How long does it take to hike Nyamuragira?
How long does it take to hike Nyamuragira? Mount Nyamuragira is one of the Virunga volcanoes located in Virunga national park in the eastern DR Congo. The volcano is located 25 km north of Lake Kivu and 13km north-north-west of Nyiragongo. Nyamuragira is one of the most active volcanoes that we have got in the world and it last erupted in November 2011 leading to the displacement of people, destruction of property, and loss of animals.
How long does it take to hike Mount Nyamuragira? Yes, Mount Nyamuragira is 3058 meters high and hiking it to the summit takes 5-6 hours. The time taken to hike Mount Nyamuragira depends on the speed of the hikers and the nature of the terrain for example when the hiking trails are less muddy and not slippery, the time taken to reach the summit will be shorter compared to when the hiking trails are muddy and slippery. The taken also depends on the physical fitness of the hikers like the experienced hikers take a few hours compared to beginners.
Hiking Mount Nyamuragira
Hiking Mount Nyamuragira is one of the most fascinating and thrilling activities that travelers that love hiking can do in Virunga national park. Hiking mountain Nyamuragira starts early in the morning at Bukima patrol offices with a briefing from the park wardens. During the briefing activity, the hikers are taught about the rules and regulations of hiking, the time taken to reach the summit, and much more. Hikers with excess luggage can hire porters at a certain fee to help them throughout the hike.
The hikers are led by the armed ranger guides throughout the whole hike and these keep telling the hikers about different information about this volcano. Hiking to the summit takes 5-6 hours of passing through steep slopes and rugged terrain. There are chances of encountering birds, animals such as elephants, buffaloes, duikers, warthogs, bushbucks, giant forest hogs, monkeys, olive baboons, topis, lions, leopards, and much more.
Hikers will have different points to stop for relaxation but as soon as they make it to the summit, they will find a boiling lava lake, stunning views of surrounding volcanoes, Virunga national park, Rwenzori mountains, Lake Kivu, Goma city, plantations, homesteads, and much more. Nights can be spent on the bungalows that are constructed at the summit. You will wake up to a morning breakfast and stunning views of the surroundings and join your group again to descend the mountain.
How much are hiking permits for Mount Nyamuragira?
For anyone to hike Mount Nyamuragira they need to have a hiking permit and these can be best got from a trusted local tour operator. The hiking permits are sold to anyone that knows they are fit enough to make it to the summit. Each hiking permit for Mount Nyamuragira is $300 and it’s used for a single hike. Hikers are advised to book these hiking permits from a trusted local tour operator of Virunga national park 3-4 months in advance to avoid inconveniences most especially in the dry season.
Booking hiking permits for Mount Nyamuragira
Travelers interested in hiking mountain Nyamuragira can book their hiking permits using Africa adventure vacations limited. Once you have chosen us as your tour operators, we expect you to send us an email containing the dates of the month and year you want to visit Virunga national park for Mount Nyamuragira hiking, and using these dates we shall check for availability of the permits with Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature. When the permits are available, you will be sent different banking details and once we have received the money, your permit will be booked.
What to pack for Mount Nyamuragira hiking?
What to pack for mountain Nyamuragira hiking does include waterproof hiking shoes, a pair of gaiters, a rain jacket, long-sleeved pants, long-sleeved shirts, cotton stocks, scarf, sleeping bag, camera, a pair of binoculars, backpack, headlamp, insect repellents, drinking water bottle, energy-giving snacks, sanitizer, facemask, and first aid kit among others.
What is the most appropriate time to hike Mount Nyamuragira?
Mount Nyamuragira can be hiked at any time of the year but there are certain months that are better than the rest. The dry months are the most times to hike Mount Nyamuragira and they do happen in the months of June to September and December to February. During these months, the is little or no rainfall that makes the hiking trails less slippery, the vegetation is thin with clear views of the animals and surroundings, and the roads leading to the mountain are passable.
Hikers can still try out Nyamuragira volcano in the months of the rainy months of March to May and October to November to enjoy huge discounts on accommodation facilities. However, during the dry months, the hiking trails are muddy and slippery, vegetation is thick with unclear views of animals and surrounding places, and the roads leading to the park are impassable.
Accommodation while on Mount Nyamuragira hiking safari
Overnight hikers can stay at the bungalow built at the summit of the Nyamuragira volcano. Before or hiking Mountain Nyamuragira hikers have several accommodation options for Virunga national park where they can stay and these do range from budget to mid-range to luxury options like Lulimbi Tented Camp, Bukima Tented Camp, Mikeno Lodge, Tchegera Island, Kikumba Tented Camp, and much more.
