Paradise Adventure Vacations is one very few tour operators offering this exciting adventure to climb the Nyiragongo Volcano in the Democratic Republic of Congo. For a long time it was not possible to climb the volcano due to the unrest in the country. That has all changed. Congo is the last frontier of Africa, just waiting for intrepid travelers to come and explore.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival at Kigali Airport, Rwanda & Transfer to Gisenyi
Day 2: Enter DRC & hike Nyiragongo volcano
Day 3: Descend, transfer to Kigali Airport
Day by Day: 3-Day Nyiragongo Volcano
We have designed a well-balanced programme with little stress. Depart from Kigali you will go to Gisenyi on the shores of Lake Kivu for a relaxing afternoon. In the morning your cross the border at Goma and start climbing the Volcano. You will spend the night on the crater rim and descend the next day. Your driver/guide will take you back to Kigali.
Day 1: Arrival at Kigali Airport, Rwanda & Transfer to Gisenyi
Upon arrival to Kigali International Airport a Paradise Adventure Vacations representative will be waiting to take you to Gisenyi, a border town between Rwanda and the DRC, beautifully located on the shores of Lake Kivu.
In the afternoon you can relax at the lodge or explore Gisenyi town. The lodge can arrange several optional activities in the area. Activities today are at your own expense.
Journey Time: 2-3 hours
Accommodation: Paradise Malahide
Meal Plan: meals inclusive today
Day 2: Enter DRC & Hike Nyiragongo Volcano
Today you will start your journey up Mount Nyiragongo. After an early breakfast your driver will pick you up at 6 AM and take you to the Grand Barrier border to Goma, in the DRC. Your visa will be delivered at the border post and you will be assisted with the border crossing procedure to unsure a hassle-free experience for you.
A driver from Virunga National Park will be waiting on the Congolese side of the border to take you to the Kibati patrol post at the foot of Nyiragongo volcano. Here you will receive your overnight backpack including a warm jacket (it gets very cold at the top!), a rain poncho, a packed lunch, a sleeping bag and 6 liters of water for the duration of the hike). You can hire a porter (USD 25 per porter) to help you carry this gear up to the top of the mountain. This is highly recommended, as you will not only be supporting the local economy but it can be quite heavy to carry all the necessary gear up over nearly 2000 meters of elevation gain!
The hike will start around 10 AM in the morning and will take about 4-6 hours to complete depending on your fitness level. The trail will take you through lush rainforests, to bare volcanic rock slopes at higher elevations. The trail can be steep and some parts covered in loose volcanic rocks, sturdy hiking boots will help you here.
There will be several stops along the way to take in the views and catch your breath. You will reach the crater rim sometime in the late afternoon and will have an extraordinary view of the crater and the biggest lava lake in the world within. You will have all evening to watch as the lava lake gets more visible and bright as the light fades with the day.
Staringg into the bubbling cauldron of fire at night is one of the most incredible natural phenomenon you will ever witness. Nyiragongo is one of the world’s most active volcanoes. It last erupted in 2002 but is routinely monitored and is therefore safe for tourists to climb.
The excellent crew from Virunga National Park will make your stay comfortable. A cook will provide a hot meal in the evening and a nice big breakfast in the morning. You will spend the night in one of the basic huts located right on the crater rim. From your mattress on the floor you will be able to hear the faint roar of the volcano below and on a clear night you might see the red glow from the lava lake through the window of your hut.
Journey time: 4-6 hours hike to the top
Accommodation: Basic huts at crater rim
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Packed Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Descend & Transfer to Kigali Airport
If you get up around 5AM you will have a chance to see the lava lake in complete darkness one last time, and watch as the sun rises over the landscape. Mornings can be a bit clearer so you may even see some of the surrouding volcanoes in the Virunga Range and maybe even the twinkling lights of Goma far below.
After a delicious breakfast made by your expedition cook (coffee, eggs, sausage & toast) you will make your way down to the base camp in Kibati around 6:30 AM. A driver from Virunga National Park will be waiting at the bottom to take you back to the border with Rwanda. Here you will be met by your driver from the start of your trip who will take you to Kigali Airport in time for you flight. Please note that you will not be back in Kigali before 6 PM so if you are planning to fly on the same day, you will need to book a night flight.
Note: Accommodation for tonight is not inclusive. If you need an extra night in Kigali we will be happy to organize this for you. Contact us via info@paradiseadventurevacations.com for more information.
Journey Time: 3-4 hour hike and 5 hour drive to Kigali
Accommodation: Not included
Meal Plan: Breakfast
