Rwanda · Trekking

3-Day Mount Nyiragongo Trek from Kigali with Summit Cabin Stay

3 Days Round trip from Kigali Moderate pace

Mount Nyiragongo, Democratic Republic of Congo

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Hike Mount Nyiragongo, an active volcano in Virunga National Park in Congo
02 Enjoy clear views of the red boiling lava lake from the summit
03 Pass through lush green rainforest on the lower slopes of the volcano
04 Take in views of the Virunga ranges, Lake Kivu, the Rwenzori mountains, and Kahunzi Beige National Park

Go on a 3-day trekking tour to Mount Nyiragongo, an active volcano in Virunga National Park in Congo, famous for its red boiling lava lake. Hike to the summit through lush green rainforest, spot local flora and fauna along the way, enjoy sweeping views of the volcano and surrounding landscapes, and spend the night at the summit in cabins.

Reach the summit and enjoy clear views of the red boiling lava lake.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

City Kigali

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Kigali City Tour and Transfer to Virunga National Park

Arrive at Kigali Airport in Rwanda and take a short drive to Virunga National Park in Congo.
Enjoy a short tour of Kigali city on the way, visiting the genocide memorial sites, Kandt Museum House, the main city market, and craft shops.
Arrive at the lodge in Virunga National Park for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 02

Mount Nyiragongo Hike to the Summit

Wake up, have breakfast, and prepare and pack all the necessary basics you will need at the summit.
Drive to Kibati village and attend a briefing session.
Begin the hike to Mount Nyiragongo. As you head towards the volcano, you will notice that the lower slopes are full of lush green rainforest, home to small primates, mammals, and birds, and you may spot some such as chimpanzees and monkeys.
You will also begin to notice a change in vegetation cover, as there is less vegetation higher up. Much of the vegetation is usually destroyed when the volcanic mountain erupts.
Reach the summit and enjoy clear views of the red boiling lava lake.
Have dinner and spend the night at the summit in cabins.

Day 03

Descend Mount Nyiragongo and Return to Kigali

Wake up early, have breakfast, and by 8 am, begin the descent.
Enjoy views of the surrounding Virunga ranges, Lake Kivu, the Rwenzori mountains, and Kahunzi Beige National Park, among others.
Reach the base and transfer to the Congo-Rwanda border crossing.
Head to Kigali and depart.

The route