Combining Mount Nyiragongo Hiking with Rwanda Gorilla Trekking
Combining Mount Nyiragongo Hiking with Rwanda Gorilla Trekking
Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo host thrilling adventure expeditions that stand out in Africa. A travel plan that includes climbing Mount Nyiragongo in the Congo and visiting gorillas in Rwanda creates a remarkable adventure for visitors. This travel plan lets you experience both the Virunga Mountains‘ charm and perform two amazing activities: encounter endangered mountain gorillas on treks and climb the largest active lava lake on earth.
Why Combine Mount Nyiragongo Hike with Gorilla Trekking?
Both destinations are situated in the Virunga area which allows visitors to see both in one journey easily. Visiting both attractions one after another saves time and creates a better adventure experience for travelers. Gorilla trekking introduces you to wildlife in nature and also gives you the chance to scale Mount Nyiragongo’s escalating volcanic terrain. The two activities satisfy the needs of travelers looking for nature and thrill-based adventures.
Learn about the Mount Nyiragongo Hiking Safari Adventure Experience
You will find Mount Nyiragongo in Virunga National Park where it shows continuous volcanic activity in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The mountain reaches a height of 11,385 feet where visitors can witness one of the largest natural lava lakes on Earth. The demanding mountain track leads to outstanding summit viewpoints while guests sleep at the crater’s rim.
How to Get to Mount Nyiragongo for a Hiking Safari
People usually begin their trip to Mount Nyiragongo in Rwanda because Kigali International Airport offers the easiest entry point for visitors. Tourists depart from Kigali on a 4 to 5 hour drive until they arrive at Grande Barrière where they cross into Goma. Once they complete their entry needs travelers move toward Virunga National Park headquarters to join the briefings before starting their hike.
Hiking Experience at Mount Nyiragongo
The trek from the base of Mount Nyiragongo to its summit usually needs 5 to 6 hours of climbing through diverse natural environments including rainforest and volcanic territory. The trek contains five rest spots where hikers can pause before continuing to the summit area.
Travelers reach the peak to see an amazing livestream of molten lava in red hue from below. Visitors can spend night at simple summit lodges from where they can witness the natural wonder of the active volcano. Flights back to the base camp take approximately 3 to 4 hours through morning hours.
Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park
You can travel from Nyiragongo trekking to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda for gorilla trekking. The northwest region of Rwanda includes Volcanoes National Park which hosts 12 properly trained gorilla groups. The Rwanda Conservation Society limits Rwanda gorilla permit purchases to $1,500 per person and sets daily guest limits.
Gorilla Trekking Safari Experience
You begin the journey from Kinigi base at dawn for a park ranger orientation session. The park staff matches trekkers to specific gorilla families based on their physical endurance tests. People need between one to six hours to walk through the rainforest searching for the gorilla groups.
People can watch and capture images of gorillas for one hour after finding a gorilla family. Only few people get the chance to witness silverback leadership and juvenile fun while seeing mothers nurturing their children in thesesatering wild animals.
Best Time to Visit Mount Nyiragongo and Volcanoes National Park
You will find better conditions for a Mount Nyiragongo hike and gorilla trekking during the dry seasons.
- June to September (long dry season)
- December to February (short dry season)
The trails remain easier to walk because of reduced precipitation during this season. Both activities stay open all year although tourists choose low season because there are fewer travelers at the destinations.
Packing List for the safari Adventure
A traveler needs proper gear for a safe Nyiragongo hike plus gorilla trekking adventure including:
Hiking boots made of strong materials and designed to keep water out are required for both climbs.
At Virunga a rain jacket is necessary because weather stays unpredictable.
Wear heavy layers because the Mount Nyiragongo summit reaches freezing temperatures.
Gloves help you hold vegetation during the gorilla trek.
- Headlamp and extra batteries – Essential for the overnight stay at the Nyiragongo summit.
A camera functions as our tool to take photos of both spectacular natural views and wildlife sightings.
Learn All Necessary Steps to Plan a Nyiragongo Hiking and Gorilla Trekking Tour
Choose an experienced tour company to Arrange trips as they manage all travel requirements. Visitors to the DRC must show a valid visa and proof of yellow fever vaccination when entering the country.
Conclusion on combining Mount Nyiragongo Hiking with Rwanda Gorilla Trekking
Visiting Mount Nyiragongo and tracking gorillas in Rwanda offers an extraordinary travel experience throughout Africa. The trip lets travel enthusiasts discover both Nyiragongo’s lava lake and interact with mountain gorillas. No matter how many times you have visited or not this trip will leave you with wonderful experiences.
