For any visitors on Congo safaris to hike the famous Volcanic mountain of Nyiragongo, this information is helpful for a successful hike. This mountains holds the largest crater lake in the whole world.

One of the things is to make sure to arrive at the Kibati station – which is considered to be the main trailhead for the mountain – by 9:15am, on the day you are scheduled to climb.

Most Climbers always descend the famous volcano at between 6:30 to 7:00 am the next morning and make their arrival back to the main station – Kibati, by 11:30 am.

For most travelers who intend to fly out to Kigali for Rwanda Gorilla Safaris on the same day, you have to make it a point schedule the departure flight after 6pm.

More to that, Congo Safari travelers willing to hike the mountain must be at least 12 years of age and are required to bring full rain and cold weather gear, with at least a moisture-wicking base layer, sweater or fleece, jacket, rain resistant pants, long underwear, warm socks, hat, and a 0°C/32° – rated sleeping bag.

Temperatures at the summit of this mountain are routinely below freezing. And from the hard work of the steep climb, most people by the time they make it to the summit be, but all this sense of warmth quickly gives way to cold.

A complete change of base layers is a must. Hikers should stand warned that failure to bring proper gear will lead to hypothermia. Please do not endanger yourself and others by coming unprepared for these conditions.

Summit Shelters – Each of the twelve summit shelters contains two single beds on which visitors can put their sleeping bags.

Although these shelters aren’t luxurious, they offer a welcome escape from the elements. The cost of staying in a summit shelter is included in the permit fee.

The basic Meal Plan is US$75, and this includes snacks, lunch, and dinner on Day 1, plus breakfast and snacks on Day 2. Water is also included for both days.

Other Meal and gear package is at US$100, including a meal plan plus a sleeping bag, jacket, fleece top, hat and rain poncho.

Porters charge a fare of US$24, and can be hired at the base of the climb to carry loads for round trip, though there is gratuity not included.

The maximum weight that each porter is authorized to carry is 15 kg. Porters can be arranged by speaking with a Virunga National Park ranger at the Kibati main station.

Nyiragongo volcano Hiking Safari can be done as an independent trip, or can even be undertaken as part of the Congo gorilla Safaris, depending on the time a visitor has and their preferences.

For better planning and to avoid disappointments, the use of a safari company is highly recommended. Prime Uganda Safaris and Tours Ltd will design a tailored Safari tour as you wish.