Hiking Nyiragongo in Democratic Republic of Congo

Democratic Republic of Congo strategically located in the Central part of the African Continent is where this popularly known active Volcano is found rated to be one of the popular attractions in Democratic Republic of Congo.

The Best way to reach Democratic Republic of Congo. Democratic Republic of Congo is located in the Central part of the African Continent and in the recent years it experienced some attacks from terrorists which created an environment of insecurity and this dismantled Congo’s air transport means but later insecurity issues were resolved by the government of Democratic Republic of Congo.

Currently security in Democratic Republic of Congo is more stable but with poor air transport means therefore its better you land in Rwanda at Kigali airport and transfer up to Goma border.

For entry permission you must have a Congo tourist visa, passport and a Valid yellow fever vaccination card, usually clients book for their Congo tourists Visas through Eco Tours Rwanda and this Visa is always booked within two weeks before your travel dates because it’s processed with in a period of one week then forwarded to Eco Tours Congo such that its printed into hard copy which is presented to the officials at the customs of Goma border. Follow the steps listed below for the successful hiking of Mountain Nyiragongo Volcano in Democratic Republic of Congo: –

Apply for Congo Tourist Visa. To be issued with entry into Democratic Republic of Congo you must be with a valid Congo tourist Visa which is issued by the Virunga foundation, as stated above this Visa is applied for within two weeks before your travel dates because a period of one week is taken in its processing.

Book with a local Tour operator. The only way to visit Democratic Republic of Congo is by use of a local Tour operator because you cannot go by self drive, the operator will be responsible in coordinating with Virunga foundation as far as arranging your hiking safari which include processing of the tourist visa, booking for accommodation facilities, paying hiking fees and transport services.

On arrival the driver of your operator will pick you from Kigali airport and transfer up to Goma border clear with officials but from there you will be transferred by Virunga foundation using their suitable Safari Jeeps up to your hotel of residence and the driver will remain at Goma border waiting you to finish your activities and transfer back to Kigali.

Hiking Mountain Nyiragongo Volcano

Once you reach Democratic Republic of Congo you will be required to rest at your hotel of residence while preparing for tomorrow’s hiking activity, Mountain Nyiragongo hiking activity is usually done in two consecutive days at a cost of $300 USD per person. The starting point is in Kibati where the hiking journey is started from on day one, this Journey is usually started in the morning at 10:00am in a group with a guide assigned to lead you through the routes plus armed officers with guns to protect you from attacks which may occur while on the way.

On top of $300 USD per person you are also required to pay for a Mikeno package which costs $100 USD and it includes some snacks, wearing gears like water proof jackets, Water, food to be cooked while at the top and more, a walking stick to assist you in hiking is also necessary and it costs $5 USD, porters are available to assist in carrying your luggage up to the top at a cost of $24 USD per porter.

You are required to be physically feet such that you catch up with the Journey and in the evening, you will be at the top, when you reach the top food for dinner is prepared while waiting for the night view of burning Lava for this Volcano.

Please you are advised to bring yourself strong hiking shoes, insect repellents, long sleeved shirts and trousers, while at the top avoid unnecessary movements and take care by not moving on to unaccessed edges of the Volcano. After the night experience at the top, day two is for descending back from the top up to the starting point in Kibati.