Mount Nyiragongo is an active stratovolcano that is 3,470meters above the sea level situated inside Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The main crater covers about 2Km wide, endowed with a lava lake. The volcano is 20 Km north of Goma Town and Lake Kivu in the west of Rwanda. The depth of the lava lake at the peak of Mount Nyiragongo varies and at one time, it was recorded to be at 600 meters deep. Mount Nyiragongo volcano has erupted 35 times since 1882 to date. The current lava lake measures 120,000 square meters however the depth and temperatures keep on changing.

The recent Mount Nyiragongo eruption happened on the evening of 22nd May 2021, 9 years after the last eruption on 17th January 2002. During that time, 13km crevice opened in the southern side of Mount Nyiragongo dispersing in a few hours from 2800m to 1550m elevation, reaching the borders of Goma city in the northern shore of Lake Kivu. The lava streamed from 3 spatter cones at the end of the crevice and gushed in a stream of about 200 to1000 meters wide with a depth of about 2 meters. Scientists from the Goma Volcanic Observatory monitor Mount Nyiragongo 24/7, year after year and record seismic data every after 4 minutes and the temperature data is produced every after 10 minutes.

Mount Nyiragongo hike permit costs 300USD as activity fees and it includes the hiking permit and accommodation fee thus visitors ought to come with their sleeping bag and can also book a backpack at Nyiragongo which costs 100USD per person for jacket, fleece, blanket, sleeping bag and meals. Tourists are advised to carry extra cash to hire a porter who charge 25USD per 15kgs. Hiking Mount Nyiragongo is a bit difficult for tourists who not prepared physically well for this tour.

Hikers must to be ready to face the steep rugged terrain during the hike to the peak of the volcano. Mount Nyirangogo hike starts usually at 10:00am, climbers are advised to be at Kibati ranger post at 9:00am for briefing and in-depth preparations. Tourists interested in hiking Nyiragongo and would like to book a permit must be at Goma border at 7am sharp to check in with the Virunga tourism office opposite the passport control office. Tourists require a visa, yellow fever vaccination certificate to access Democratic Republic of Congo.

Hikers meet five segments when hiking Mount Nyiragongo. The first comprises hiking through a lower elevation. The unfit hikers typically quit at this point. After the first major stop, it becomes more difficult with an increase in the altitude. Hikers start to deal with small loose lava rocks however those with strong hiking shoes pass through this section with ease. After finishing the second segment, hikers deal with not only the small loose lava rocks but also slippery stones and demanding conditions of higher altitude.

By the time of the fourth segment, Nyiragongo mountain slopes get steeper with excessive cold due to higher altitude. Besides being cold, hikers often find rains in this section hence warm clothes and rain jackets are required.The final section is the steepest but also shortest. The sleeping cabins can be seen from this point. This persuades the tired hikers to climb to the peak. When you reach at this point, you are allowed to complete the rest of the trail at your own pace.

There are 12 summit cabins constructed at the top of the volcano with each comprising of 2 single beds to shelter the hikers. Hikers are provided with Sleeping bags, mattresses, pillows, snacks, breakfast, dinner and water. The top of volcano can be freezing cold with strong winds; therefore, you need to put on warm clothing. The cooks and porters always prepare hot tea and coffee for hikers to relieve them from coldness. The price of lodging at the mount Nyiragongo peak is always incorporated on the permit fee. Descending from the summit of Mount Nyiragongo to the bottom takes about 4hours and you will view Lake Kivu, Virunga national park and the Rwenzori mountain ranges in Uganda.

Nyiragongo can be hiked during the course of the year though the best time for hiking is during the dry season that runs from December to Mid-March and from mid-June to September. During this period, the temperatures are endurable compared to wet season. There is less mist on top of the volcano, during the dry season hence giving clearer views into the lava crater. The average temperature at the summit ranges between 10°C to 30°C with the lowest being 8°C while the maximum is 31°C.