Situated in Virunga national park (Africa’s oldest national park), Mount Nyiragongo, nicknamed as General Nyiragongo is the big deal when it comes to group hiking safaris. You hike for 5-7 hours from Kibati trailhead, on a 3470m altitude to the red boiling lava summit, which is one of the world’s largest lava lakes in the recent History
Mount Nyiragongo has passed through a series of repeated Eruptions which count up to approximately 30 times, with the most recent happening in 2012, displacing and killing people, and destroying houses and crops among others in Goma and Gisenyi. It is believed to be one of the world’s top active volcanic mountains
Firstly, in 1894 and 1977, a one-hour action was taking place, where a maximum height of the lava lake was witnessed at roughly 3250m eruption, Lava rising from Nyiragongo is fluid composed of nephelinite, and moves slowly down words for at roughly 60miles per hour due to the low silica content.
Forward to 2002, the lave flow reached Lake Kivu, killing approximately 147 people, and the earthquake around Gisenyi and Goma. Eruption at Mount Nyiragongo last occurred in 2011 and is it predictable thus no major threat to the Hikers. Activities are going on with millions of researchers, students, tourists, Residents, and hikers storming the place each year.
Hiking to the peak of Mount Nyiragongo is very exciting and done in a group where the slowest person sets the hiking pace, with a lot of stories being shared, glancing at the beautiful undulating hills, plantations, birds, and primates among others.
At the start of the hike, a briefing is held whereby the does and don’t are mention out to all the Hikers by an expert park ranger who will, later on, accompany you on the Hike, together with a well trained and armed security guard and a porter who will help you in carrying some your luggage at a small cost.
Each hiking group is advised to do physical exercises before the Hiking date to ensure fitness, and avoid situations such as muscle pull that can prevent you from reaching the peak.
Furthermore, it is advisable that as you plan your trip, book few months and equip yourself with some of the following items; sleeping bag for using at night, personal effects, warm clothes to use at night while at the summit, professional camera to take quality photos, binoculars to see distant features, water containers for carrying water, backpack, and Hiking documents
When to Visit Mount Nyiragongo?
The best time for Visiting Mount Nyiragongo is during the dry season (December to February, and June to early September) when it is shinny, and thus no form of interruptions caused by mud or rainfall. Hiking requires a dry ground if one has enjoyed the experience without sliding or taking a very long time trekking to the summit simply because you have to walk very slowly. Also, as you hike, there are high chances that you will spot unique bird species, and several primates including Gorillas on a good day, in search of water and what to eat.
Choosing accommodation
This being a hiking adventure, the first night of your arrival will be at a luxury, Budget or midrange lodge, campsite or hotel, and then followed by a night at the accommodations erected on top of the mountain. They are safe and have all the facilities you will need to used and feel comfortable.
Joining a group to visit Mount Nyiragongo?
Even though Group safaris have been proven to be very pocket friendly, fun-packed, and interactive, finding one to join is very hard. Luckily enough, schools, researcher’s organizations, collection of friends find it so easy to form one.
But what about a person who has the love and passion of hiking mount Nyiragongo what has no group? The good news is that you can contact an entrusted tour operator who will recommend you to a group of Hikers who have the same attributes and preferences as yours. However, you can also find a group on the same day of hiking during the briefing session.
In conclusion, Hiking Mount Nyiragongo is an experience that you can’t forget all your life; it is made easier when you have the hiking tools; – trekking permits and physical fitness.
Besides the hiking escapade, you can also do Mountain Gorilla trekking in Virunga National park, birding, nature walk, cultural encounters and visiting the twin lakes. Book your safari today and get sorted!
