"I had a wonderful trip - thoroughly enjoyed it!" (Jay Ramji)

Nyiragongo's lava lake

Silver back and female mountain gorilla in Virunga National Park
Nyiragongo Lava Lake & Mountain Gorillas
8-days expedition to Nyiragongo volcano & mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park
Tour type
Volcano expedition: adventure - photography - wildlife
Difficulty
Moderate to Challenging
Duration
8 days / 7 nights
no scheduled dates at present
An adventurous trip to The Virunga National Park, DR Congo with a special deal to spend 2 NIGHTS on the crater rim of Nyiragongo volcano (normally, only one is allowed!)! In addition, the lava lake has been particular active with frequent, dramatic overflows lately, so it's a great time to visit!
The heart of this adventurous expedition is two nights camping on the rim of the giant summit caldera of Nyiragongo volcano, above its violently active lava lake which is the word´s largest!
Second highlight is a trek through dense rainforest to observe a family of mountain gorillas, endangered primates which found a safe heaven in Virunga National Park.
The itinerary furthermore includes a visit of the volcano observatory and Goma city, where life goes on from the ashes of the destruction caused by Nyiragongo´s 2002 eruption, and beautiful and varied scenery during the drives through western Rwanda and to the start of the volcano hike and gorilla tracking.
An excellent local guide who gladly provides insight into the regions history and local culture, the company of a Goma observatory volcanologist during the time spent on Nyiragongo, friendly people, good accommodation and tasty food make this trip complete!
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- The world´s largest and most active lava lake
- 2 days/nights camping on the volcano summit
- Trekking through rainforest and mountain moorlands
- Summit stay around full moon for photography purposes
- Virunga - Africa´s oldest national park
- Chance to spend time up close with the mountain gorillas
- Scenic drives across western Rwanda
- Private 4WD transfers and camping cook
- Insight into Rwandese and Congolese history and culture
8 days itinerary (2 nights on Nyiragongo)
Note:
If you are not interested in the unique opportunity to visiting the mountain gorillas, you can shorten the itinerary by 3 days and plan arriving in Goma on Day 4. A part of the tour cost can then be refunded to you.
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali (Rwanda)
Pick up from Kigali airport and transfer to a good hotel. Depending on your arrival time you can visit the city center. In the evening the group meets for a welcome dinner at the hotel.
Day 2: From Kigali (Rwanda) to Goma (DR Congo)
Transfer in private 4WD minibus through the beautiful landscape of western Rwanda to the Congolese border. In the afternoon we cross into the DR Congo and arrive at our accommodation in Goma which is at the shore of Lake Kivu.
Day 3: Transfer to Kibumba camp
Meet the Virunga Nat. Park officer and transfer to Kibumba camp.
Day 4: Mountain gorilla tracking in Virunga National Park
Morning transfer to the base of Mikeno volcano from where the trek through rain-forest to track down the mountain gorillas starts. In a small group, you will have one hour with a specific gorilla family before returning to the camp.
Day 5: Climb to the summit of Nyiragongo volcano
Hike to the summit caldera of Nyiragongo volcano (5-6 hours, about 7 km distance and ca 1400 m elevation) along a well established trail through rainforest and across the 2002 lava flows. Virunga National Park daily organises the volcano´s climb in one group, starting around 10 am in the morning and arriving at the campsite just below the crater rim in the afternoon. Evening and nighttime are free for observation of the volcano´s active lava lake.
Day 6: Full day at Nyiragongo's summit
From dawn to dusk, this entire first day on Nyiragongo´s summit is dedicated to discover the volcanic activity of the lava lake and explore the structure and volcanic phenomena of the surrounding caldera.
Day 7: Descend from Nyiragongo - Goma Volcano Observatory
Morning descend from Nyiragongo´s summit back to the Kibati patrol post and transfer back to the hotel in Goma for a welcome shower and lunch. Afternoon visit of the Goma Volcano Observatory and optional walk around the town.
Day 8: Return to Kigali, departure (or own extension)
Morning transfer back to Kigali, goodbye lunch and drop-off at the airport for your afternoon/evening return flight(s) or start of your travel extension in Rwanda.
Tour guide
Sam will be your main tour guide and driver throughout your travels in Rwanda and the DR Congo. He was born from Rwandese parents when they were in a refugee camp in Uganda and returned with them as a young man to settle in Kigali. Throughout the past few decades he traveled extensively throughout Rwanda, Uganda, Eastern Congo and Burundi and guided countless tours in this region. Being fluent in 5 languages (English, French and 3 local languages) and having a great interest in local history, culture, fauna and flora he is an excellent tour guide with lots of experience traveling to the DR Congo and hiking up Nyiragongo volcano. His good spirits, humour, practical mind and willingness to help will surely contribute to good memories of an unforgettable expedition!
As Sam is not a geologist, there will be a volcanologist from Goma Volcano Observatory accomopanying the group throughout the time spend on Nyiragongo to explain any volcanic phenomena or deposits and provide more insight into the history and activity of Nyiragongo and the wider volcanic region with Lake Kivu. If the group size is larger than 6 participants, there will also be a VolcanoDiscovery co-guide and volcanologist joining in the expedition.
Additionally, there is a park ranger assuring extra safety during each activity within Virunga National Park (Nyiragongo hike, summit camping and descent & mountain gorilla tracking).

Samuel Gasana, your main guide and driver during the Nyiragongo lava lake and mountain gorillas expedition

Marcellin Kasereka, volcanologist at the Goma Volcano Observatory, showing a large lava bomb along the way to the volcano´s summit
Physical requirements
The climb up to Nyiragongo´s summit is strenuous and takes about 5-6 hours (1400m total altitude gain from ca 2000 masl to around 3400 masl and about 7 km distance) and starting in hot conditions, but the path is relatively easy and not excessively steep. The most challenging part of the descent from Nyiragongo´s summit are the first 200 m on the steep upper slopes which can be wet and slippery. Tracking the mountain gorillas may involve 3 up to 7 hours of moderate trekking across the Congolese farmlands and through rain forest.
Prices for tours at custom dates on request
Included:
- Accommodation in double rooms with private bathrooms or tents
- Full board (B, L, D) from dinner on first day to lunch on last day, including 1 non alcoholic drink per meal
- Drinking water in the car, on the volcano and during the gorillas tracking
- Private transport in 4WD safari vans with driver during the whole tour
- 1 porter on Nyiragongo for personnal luggage
- Cook and assistants for Nyiragongo camping
- All camping equipment (except personal sleeping bag)
- Experienced English-speaking guide
- Volcanologist guide from Goma Volcano Observatory
- 2 Virunga National Park permits for Nyiragongo (600 USD)
- 1 Virunga National Park permit for mountain gorilla tracking (400 USD)
Not included:
- Flight to and from Kigali, Rwanda
- Single room in hotels / tent supplement (Single accommodation on the Nyirogongo crater is provided due to the availability and is not guaranteed. Usually accommodation is provided in twin huts)
- Extra and alcoholic drinks
- Visa fees (125 USD for DRC visa and 30*3 for Rwanda visa)
- Tips for the main guide/driver, cook, Goma volcanologist, porters, ...
- Personal expenses for souvenirs etc
Discounts:
Returning customers receive 5% (or 8% - if you have been on at least 3 trips with us) discount on the base tour price.
Group booking discount: If at least 4 people together book this trip, 5% (additional) discount is given, combineable to a maximum of 10%.
Add-ons:
- Extra night in hotel in Kigali: 150 USD for a twin or double room / 115 USD for a single room
'You have been great throughout the entire process with regard to communication and updates'
"Dear Ingrid,
Again, thank you for all your efforts, but I have decided to withdraw from the entire trip and accept the full refund. You have been exceptionally helpful and diligent with your communications. I hope to make a journey with VolcanoAdventures in the future."
- Barbara O. (USA) regarding the cancellation of her Nyiragongo lava lake and mountain gorillas'expedition from 24 June to 1 July 2018 due to closure of Virunga NP.
parfaite organisation de ce magnifique et extraordinaire voyage
"Chère Madame,
De retour en suisse, j'aimerai vous remercier pour la parfaite organisation de ce magnifique et extraordinaire voyage qui s'est parfaitement déroulé et dont nous garderons des souvenir inoubliables.
Encore un grand merci
Bien à vous"
- François T. (CH) about his private customised Nyiragongo lava lake and mountain gorillas expedition in May 2018)
The organisation throughout was brilliant, in an area where its anything but straightforward.

At the end of January 2018 the southern hornito was active again, creating a lava flow that fed the lava lake (image: Mike W)

Observing and photographing the lava lake at night (image: Mike W)
"Hi Ingrid,
I just wanted to thank you for a really great week last week. The lava lake was incredible - particularly at night, and while I hadn't been that fussed about seeing the mountain gorillas, they were pretty amazing so close-up and a real highlight.
Sam was outstanding throughout - he certainly had to put up with some slightly trickier times with his guests than I think he should have - but he kept an amazing sense of humour throughout and honestly did far more than anyone could reasonably have asked of him. Without doubt he's the best guide I've ever had on any trip and I learnt a huge amount about Rwanda from him.
The organisation throughout was brilliant, in an area where its anything but straightforward.
Thanks for giving me my first opportunity (definitely not my last) to see lava (and to hear it - particularly at night, which I thought was amazing!).
Can't wait to travel with you - and hopefully meet you in person - in the future."
- Mike W. (UK) about his Nyiragongo lava lake and mountain gorillas expedition in January 2018)
Nothing to complaint or suggest - just a big thank you!!!
"Dear Ingrid,
this was a very nice tour, which i enjoyed very much. Nothing to complaint or suggest - just a big thank you!!!
Preparation and info in advance by you (incl. very quick and useful answer of any question) and your team was perfect. Driving and management in Ruanda and Congo was excellent thanks to Samuel. Food was excellent too - also the one cooked at Nyirangongo.
We were lucky with the weather and got dry up and down Nyiragongo as well as to the Gorillas and back. The views from the crater edge down to the magma lake were magnificent during all 3 evenings spent up there. And watching the gorillas was also very spectacular.
Best Regards"
- Tobias F. (Germany) about his Nyiragongo lava lake and mountain gorillas expedition in January 2018)
The local staff were fantastic!
"Ingrid,
the local staff were fantastic. Sam - our main guide - was very reliable & handling local problems. The cook was excellent. The porters were very helpful when they saw people in trouble especially coming down Nyiragongo."
- Alan R. (UK) about his Nyiragongo lava lake and mountain gorillas expedition in January 2018)
I had a wonderful trip (thoroughly enjoyed it)

View across Nyiragongo´s summit caldera (image: Jay Ramji)

The glowing, bubbling lava lake around sunset (image: Jay Ramji)

Portrait of a mountain gorilla (image: Jay Ramji)
"Hello Ingrid, Tom,
Here is my feedback on the recent trip to DRC. ... I had a wonderful trip (thoroughly enjoyed it). Nyiragongo volcano was spectacular. Although you could see the side vent smoking away, there is no longer a lava fountain running into the main crater. At times there was high activity but you could also see the level of lava going down and then coming up again. Sometimes there was too much cloud/fog to see the crater but then it would clear and it was great to be able to see it in different light conditions. The volcano was a hard climb (~2000m altitude gain in one go is quite a lot), but not too bad. ...the climb down was much harder (due to steep slippery slopes covered in moss), ...
Seeing the gorillas was also wonderful and am glad of having had the opportunity to do so.
- Jay Ramji (UK) about his June 2016 Nyiragongo lava lake and mountain gorillas expedition
A truly enjoyable experience

The Volcano-Adventures group at the summit of Nyiragongo volcano in July 2016 (photo by Fadi A.)
"Dear Friends,
Please find below the link to the photos i took during our recent volcano adventure, which I would like to share.
It was a truly enjoyable experience, I am very grateful to all those who participated and facilitated the organization of this trip. Thanks—"
- Fadi A. (Jordan) about his Nyiragongo lava lake and mountain gorillas expedition in July 2016)
Trip was incredible!

Lava fountains of ca 150 m height from the 2011-2012 active flank vent eruption of Nyamuragira volcano, DR Congo
The trip was incredible and – this (extra excursion to erupting Nyamuragira) was most definitely a highlight. We were incredibly lucky – our viewpoint was better than when the eruption first started due to the orientation of the new cone..."
- Lorraine F (UK) about her January 2012 Nyiragongo Lava Lake & Mountain Gorillas expedition
to which an excursion to Nyamuragira was added as the volcano as then in an intensely active phase.
"Hallo Tom,
...Ich bin Dir noch ein Feedback vom Nyiragongo schuldig:
Die Reise war super! Trotz nicht ganz Trockenzeit-konformer Witterung am Vulkan war die Sicht auf den Lavasee, der recht aktiv war, mehrmals sehr gut. Die Gorillas konnten wir aus geringer Distanz beobachten, und bei guter Witterung. In der Gruppe verstanden wir uns bestens (war ja auch nur eine Miniaturgruppe), und Sam hat uns bestens betreut. Auch der anschliessende Besuch im Akagera Nationalpark, auf dem mich Camilla Walter begleitet hat, war lohnenswert."
-Markus H. (Schweiz) zur seiner Sommer 2011 Nyiragongo Vulkanexpedition)