take 2-4 hours. You will find the driver-guide waiting to transfer you to Goma where you will have lunch then cross to Rwanda (Gisenyi). You will thereby drive to Kigali International Airport for your departure.
The meal plan is breakfast and lunch.
End of the fantastic 3 days Nyiragongo Volcano hike.
Trip inclusions
• Ground transportation using 4WD vehicles.
• Nyiragongo hike permit.
• English speaking driver/guide.
• DRC tourist visa (arranged on your behalf).
• Accommodation as stipulated in the itinerary.
• Meals as per the itinerary.
• Bottled water.
• The Mikeno package.
Tour exclusions
• International flights.
• Personal expenses for example beverages (alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks except those provided during meals), cigarettes, tips, laundry services, hiring porters and purchasing souvenirs.
• Rwandan visa and Airport departure taxes.
• Personal insurance.