Locate an intense, Memorable Congo safari to Virunga National Park as you trek Mount Nyiragongo to its steaming crater rim. Brief yet thrilling, this 3-day, 2-night Mount Nyiragongo hike delivers dramatic lava views, expert rangers, and one night at 3,470 m therefore it’s perfect for time-pressed adventurers who still want maximum reward.
Quick facts
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Duration: 3 days / 2 nights.
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Start: Kigali, Rwanda (alternatively begin/end in Kisoro, Uganda).
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Park: Virunga National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo.
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Summit elevation: 3,470 m with an overnight on the crater rim.
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Permit: Nyiragongo trekking permit required and must be reserved in advance.
Tour highlights
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Day 1: Pick-up in Kigali and transfer to Virunga National Park, via Gisenyi/Goma.
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Day 2: Transfer to Kibati ranger post and ascend Mount Nyiragongo.
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Day 3: Descend and transfer back to Goma, then onward to Kigali.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Kigali → Gisenyi → Virunga National Park
First, your experienced driver/guide collects you in Kigali, provides a short briefing, and then drives toward Gisenyi for border clearance. Next, after crossing into Goma you will collect your Mount Nyiragongo permit and continue to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay. Accommodation options range from budget to luxury, therefore there is something for every traveler.
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Day 2: Kibati ranger post → Ascent to the summit
Early morning, you depart after breakfast and a packed lunch from the lodge, and then drive to Kibati ranger post for the ranger orientation. Afterward, begin the ascent through lush forest, where you will see varied flora, birds, and monkeys. The hike is staged in four segments; thus the group stays together under ranger protection for the first three segments, and then moves freely on the final push. Finally, reach the crater rim in time for dinner and watch the glowing lava an unforgettable spectacle.
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Day 3: Summit → Descend → Goma → Kigali
Finish breakfast early, and then descend with the group back to Kibati. Afterwards, rejoin your safari vehicle for the drive to Goma and the border crossing at Gisenyi, before continuing on to Kigali. This concludes the 3-day Mount Nyiragongo hiking safari.
Permits, visas & safety
Nyiragongo trekking permits are mandatory and must be reserved in advance; therefore we assist clients with ordering and pickup.
Additionally, travellers leaving Rwanda for Congo must ensure visas and travel documents are valid and re-applied if required.
Moreover, all treks are guided by park rangers for your safety and environmental protection.
Accommodation options
Budget: Bukima Tented Camp.
Mid-range: Kibumba Tented Camp.
Luxury: Mikeno Lodge.
Each option includes dinner and breakfast, and one additional night is spent at the crater rim camp.
What’s included
Kigali pick-up and drop-off; transfers to/from Goma.
Mount Nyiragongo hiking permit (we can arrange on request).
2 nights’ accommodation (1 lodge night + 1 summit night).
Ranger fees and guided hikes.
Drinking water and meals as per itinerary.
Park briefings and permit pickup assistance.
What’s excluded
International flights and visas (unless requested).
Porter hire and personal porter fees.
Tips and gratuities.
Personal drinks (juices, sodas, alcohol).
Backpacker/guide beyond standard rangers.
Why book this 3-Day Nyiragongo Hike?
First, it’s compact yet epic therefore you’ll see lava at night without a long commitment. Second, permits are limited and demand is high, so act now. Finally, our team handles permits, transfers, and logistics, which means you can focus on the climb and the views.