10 Tips for hiking mount Nyiragongo
10 Tips for hiking mount Nyiragongo- Nyiragongo hiking is one of the most challenging but rewarding tourism activities that you need to do if you are a traveler. The mountain is one of the most active volcanoes in the world having last erupted in May 2021. Hiking to the summit of Nyiragongo gives you an opportunity to encounter the largest lava lake, some of the animals of Virunga national park, surrounding areas, and desolate places in the country. Like any other mountain, when intending to hike mountain Nyiragongo, you need to know the tips for a successful hike to the summit.
Choose the right tour operator: After deciding to hike mountain Nyiragongo, next is looking for the right tour operator who will organize your safari. The right tour operator should be registered under different recognized associations. Africa Adventure Vacations is one of the local tour companies in Africa that organizes safaris to DR Congo. if you are intending to hike the Nyiragongo volcano, all you need to do is send us an email containing the days you want to travel and using these dates, we shall buy a permit for the Nyiragongo hike and send you scanned copies. We shall book the accommodation for you and transport, we have comfortable safari vehicles to transfer you to Virunga national park.
Know how much the hike will cost: Before planning to hike mount Nyiragongo, you need to know how much it is going to cost you. You must ask your tour operator or if you booked the whole safari by yourself, you need to count down the cost of the whole safari. This enables you to know who you have paid, what you have paid, and what is remaining. Knowing how much the hike will cost you helps you in not using unnecessary income during the safari.
Mind the weather: While planning to hike mount Nyiragongo, you need to know when it’s the best time for you to go. The best time is always during the months of June to September and December to February when there is little or no rainfall. During these months, the trekking trails are less muddy, the vegetation is thin giving clear views of animals and the skies are clear with great views of the surroundings. Hikers can still hike Nyiragongo in the rainy season to enjoy discounts on accommodation and permits however, during that period the hiking trails are slippery and the rainfall is too much.
Having a walking stick: While hiking mountain Nyiragongo, you need t6o have a walking stick which you get from the starting point of the mountains. The walking sticks are very important during hiking because they help you to balance while moving through steep slopes and rugged terrain and they also help to reduce some strain in your legs and knees.
Bring the right shoes: While coming for the Nyiragongo hike, it doesn’t matter whether it’s the rainy season or dry season. You need to pack waterproof shoes that are of your size. The hiking boots should be of rubber and they must have crampons because there is a point where you will be walking on snow most especially in the rainy season.
Hiring a porter: For hikers that have excess luggage, it’s better to hire a porter and these are always at the park headquarters or the starting point of the hike. The porters do help in carrying excess luggage for those people that won’t manage to carry it to the summit.
Pack enough water: Hikers to the summit of mount Nyiragongo normally suffer dehydration. With the steep slopes and rugged terrain, you go through and the energy you use. You need to be taking in water at different times during the hike. You need to come with a drinking water bottle that can contain about 3-4 liters of water to keep your body hydrated. When you can’t eat enough food during the hike, you can always drink more water to get more energy and cool down the temperatures.
Take it slow: Don’t rush during the hike, you need to have an easy start and hike slowly during the whole hiking activity in order to explore more about Nyiragongo volcano. Hiking mountain Nyiragongo takes 5-6 hours and during the hike, you need to move at your own pace. You need to drink water every time you feel hydrated and you need to keep eating energy-giving foods.
Have enough money: While planning to hike mountain Nyiragongo, you need to move with cash because there is nothing like a bank or ATM card on the mountain. The money does help you on hiring porters, tipping, buying some foods and drinks and buying some souvenirs. Apart from hiking mountain Nyiragongo, you can reach Virunga national park and decide to do other optional activities such as birding, nature walks, trekking, and these are done at a fee.
Packing the right equipment: Hiking Mount Nyiragongo requires you to pack the right equipment in order to enjoy the hike. Some of the equipment you will need include waterproof hiking shoes, a pair of gaiters, gardening gloves, sleeping bag, long-sleeved clothes, gardening gloves, rain jacket, a headlamp, a hat, sunscreen, a camera and extra batteries, a pair of binoculars, drinking water bottle, energy-giving snacks, insect repellents, first aid kit, face mask, and sanitizer.