Mount Nyiragonge in Democratic Republic of Congo, has become in one of the world's most dangerous volcanoes hiking (3.470 m). Here, adventure awaits those willing to trek its hill and sight the bubbles of the world's largest lava lake a few hundred meters beneath them.
Located inside Virunga National Park about 20 km. North of Goma, Mount Nyiragongo is currently still active, erupting at least 34 times since 1882 (last deadly taking 147 lives in 2002). Its activity is, for now, being confined to the crater, where the lake of lava is slowly rising once more. Much of Goma is still covered by rubble and lava has been integrated into everyday life.
The climate here may be warm and rainy during the hike but at the summit of volcano can be really cold.
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Volcano permit with shelter
Permits must be booked online in advance through the Virunga National Park website. Early booking are advised (6 months in advance). Price: 356 USD. Guests trekking Nyiragongo spend the evening in the summit shelters on the rim of Nyiragongo. The accommodations are basic with shared outhouse bathroom facilities. A campfire is also provided for guests.
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They also offer Backpacks (100 USD) that include sleeping bag, warm clothes, snacks, water, lunch, dinner and breakfast. This cost includes a cool to prepare meals. Hiring porters is 25 USD for 15 kg bags.
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Transport is included from Grand Barrier crossing border to Volcano (round trip).
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Visitors will need a visa to enter in Congo. Virunga National Park also can manage it. Book it online from 105 USD.
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A tip is expected for guides (11,000 rfw / each member of the group).
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Visitors should bring drinking water (3 litres), snacks, rain coat, sun cream and mosquito repellent.
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Despite Ebola and Congo's guerrillas, the trip is completely safe nowadays.
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Trekking Schedule
Be at 7.00 am in Grand Barrier Cross border. After passing the Rwandan police check, we wait in the Virunga National Park Offices, inside Congo police check. Visitor must fill some documents and at 8.30 am they will depart to the Volcano via Goma town. A army comboy will wait for them to accompany to Kibati (starting point). Visitors must pass some health check points and wash hands. On the way you can see locals lifestyle and spot some of their famous Chukudu, a wooden home-made scooter to transport goods. At Kibati, the group will start to trek at 9.15 am. Reach the summit will take 5 hours. Once there, there is a bench at the volcano’s edge to appreciate the violent lava lake meanwhile the chef stirs pots of of rice and beef stew over a fire. In the darkness, the lava lake turns into a veiny pit of fire, and the mist hovering around it glows red.
Next day visitors must wake up at 6.30 am to see sunrise and have a hot breakfast. Then they will start to descend to Kibati (2 hours). It's expected to arrive at Grand barrier at 12.30 pm.
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To get to Congo
If you are coming from Kigali Airport. A taxi from Airport to Kigali centre (5.000 rwf). Taxi to Nyabugogo Bus Station (3.000 rwf). There you must take a bus (3.300 rwf) or a taxi (80 USD).
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If you are coming from Cyanika cross border (Uganda). By private taxi is almost 75 USD - 75.000 rwf + tips (15.000 rwf) 2 hours. By bus, you must take a bus from border to Ruhengeri and take a bus to Gisenyi (3 hours - 5 USD).
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Accommodation in Gisenyi near Lake Kibu
Best prices and safer than its neighbor Goma.
Inzu lodge. Luxury tents with comfortable bed. Bathrooms are shared. The hotel has spectacular views to Lake Kibu. They provide free drinking water . Other services: power, WiFi, restaurant. Try the local fish with chips!
Price:3 beds room 20 USD / person. More info here.
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Transport to Grand Barrier Border
Take a taxi booking in advance in your hotel (2.000 rwf).
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Transport to Kigali
From Grand Barrier main road find a boda (motorbike) to go to the Gisenyi Bus Station (10 minutes - 500 rwf). There find a bus heading to Kigali (every hour) 3.300 rwf - 3 hours. Some buses companies: Atraco Express or Okapi Car. There a Boda to the airport from 1.000 rwf.
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What to do in Gisenyi
Calafia Cafe. Take a rest in its terrace and enjoy delightful coffees.
Stipp Hotel Gisenyi. Non guest can use its swimming pool paying 5,000 rwf.
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Prices list
Motorbike trip to the airport from 1.000 rwf
Basic breakfast 3.500 rwf
Local cheese 3.000 rfw
Coke 500 rwf
Bottle of water 100 rfw
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More info here.
