Nyiragongo volcano hiking | Virunga National Park - 3 Days

You can’t escape the fact that Nyiragongo is one of the world’s most active volcanoes. So is it really safe to climb an active volcano? I would say yes, but the truth is that you never know. Walking around independently might be dangerous, since volcanic area has fractures emitting gas, but locals know how to avoid them. Goma has its own seismologic observatory monitoring both Nyiragongo and its sister volcano, Nyamuragira, which is titled the most active volcano in Africa. Volcanologists should know well in advance what these giants are up to.

Park rangers lead the trek even if you have booked the trip through a tour company. Only one group can trek to the Nyiragongo summit daily and the group size is limited to 24 people, due to the accommodation capacity. During June and July, the treks can be fully booked, so assure your spot well in advance. The climb takes 4-6 hours depending on the weather conditions and overall fit of the group. It is possible to conquer Nyiragongo also on a day trip, but it will be a long and very challenging day (for sure). You must arrive to the Kibati ranger station before 9AM; the hike starts around 10AM. Be sure to pack full rain gear, warm layers, long underwear, enough warm socks, gloves, a hat, and some snacks. When finally reaching the summit, you need to change to a dry base layer immediately. Don’t underestimate the conditions, as temperature at the summit might be near freezing and the risk of hypothermia is real. Sleeping bags can be rented for 10$. If you don’t have a cook with you, bring also enough food. A hot 3-course dinner can really make the day after an exhausting trek, when you are shivering from the cold night. So consider hiring either a cook or cooking utensils. Porters can be hired at the Kibati ranger post for 25$ and I strongly recommend taking one to save your energies. The maximum weight for one porter is 15 kg.

In foresight of getting back to business and adopting the new normal, the Congolese Ministry of Tourism, with excitement, announced the reopening of tourism activities as well as the resumption of international travel for visitors arriving by scheduled commercial flights as of 15 August 2020. The well-being of all travelers is at the forefront of Kwafrika Travel. Reason why, we have taken serious measure to ensure the safety of our customers. COVID-19 is still present in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We are pleased to receive you in the Congo but there are few things you should know. Authorities will quarantine and treat affected people in government hospitals and isolation facilities. Monitor the media for latest developments and follow the instructions of local authorities. Current government guidelines require everyone to wear a face mask in public. There are medical facilities available around Congo. Hôpital du Cinquantenaire, Hôpital Maman Yemo located in Kinshasa City, Hôpital Général de Référénce de Goma, Hôpital CBCA Virunga available in Goma town. They provide Emergency and Assessment (E&A) services, open 24 hours with a physician on the premises at all times. All national parks have reopened but with a limited capacity. In Virunga National Park, a group of more than 20 people cannot be authorized to trek the gorillas for social distancing reasons. The same thing apply for people hiking the Nyiragongo Volcano, they should be less than 10 people per group. Kwafrika Travel is strictly applying the following guidelines as given by the Congolese authorities: - Our drivers must have undergone a basic prior training on the standard practices in prevention of spread of COVID-19 (Standard Prevention Procedure) - All of our vehicles are now equipped with contactless thermometer (thermal-gun). Drivers have been trained on how to take guest temperature, to read and interpret the result. - All of our vehicles are equipped with PPE basics such as sanitizers, extra face masks, hand-gloves and so on - Vehicles are installed with air-conditioners with particulate filters and purifiers. All windows are capable of opening when required to allow air circulation - Doors of vehicles are operated by one person, the driver. - The driver must thoroughly clean and sanitize his safaris car at the close of the day or as deemed necessary especially before switching customers - Drivers must minimize stop overs during the travel to Congo or Inside Congo. - Drivers should stick guest documents such as itineraries on the car seats or on body of the vehicles to avoid contact with guests