Wildlife & Culture Tour

3 Days Hiking Nyiragongo volcano

 3 Day 2 Night Mount Nyiragongo Volcano Hiking Safari Tour , Congo, the Democratic Republic of the
 12th Feb - 01st Jul
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Overview

3 Days 2 Nights Mount Nyiragongo Volcano Hiking Safari

Kigali – Gisenyi – Goma – Mount Nyiragongo – Lake Kivu

Experience one of the world’s most extraordinary volcanic adventures in the heart of the Virunga region, combining Rwanda’s scenic beauty with the dramatic landscapes of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

This adventure takes you to Mount Nyiragongo, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, famous for its rare lava lake and breathtaking summit views. The journey starts and ends in Kigali, with a scenic drive through Gisenyi into Goma.

Tour Highlights

  • Scenic drive from Kigali to the Congo border
  • Cross into the Democratic Republic of the Congo via Goma
  • Guided ascent of Mount Nyiragongo (3,470m)
  • Overnight stay at the summit cabins overlooking the lava lake
  • View the glowing, boiling lava crater
  • Descent through Virunga volcanic landscapes
  • Relaxation at Lake Kivu

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Kigali – Gisenyi – Goma

Depart from Kigali and drive through the scenic hills of Rwanda to Gisenyi.

Cross the border into the Democratic Republic of the Congo at Goma. After immigration formalities, proceed to your hotel for briefing and preparation.

Overnight in Goma.

Day 2: Mount Nyiragongo Hike – Summit Experience

Early morning transfer to the trailhead of Mount Nyiragongo inside Virunga National Park.

Begin the 5–6 hour guided ascent through:

  • Dense rainforest zone
  • Rocky volcanic slopes
  • Steep alpine terrain

Reach the summit at 3,470m and settle into basic mountain cabins.

In the evening, witness one of Earth’s most spectacular sights:
The glowing lava lake inside the crater of Mount Nyiragongo

Overnight at the summit cabins.

Day 3: Descent – Lake Kivu – Return to Kigali

After sunrise viewing over the volcano, descend back to the base (approximately 3–4 hours).

Transfer to Lake Kivu for relaxation and lunch.

Continue your journey back to Kigali for airport drop-off and departure.

What to Bring

  • Waterproof hiking boots with strong grip
  • Warm clothing (summit temperatures are cold)
  • Rain jacket
  • Gloves and hat
  • Sleeping bag (if required)
  • Headlamp/torch
  • Drinking water & snacks
  • Backpack (waterproof recommended)
  • Camera & power bank

Important Hiking Tips

  • This is a moderate-to-challenging volcano hike
  • Good physical fitness is required
  • Hire a porter for support (recommended)
  • Stay hydrated throughout the trek
  • Follow ranger instructions strictly
  • No flash photography at the crater
  • A valid passport and yellow fever certificate are required for border crossing

Why Choose Mount Nyiragongo?

Mount Nyiragongo is one of the world’s rarest natural wonders, offering:

  • One of the largest permanent lava lakes on Earth
  • Unique volcanic hiking experience in Africa
  • Spectacular views over Virunga landscapes
  • A once-in-a-lifetime adventure for explorers and photographers

Optional Extensions

Combine this experience with:

  • Gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park
  • Chimpanzee trekking experiences
  • Rwanda wildlife safaris in Rwanda
  • Lake Kivu beach relaxation

Final Note

This 3-day Nyiragongo volcano expedition is one of Africa’s most thrilling adventure experiences, combining raw geological power with breathtaking natural scenery across Rwanda and Democratic Republic of the Congo.

5.0/5

(2 Reviews)

Tour Overview

Availability

Nov 18- Mar 17

Duration

10D/9N

Pickup Location

pickup avaiable from airport, train and also cruise

Language

English

Car PickUp

Available

Tour Guide

Included

Included

  • Experienced and qualified guide
  • full board accommodation
  • Nyiragongo Entry permit
  • Transport
  • anything listed in itinerary

Excluded

  • Visa
  • Any optional or extra activity not involved in the itinerary
  • Insurance

Itenary

Day 1
  • 08:00 AM


    Day 1: Drive To Gisenyi On your arrival at Kigali international airport your driver/guide will take you to gisenyi on the shores of Lake Kivu.
    In the afternoon you have time to explore Gisenyi town. Optional activities can be organized by the lodge. Activities today are at your own cost. On this tour, you can either sleeping Paradise Malahide or any category. Each comfortable bungalow was built using local wood and volcanic rock to blend seamlessly into the natural beauty of the area. A perfect night’s sleep awaits you as you fall asleep to the sounds of Lake Kivu floating into the shore. In the morning, you will be enchanted by the songs of the fishermen and birds.

Day 2
  • 08:00 AM

    Day 2: Climb Nyiragongo Volcano
    In the morning after breakfast; you will be transferred to Goma Grand Barrier border. While at the border you will present the visa acceptance form and the visa invoice to the border official. This states that you already paid for your visa and you will receive a stamp in your passport for a single entry tourist visa.

    While At the border Ultimate Wild Safaris representative will assist you with the border crossing procedures for a hassle free experience.Thereafter; our driver guide will drive you through Virunga national park to the Kibati patrol post on the foot of the Nyiragongo volcano. You will start hiking at 10 AM in the morning. You will have your personal cook who will prepare a nice hot meal on top of the crater rim and you will have a packed lunch. Ultimate wild Safaris will provide you with a backpack with a sleeping bag and warm fleece vest. It can get quite cold at the top of the Nyiragongo. So it is advisable to hire a porter to carry your luggage up.

    Nyiragongo Volcano:
    The Nyiragongo Volcano is one of the world’s most active volcanoes and has the world's largest lava lake. This volcano recently erupted in 2002 but is predictable and therefore safe to climb. The volcano’s forested lower slopes are home to a variety of animals like monkeys and bushbucks. In the late afternoon you will reach the top with an extraordinary view of the crater filled with sea of lava. You are one of the few persons to admire this spectacle. After a nice hot meal you have some time to relax and enjoy the view. At night you can see the sea of lava in the crater which results in fantastic photos! You will sleep in one of the basic huts on the crater rim.

Day 3
  • 08:00 AM

    Day 3: Return to Kigali
    Today you will descend from the Nyiragongo Volcano. After this amazing experience you will be transferred to the border of Rwanda. Thereafter; you will be transferred to Rwanda Capital city - Kigali for either a short city tour if time allows or direct to the airport in time for your flight back home.

    Please Note:
    Incase you need an extra night in Kigali we will be happy to organize this for you. Contact us, from here. Finally end of a once in a life time experience in DR Congo!

"I witnessed such a beautiful view! It took 5.30 hours of hike to go up. we were 16 hikers plus our porters I arranged my trip with ultimatewildsafaris.com booked a backpack and a stay one night on top We were met by ranger, our chef and porters. We left our bag on the base and took warm clothes for up only. The backpack includes a sleeping bag, a fleece raincoat, a water food jacket, and was carried by a porter. Hands down and applause to rangers and porters who go up to summit 3x a week. Hiking up was relatively hard. I'm amazed by the staff as they have enough stamina and used to hike 3470 m up TBH, I was struggling yet the rangers encouraged me by saying be strong. we do have breaks/stops. When I reached the summit, my tiredness just disappeared as I'm overwhelmed with the view! the Lava lake and the mini volcano-its like a poem. If you do time-lapse, you will notice the changes in the lava lake. The smell of sulfur is not too strong. Going down the next day is tricky yet I was assisted by my porter. I recommend anyone to take on this adventure "

Peter Hodges

"I and my friend did this 3 day tour Hiking Nyiragongo volcano. William picked us up, awesome driver and great companion, our trip was super nice and the food too."

Ann

5/5

Provider

5.0/5

Customer Review

  • Peter Hodges

    18th Oct, 2020

    I witnessed such a beautiful view! It took 5.30 hours of hike to go up. we were 16 hikers plus our porters I arranged my trip with ultimatewildsafaris.com booked a backpack and a stay one night on top We were met by ranger, our chef and porters. We left our bag on the base and took warm clothes for up only. The backpack includes a sleeping bag, a fleece raincoat, a water food jacket, and was carried by a porter. Hands down and applause to rangers and porters who go up to summit 3x a week. Hiking up was relatively hard. I'm amazed by the staff as they have enough stamina and used to hike 3470 m up TBH, I was struggling yet the rangers encouraged me by saying be strong. we do have breaks/stops. When I reached the summit, my tiredness just disappeared as I'm overwhelmed with the view! the Lava lake and the mini volcano-its like a poem. If you do time-lapse, you will notice the changes in the lava lake. The smell of sulfur is not too strong. Going down the next day is tricky yet I was assisted by my porter. I recommend anyone to take on this adventure

    5.0

  • Ann

    29th May, 2020

    I and my friend did this 3 day tour Hiking Nyiragongo volcano. William picked us up, awesome driver and great companion, our trip was super nice and the food too.

    5.0