ABOUT PACKAGE
Nyiragongo is one of the most stunning largest lava lake in the world, located in the east of Democratic Republic of Congo and 20 kilometers from Goma Town in the Virunga Mountains associated with the Albertine Rift .Nyiragongo is a strato volcano, 3470m high situated in the East African rift valley. It is characterized by extremely fluid lava with high sodium and potassium content. The lava has been responsible for a very particular type of volcanic eruption and almost permanent lake of molten lava following the eruption in 1977 the crater and system of wells and underground plat forms which it contained collapsed, forming a new crater almost 900m deep. In 1994 and 1995 volcanic activity was once again obvious with in the lake of molten lava. It then stabilized at 245m below the summit of the volcano becoming dormant again. On the 17th January 2007, it erupted again immediately after words, the cone of the volcano collapsed creating a new well of 760m deep. In November 2002 another new lava of molten lava formed at the bottom of the crater and since then volcanic activity is quiet. Today the crater looks like a cylindrical well at the bottom of which is a reservoir 200m deep, filled with molten lava. The lake is in state of permanent flux and is from time to time disturbed by violent fountains of lava erupting in the air. This regular volcanic activity is due to the vital explosion of gases from within the volcano. You can hike the volcano in 2 days from Goma, ascending and descending takes about 4 to 6 hours each way depending on the speed to the top of the crater. The crater is two kilometers wide and has a lava lake. Standing on the edge of a gigantic volcanic crater and staring at the red hot bubbling lava lake cannot be captured with a camera. "Unreal", "stunning, amazing, humbling", "coolest thing. It is the highlight of life.
Safari Highlights
Bubbling lava Trekking the low land Gorilla The unique landscapes Hospitality of the Congolese people Nyiragongo
FULL ITINERARY 7 days 6 nights
DAY - 1
Arrive in Kigali
Arrive in Kigali and transfer to Gisenyi via Gitarama, Ngororero and karago. Check in at Mikeno lodge for dinner and overnight.
DAY - 2
Transfer to Goma/kibati ranger camp
Leave hotel in Gisenyi early morning and drive to Kibati ranger patrol camp where the trek starts from, get rangers and hire out porter (carrying 15kg maximum) start hike that takes 4-6 hours to the summit depending on one’s physical fitness. Accommodation basic shelters/Tents.Please note we provide sleeping Mats, bags & pillows, you need not to carry any but can have an extra blanket for you. Carry rain coats, cold weather gears, good hiking shoes, sticks knowing summit can dip below zero degrees.
DAY - 3
Visit the lava flow and volcano
Descend from Nyiragongo and if energy permits visit the lava flow and volcano observatory and sleep in Goma.
DAY - 4
Transfer to Bukavu via Kamembe border
Depart Goma town early morning to catch up with the ferry at Gesinyi that will get you to Kibuye and from here drive 130 kilometer to Kamembe border (Cyagungu) then to coco lodge.
DAY - 5
Trekking the lowland Gorillas
After breakfast, the lodge car shall get you to the tracking point, where you will be briefed by the park guides before leading you into the jungle to view the gorillas. Return and have another night at Coco lodge.
DAY - 6
Transfer back to Kigali
Transfer from Bukavu to Huye for your lunch and a visit to the museum before driving back to Kigali, dinner and overnight at Flame tree lodge
DAY - 7
Departure day
Free morning with an option of visiting the genocide memorial, have an early lunch and later transfer to the airport to catch up with the outward flight.