Mount Nyiragongo is a magnificent active volcano with the world’s largest lava lake making it one of a few volcanic mountains offering one of the top hiking Africa safari expeditions.

Situated in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, Mount Nyiragongo lies within the greater Virunga National park, approximately 20kms north of Goma town and Lake Kivu on the western border of Rwanda.

This beautiful volcano is known for its repetitive volcanic eruption and its large crater lake on top of the summit. Although predictable and safe for tourists, the time required to reach the top depends on the degree of fitness of an individual hiker.

The lower slopes of the volcano are covered by forest which is a habitat for various animals like bushbucks, blue monkeys, colobus monkeys and baboons, including man’s closest ape the chimpanzees offering a thrilling opportunity to explore the western arm of the Albertine rift.

The adventure hiking safari to Nyiragongo Volcano begins at Kibati patrol post very early in the morning after breakfast, take a 30 minutes’ drive from the bustling Goma town.

The hike takes 4 to 6 hours to reach the summit; it begins at an altitude of about 1,989 meters to 3,470 meters above sea level.

The guides lead all the treks after cross checking visitors’ hiking and mountaineering requirements including packed meals, proper hydration and other gears.

There is no food in the mountains, so packed meals covering the time on the Mountain have to be carried. Travelers on this Congo safari can always hire porters at Kibati Patrol post to assist with the heavy luggage.

Reach the top of Nyiragongo volcano after a walk through the lava rocks where gaining incredible views of the Virunga National Park and the entire Virunga massif.

An evening dinner and overnight stay at Nyiragongo Cabins built on the edge of the lava lake presents a perfect moment to view the dim brittle outside of lava, the merging and cracking lava rocks.

Seeing rock plates separate and unbelievably create a spider-web like pattern typically makes Nyiragongo Lava Lake unique with attention-grabbing views one will forever remember.

Mount Nyiragongo volcano climbing adventure can as well be combined with Congo gorilla safari activity or as part of wider East Africa adventure expeditions including Mount Rwenzori climbing adventure and Kilimanjaro Mountaineering tour.