How long does it take to hike Mount Nyiragongo?
How long does it take to hike Mount Nyiragongo? Hikers from every part of the world aim to climb Mount Nyiragongo. If you are one, would like to inform you that hiking Mount Nyiragongo is one of the dream’s come true for most hikers in the world. Hiking Mount Nyiragongo is very challenging but one of the biggest adventures in the world. How fit do you need to be to hike Mountain Nyiragongo? If you want to hike Mount Nyiragongo, you must be in good physical shape. To attain this, you must start in advance of 3-4 months with some training before arriving in the country.
How long does it take to hike Mount Nyiragongo? The time varies depending on the speed of hikers and the nature of the hiking trails. Yes, It takes about 5-6 hours to hike Mount Nyiragongo. The 5-6 hours of hiking Mount Nyiragongo takes you through 2 stopovers where you relax for some hours before reaching the summit. The summit of Nyiragongo is snow caped at the summit even though it has a very hot lava lake.
Climbing Mount Nyiragongo
Hiking Mountain Nyiragongo is a 2 days safari that starts from the Bukima patrol post with a briefing from the park wardens. The hikers must wake up early in the morning for breakfast and then drivers will transfer them to the briefing point where they will meet other hikers and park wardens. During the briefing, hikers are taught about the dos and don’ts of the hiking activity, what to expect and time to be taken.
Armed ranger guides do lead these hikers through the easiest trails that lead you to the summit. There are 2 stopovers where hikers sit and relax while getting information about the park, drinking water, or taking the energy-giving snacks. The hiking activity takes you through different steep slopes and rugged terrain.
During the hike, you will pass through different vegetation covers, encounter birds such as narina trogon, black bishop, common bulbul, alpine swift, green sandpiper, grey crowned crane, African olive pigeon, etc. You will also encounter animals such as lions, okapi, leopards, duikers, giant forest hogs, monkeys, buffaloes, olive baboons, aardvark, bongo, and warthogs among others.
At the summit of Mountain Nyiragongo, you will meet the largest lava lake, stunning views of Mountain Rwenzori, Virunga volcanoes, Lake Kivu, Goma city, Virunga national park, homesteads, plantations, vegetation, and much more. Overnight is spent at the 12 summit cabins each with 2 single beds and this is where the hikers put sleeping bags. Dinner is served and the following day you wake up to a morning breakfast before joining again to descend the mountain which takes 3 hours.
How much are hiking permits Mount Nyiragongo?
Hiking Mount Nyiragongo is done by only those that have valid hiking permits. These permits are got from the Virunga national park offices or from a trusted local tour operator at the same fee. A single hiking permit for Nyiragongo volcano costs $300 per person and it can only be used once. Hikers are advised to book hiking permits for Nyiragongo volcano in advance of 3-4 months to avoid inconveniences.
Packing list for Mount Nyiragongo hiking?
The packing list for Mount Nyiragongo hiking includes waterproof hiking shoes, a pair of gaiters, cotton stocks, a rain jacket, long-sleeved pants, long-sleeved shirts, scarf, sleeping bag, camera, a pair of binoculars, sleeping bag, backpack, headlamp, insect repellents, drinking water bottle, energy-giving snacks, facemask, sanitizer, and first aid kit among others.
What is the appropriate time to hike Mount Nyiragongo?
Hiking Mount Nyiragongo can be done at any time of the year but there are certain months considered to be the best for this volcano hiking. The drier months are the best for hiking Mountain Nyiragongo and they occur from June to September and December to February. They are characterized by little or no rainfall that leaves the hiking trails less muddy, the vegetation is thin with clear views of the park animals, and surrounding areas and the roads leading to the park are passable.
Hikers can still visit Mountain Nyiragongo for hiking in the rainy season of March to May and October to November to enjoy huge discounts on accommodation facilities. During the rainy season, however, there is plenty of rainfall that makes the hiking trails muddy and slippery, the vegetation is thick with unclear views of animals and surrounding areas, and lastly, the roads leading to Virunga national park are passable.
Accommodation during Mount Nyiragongo safari
Hiking Mount Nyiragongo is a 2-day activity with a night spent at the summit shelters (Nyiragongo Volcano Summit Shelters) however before or after hiking Mountain Nyiragongo you can have a night or more at the accommodations that are located in and around Virunga national park and these include Lulimbi Tented Camp, Bukima Tented Camp, Mikeno Lodge, Tchegera Island, Kibumba Tented Camp, and much more.
