Lava Lake
Look down at the world’s largest lava lake from the crater rim.
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.
Look down at the world’s largest lava lake from the crater rim.
Climb the almost perfectly conical Nyiragongo volcano – often topped with cloud.
Watch the sunrise over the magnificent volcanic landscape of Virunga National Park.
Spend a night on a beautiful sunken caldera, surrounded by Lake Kivu
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.
Day 1
Kigali - Gisenyi - Tchegera Island
Day 2
Tchegera Island - Nyiragongo
Day 3
Nyiragongo - Gisenyi - Kigali
Day 1
Kigali - Gisenyi - Tchegera Island
Spend a night on a beautiful sunken caldera, surrounded by Lake Kivu.
Day 2
Tchegera Island - Nyiragongo
Climb the almost perfectly conical Nyiragongo volcano – often topped with cloud.
Day 3
Nyiragongo - Gisenyi - Kigali
Look down at the world’s largest lava lake from the crater rim.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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