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Mount Nyiragongo – The World’s Most Active Lava Lake

Mount Nyirangongo

📍 Location: Virunga National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
⛰ Elevation: 3,470 meters (11,385 feet)
🌋 Type: Stratovolcano with the world’s largest lava lake
🔥 Last Eruption: 2021

Why Visit Mount Nyiragongo?

Mount Nyiragongo is one of Africa’s most breathtaking volcanoes, famous for its massive lava lake that glows red-hot at night. The volcano is located in Virunga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, and lush rainforests.

The summit offers a rare, close-up view of the boiling lava lake, a natural wonder only found in a few places on Earth. The hike to the top takes about 5-6 hours, making it a challenging but rewarding adventure.

How to Get There

✈️ Fly into Kigali, Rwanda (KGL) – The nearest international airport
🚗 Drive from Kigali to Goma (~4 hours)
🏞️ Entry into DRC – Cross into Goma via the Grand Barrier border
🚙 Transfer to Kibati Ranger Post (~1 hour) – Start of the hike

The Nyiragongo Hike – What to Expect

🌿 Day 1: The Ascent (5-6 Hours)

Begin the trek from Kibati Ranger Post (~1,980m)
Pass through tropical rainforest, lava fields, and steep slopes
Reach the summit (~3,470m) and enjoy breathtaking sunset views
Overnight in mountain shelters, just a few meters from the lava lake

Day 2: The Descent (4-5 Hours)

Wake up early to watch the sunrise over Virunga
Descend back to Kibati
Transfer back to Goma or continue to other activities

Accommodation Options

Mount Nyiragongo, located in Virunga National Park, DR Congo, offers limited but unique accommodation options for trekkers. The main lodging choice is the Nyiragongo Summit Shelters, a series of basic wooden cabins perched at the crater’s edge. These shelters provide breathtaking views of the world’s largest lava lake and a safe place to rest after the challenging ascent.

Where to Stay? (Accommodation Options)

Mountain Shelters at the Summit – Basic wooden huts with sleeping mats (included in hiking permit)
Mikeno Lodge – Luxury lodge inside Virunga National Park
Bukima Tented Camp – For those combining the hike with gorilla trekking
Lake Kivu Lodge (Goma) – Perfect for post-hike relaxation

Nyiragongo Hiking Permit & Costs

✅ Nyiragongo Hiking Permit: ~$300 per person
✅ Virunga National Park Entry Fee: Included in permit
✅ Optional Porter Service: ~$25 per porter
✅ Private Guide (Optional): ~$50 for a VIP experience

Nearby Attractions in Virunga National Park

🦍 Gorilla Trekking – Visit mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park
🐘 Wildlife Safaris – Spot elephants, hippos, and lions in Virunga
🏝️ Tchegera Island – Relax on a beautiful volcanic island in Lake Kivu

Best Time to Visit

✅ Dry Season: June–September & December–February (Best Conditions)
❌ Rainy Season: March–May & October–November (Slippery trails)

⚠️ Safety & Travel Tips

🔹 Hiking with Armed Rangers is Mandatory – Due to past security concerns
🔹 Visa Required for DRC Entry – ~$105 for a Virunga tourism visa
🔹 Pack Warm Clothing – The summit gets very cold at night (~0°C)
🔹 Bring Headlamps & Camera Gear – Night views are incredible

🔥 Why Mount Nyiragongo Should Be on Your Bucket List!

✔️ See the world’s largest active lava lake up close 🔥
✔️ Experience one of the most unique volcano hikes on Earth ⛰️
✔️ Combine the hike with gorilla trekking & wildlife safaris 🦍

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