Can I climb mount Nyamuragira Now?
Can I climb mount Nyamuragira now? Nyamuragira volcano is among Africa’s most active volcanoes situated in Virunga national park in DR Congo. It’s part of the Virunga volcanoes together with mountains such as Nyiragongo, Mikeno, Karisimbi, Sabyinyo, Bisoke, Gahinga and Muhabura. Mount Nyamuragira is located about 25 km north of Goma city and Lake Kivu.
Mount Nyamuragira has so far erupted 43 times with the most recent eruptions occurring 5th November 2011. The volcano stands at an elevation of 3,058 meters and can be hiked in 5-6 hours. Every individual can hike Mountain Nyamuragira what they need to do is to be physically fit. After confirming the safari, hikers can start practicing from the small hills in their home countries so that by the time of hiking, they are able to make it to the summit without difficulty.
Mount Nyamuragira eruptions have attracted so many hikers from different parts of the world to visit Virunga national park. Its summit gives stunning views of the lava lake, surrounding areas like mountains, Virunga national park, Lake Kivu, and Goma city. Hiking Mount Nyamuragira gives hikers an opportunity to encounter some of the animals of Virunga national park including the mountain gorillas.
Climbing mount Nyamuragira
Located inside Virunga national park, hiking mountain Nyamuragira starts early in the morning at the park offices of the park. Hikers wake up early for morning breakfast and meet park drivers to transfer them to the briefing point. Here the hikers are taught about the rules and regulations of the hiking activity and some information about the volcano.
Hikers with heavy luggage can hire porters and walking sticks will be picked here to help balance during the hike. Hiking mountain Nyamuragira takes 5-6 hours and it’s the armed ranger guides that take the hikers through the best hiking trails. While hiking Mount Nyamuragira, the hikers do spot different park mammals, primates, and birds.
Hiking Nyamuragira needs one to be physically fit as it takes you through very steep slopes, rugged terrain, and thick vegetation cover. To hike Mountain Nyamuragira, you must have good hiking shoes and a walking stick. After 5-6 hours of hiking and reaching the summit, you will have great views of the lava lake, surrounding places such as Virunga national park, lake Kivu, mountain Rwenzori, and Virunga ranges. Hikers that are interested in having an overnight stay at the summit can use the bungalows and those that want to camo can do so.
Hiking permits for mount Nyamuragira
Hiking permits for mountain Nyamuragira are documents that allow you to be part of the hiking activity on this volcano. These hiking permits can be bought from Virunga national park even on the day of trekking but it’s better to buy them using a trusted local tour operator and in advance so as to prepare accordingly. From Virunga national park offices or a trusted local tour operator, you can get the hiking permits for mount Nyamuragira at a fee of $300 per person.
What to pack for mount Nyamuragira hiking?
Hikers coming for mountain Nyamuragira hiking are advised to carry waterproof hiking shoes, a pair of gaiters, gardening gloves, cotton stocks, scarf, a rain jacket, long-sleeved pants, long-sleeved shirts, insect repellents, a camera, a pair of binoculars, sunscreen, sunglasses, packed lunch, energy-giving snacks, drinking water bottle, face mask, sanitizer, and first aid kit.
When to climb mount Nyamuragira?
Yes, climbing mount Nyamuragira can be done all year round but the best time to hike is between June to September and December to February. During search months, there is little or no rainfall, the hiking trails are less muddy and not slippery, the vegetation along the trials is short with clear views of the park animals, and the roads leading to the mountain are passable.
Hikers can still climb mount Nyamuragira in the rainy season of March to May and October to November to enjoy huge discounts on accommodation facilities. Hikers should note that during the rainy season, the hiking trails are muddy and slippery, vegetation is tall with unclear views of the animals, the summit is snowcapped with unclear views of the surroundings and the roads leading to Virunga national park are impassable.
Where to stay during Mount Nyamuragira hiking safari?
There are so many accommodation facilities hikers to mount Nyamuragira volcano can use before or after the hiking activity and these are Virunga national park lodges. These lodges are built in and out side the lodge offering different services and pricing and they include Lulimbi Tented Camp, Bukima Tented Camp, Mikeno Lodge, Tchegera Island, Kibumba Tented Camp, and much more.
