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Our Tour Experts Lava Lake
Look down at the world’s largest lava lake from the crater rim.
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Our Team Steppes Travel is made by the people who work here. Incredible holidays are made possible because of their vast travel experience and the great enthusiasm they bring to their work.
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Our Tour Experts We carefully select our experts based on their knowledge, companionship and influence, ensuring that you can travel with the most knowledgeable leaders in the field.
Democratic Republic of Congo
Virunga Volcano Climb in the D.R.C
Climb Mount Nyiragongo, a volcano in Virunga National Park in eastern DRC. Spending a night on its peak, ascend to the rim of the crater and look down at the world’s largest lava lake – found within a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Key Highlights of this Itinerary
1
2Volcano Climb
Climb the almost perfectly conical Nyiragongo volcano – often topped with cloud.
3Sunrise on the Summit
Watch the sunrise over the magnificent volcanic landscape of Virunga National Park.
4Tchegera Island
Spend a night on a beautiful sunken caldera, surrounded by Lake Kivu
Why we like it
This journey offers the chance to get close to a phenomenal natural wonder – the vast lava lake atop Nyiragongo. Accommodation on the volcano is basic and the climb challenging, but the views are incomparable. Every step up to the 3,470-metre-high peak is justified by the sight that greets you at the top.
Explore our suggested itinerary
- Day 1Kigali - Gisenyi - Tchegera Island
- Day 2Tchegera Island - Nyiragongo
- Day 3Nyiragongo - Gisenyi - Kigali
Sunken Caldera
Begin with a night at Tchegera Island, which sits in the vast Lake Kivu. This idyllic camp is spread along the ridge of a collapsed volcanic caldera – the perfect starting point for the trip. Isolated and tranquil, this camp looks out over the calm waters of the lake. As night sets, the sky begins to glow with an orange hue from the nearby volcanoes.
Volcano Ascent
Leave the watery landscape of Tchegera Island behind for the forested slopes of Nyiragongo. Begin in the morning, climbing slowly upwards towards the summit camp. Pass the through the lush vegetation that coats the lower levels, before continuing on to the sparser, higher slopes. These – devoid of trees and bushes – offer a beautifully harsh landscape that culminates with the magnificent volcanic peak.
Lava Lake
The views over the Virunga National Park are stunning and the forested savannah below spreads far into the distance. However, the greatest views are down into the volcano itself. As night sets, head to the crater rim and look down at the vast lava lake – alive with swirling molten rock. Watch as smoke pours forth from the heart of the volcano and as the lava glows, splutters and hisses. In the dark, the views are particularly spectacular – thoroughly justifying the tiring climb.
A note on price
Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchased through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.
This Itinerary
Price
From $1,397 Per person
When to travel
Democratic Republic of Congo in January
January and February is the short dry season, so it is a good time to visit. It is hot, so if you are planning to climb Nyiragongo it will be slightly less cold on the top. However be prepared for rain at any time of year though, as the DRC has a tropical climate.
Democratic Republic of Congo in February
January and February is the short dry season, so it is a good time to visit. It is hot, so if you are planning to climb Nyiragongo it will be slightly less cold on the top. However be prepared for rain at any time of year though, as the DRC has a tropical climate.
Democratic Republic of Congo in March
March to May is the short rainy season, so you’ll definitely need to bring a raincoat if you plan to travel at this time. It is the quietest time of year though, so you can have your pick of the best accommodation.
Democratic Republic of Congo in April
March to May is the short rainy season, so you’ll definitely need to bring a raincoat if you plan to travel at this time. It is the quietest time of year though, so you can have your pick of the best accommodation.
Democratic Republic of Congo in May
March to May is the short rainy season, so you’ll definitely need to bring a raincoat if you plan to travel at this time. It is the quietest time of year though, so you can have your pick of the best accommodation.
Democratic Republic of Congo in June
June to September is definitely the driest time of year to explore Virunga and Nyiragongo. It will be cooler and less humid, so easier for trekking. However, you will need all your layers on the top of Nyiragongo. The most popular time to travel so is prepared to book in advance to secure the best accommodation.
Democratic Republic of Congo in July
June to September is definitely the driest time of year to explore Virunga and Nyiragongo. It will be cooler and less humid, so easier for trekking. However, you will need all your layers on the top of Nyiragongo. The most popular time to travel, so be prepared to book in advance to secure the best accommodation.
Democratic Republic of Congo in August
June to September is definitely the driest time of year to explore Virunga and Nyiragongo. It will be cooler and less humid, so easier for trekking. However, you will need all your layers on the top of Nyiragongo. The most popular time to travel, so be prepared to book in advance to secure the best accommodation.
Democratic Republic of Congo in September
June to September is definitely the driest time of year to explore Virunga and Nyiragongo. It will be cooler and less humid, so easier for trekking. However, you will need all your layers on the top of Nyiragongo. The most popular time to travel, so be prepared to book in advance to secure the best accommodation.
Democratic Republic of Congo in October
October to December is the long rainy season. November is the wettest month, so if you do plan to travel at this time you’ll need to be well prepared with all-weather gear. However, accommodation is easier to come by and you may be able to save money on gorilla permits and hotels.
Democratic Republic of Congo in November
October to December is the long rainy season. November is the wettest month, so if you do plan to travel at this time you’ll need to be well prepared with all-weather gear. However, accommodation is easier to come by and you may be able to save money on gorilla permits and hotels.
Democratic Republic of Congo in December
October to December is the long rainy season. November is the wettest month, so if you do plan to travel at this time you’ll need to be well prepared with all-weather gear. However, accommodation is easier to come by and you may be able to save money on gorilla permits and hotels.
Holiday Inspiration
Our experts have created and curated these tailor-made holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something that is the spark for your unique adventure.
Why Choose Steppes?
Our knowledge and expertise sets us apart. So too our curiosity. A curiosity of the world and of you, and your passions. It is this that drives us to create a journey that is really bespoke to you.
Are you ready to discover extraordinary?
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