Nyiragongo Package

The Nyiragongo package is a stand alone Nyiragongo trek. Guests will arrive in Goma, overnight on the volcano and return to Goma the following morning. This package departs on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 0800hrs.

 

  • Nyiragongo Volcano Crater

    Summiting Nyiragongo is considered one of the most otherworldly experiences available to guests visiting Virunga.

    Photo credit: Brent Stirton
  • Guest, rangers and a porter trekking up Mt Nyiragongo
    Trekking Nyiragongo

    While trekking the volcano, stop to take in the breathtaking views.

    Photo credit: Virunga National Park
  • Volcano Crater, Virunga National Park
    Nyiragongo Volcano Crater

    Nyiragongo offers an exhilarating gift to those who have conquered its slopes: the world’s largest lava lake churning away in a mosaic of molten red fire.

    Photo credit: Brent Stirton
  • Lava bubbling on Mt Nyiragongo
    Lava Lake at night

    The best views of the lava lake are often at night when the lava glows.

    Photo credit: Virunga National Park
  • Sunrise from the rim of Mt Nyiragongo
    Summiting Nyiragongo

    At first light, enjoy the incredible sunrise whilst overlooking the Park’s valleys and other volcanoes.

    Photo credit: Brent Stirton
About the Nyiragongo Package

Trekkers should be at the Grande Barriere border crossing by 7:00am and check-in with Virunga tourism office by 8:00am on the morning of the scheduled trek. The tourism office is conveniently located in the Grande Barriere border post building, opposite passport control. During check-in, guests will be provided with a volcano trek permit that must be presented before climbing.

Once check-in is complete, guests will be transported to Kitabi Ranger Post, starting point for the Nyiragongo volcano trek. The ascent up the volcano starts around 10:00am with most climbing groups reaching the summit by 5:00pm. Hikers will spend the night on the crater and start the descent back to Kibati around 6:00am the following morning. Once at the bottom, guests will be taken back to Goma with drop-off at the Grande Barriere.

Additional Details

Included in this package:

  • Volcano trek permit
  • Transport to and from Kibati Ranger Post
  • One night stay on Nyiragongo summit

Nyiragongo brochure .pdf

 

Not included:

  • Nyiragongo backpack
  • Porter fees
  • Gratuities
  • DRC Visa

Nyiragongo backpack contents:

The Nyiragongo backpack includes meals for the duration of the trek (cold picnic lunch, hot dinner and a hot breakfast ahead of your descent), 6 litres of water, and rental of a warm jacket, waterproof poncho, fleece, and a sleeping bag with fleece liner. These must be reserved in advance of your trek.

 

What our guests say...

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    “I will never forget hiking to the top of Mt Nyiragongo and sleeping overnight, listening to and viewing the lava lake crashing into itself. One of the most powerful things I have ever experienced.” (TripAdvisor review)

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    “Climbing to the Niyragongo was a once in a lifetime experience for me.  The changes in the terrain on the way up were fascinating as were some of the views. The caldera is truly spectacular. I found watching the movement in the lava lake mesmerising.”  (TripAdvisor review)

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  • 03
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    “The most incredible experience of my life. I totally recommend this amazing hike and experience! A lovely hike, and a great team of people including a lovely chef ! Take a bottle of red wine up and be mesmerised watching the lava and a glass of red!” (TripAdvisor review)

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Frequent Asked Questions

A. 3,470 meters

A. 2 degrees Centigrade to below freezing

A. A sleeping bag, warm jacket, poncho, water and breakfast, lunch and dinner

A. 15kg and to make it easier for them, it would be better in a backpack

A. It is difficult and steep at times but done slowly it is ok

A. 6 rangers

A. There is a maximum of 16 guests.

A. June, July, August and September.

A. Sleeping bag, Jacket, fleece, raincoat and food and cooking equipment and fuel and at least 6 litres of water .

A. It would be better to leave your car at a hotel in Gisenyi.

A. All transport is either organised by the Park or trusted DRC tour operators. If you are taking Park transport, it is included in the price of your package.

A. All transport from and back to Grande Barriere and within the Park is included in your package price. If you will be staying in Goma prior to or after your stay in Virunga, you can independently organize additional transport directly with a tour operator.

A. If arriving by car and after clearing passport control at the Grande Barriere border crossing, please check in with the Virunga tourism office conveniently located in the same building. If arriving by plane, a Virunga staff will meet you at the arrivals area upon clearing passport control. In both cases, Virunga staff will guide you to the appropriate transport thereafter.

A. Virunga National Park is currently welcoming tourists. The safety of our visitors is of the highest priority and our staff consistently assess the situation on the ground to ensure appropriate security protocols are in place. If any signs indicate a security issue, management may decide to temporarily close one or more of its attractions. All bookings for these attractions will be refunded in full or alternative options offered. All visitors must make an assessment on advice from their respective consular services.If you have any further queries, please contact the tourism team by email visit@virunga.org.

A. Protection for at least USD 100,000 emergency medical evacuation plus USD 100,000 medical expenses is mandatory. Visitors are wholly responsible for arranging their own insurance and ensuring that they are in possession of private Travel Insurance with protection for the full duration of the trip in respect of medical expenses, injury, death, repatriation, cancellation and curtailment, with adequate benefits. Visitors making their own arrangements should ensure that there are no exclusion clauses limiting protection for the type of activities included in their tour.