Mount Nyiragongo still closed for tourism.

To understand and answer the question of whether Mount Nyiragongo is still closed for tourism, we need to first talk about Mount Nyiragongo itself. Mountain Nyiragongo is an active stratovolcano located in the Virunga National Park. The mountain is part of the Virunga mountain range located in the western arm of the Rift Valley. This area stretches from Lake Edward shared by Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo to Lake Kivu on the border of Rwanda with Congo. The Virunga mountain ranges also include other mountains such as Mount Karisimbi at 4,507 meters, Mount Mikeno at 4,437 meters, Mount Muhabura at 4,127 meters, Mount Bisoke at 3,711 meters, Mount Sabyinyo at 3,611 meters, Mount Gahinga at 3,470 meters, Mount Nyiragongo at 3,470 meters, and Mount Nyamuragira at 3,058 meters.

Mount Nyiragongo is located in the Goma district of the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is not just a tourist site but also a geographical factor that has attracted several geographers across the world to study it.

The closure of Mount Nyiragongo in 2021.

So why was Mount Nyiragongo closed? Mount Nyiragongo is the world’s most active volcanic mountain. It was closed off for tourism after it erupted in 2021. Its eruption caused a humanitarian crisis, especially in the Goma district area after the flowing magma destroyed the town and led to the loss of lives.

The carbon emissions intoxicated the air around the mountain and many babies died from this factor. Mount Nyiragongo remains closed until to date and it is still unclear when it will be opened again for tourism. However, scientists and geographers are studying the mountain and they will give a clear date when it can be safe to open.

Mount Nyiragongo has a long history of active eruption numbering over 34 ranking it the most active volcano in the world. The mountain has a lava crater lake stretching approximately 2 kilometers. This is the biggest lava lake in the world. Hiking to the top of Mount Nyiragongo to spot this incredible site is truly breathtaking. There are streams of endless lava at the top of the mountain.

Hiking Mount Nyiragongo

Hiking to the top of Mount Nyiragongo is the best way to explore the mountain and have clear views of the lava lake at the crater. Hiking Mount Nyiragongo is quite challenging given its steep and rugged terrain that seems difficult even for the most experienced hikers. It can take approximately 4-6 hours depending on the physique of the hiker. Hiking Mount Nyiragongo takes the hikers through the different ecological systems on the mountain. It can also be done in 4 segments beginning with lower altitudes to high altitudes.

The hike to the top of Mount. Nyiragongo begins at the Kibati Ranger post where hikers arrange their gear and hire porters to carry their luggage if need be. Just like any other hiking adventure experience, hiking Mount Nyiragongo begins with a briefing. The lower altitude segment presents simple and manageable challenges like dense vegetation. The hike however takes a turn after a brief stop to hydrate on the second segment where the terrain is slippery with small volcanic rocks.

Hikers that may feel weak and unable to proceed usually stop on the lower altitude segment. The third segment of the hike presents a new challenge of steep altitude loose small rocks and very slippery volcanic rocks. These test your hiking gear to its quality and your physique to push you to the next challenge. As you approach the final segment of Mount Nyiragongo, the altitude changes to become very steep with very cold temperatures and winds blowing at high speeds. As you conquer Mount Nyiragongo’s final peak, you will be met by resting cabins at the top.

Due to Mount Nyiragongo’s altitude of about 3,470 meters above sea level, there are very high chances of rainfall. As the sun sets and dusk kicks in, you will be exposed to the incredible scenes of the beautiful lava lake at the crater at the top of Mount Nyiragongo. The boiling lava at the crater lit the horizon with bright colors and rumbling sounds filled the night.

Packing list for hiking Mount Nyiragongo

The hiking adventure experience of Mount Nyiragongo is fun but very challenging draining energy even from the most experienced hiker. Therefore, good hiking gear is required to take on this huge adventure experience. The following are some of the items to pack when embarking on a hiking experience of Mount Nyiragongo.

Hiking boots
Long-sleeved shirt
Insect repellent
Energy-giving snacks
Camera with extra batteries
First box
Rain jacket
A flashlight
Accessories like sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses
Waterproof trousers
A reusable water bottle, etc.

– Standard Safaris will be right back with updates whenever Mount. Nyiragongo opens again for tourism.

Sándor Jakubinyi

14:31 22 Feb 24

2019 megigazulás

12:45 21 Feb 24

We went on a two-week trip with my family, organised by Coleb from Standard Safaris.

I had my concerns about organised trips, but this one didn’t justify any of those. Everything went very smoothly, even when some problems arose with one of the cars it got fixed by next morning, the accomodations were clean and comfortable, the programs were exciting and well-balanced - everything was done to a truly high standard.

If you plan to visit Uganda and are looking for a guide, I warmly recommend Coleb and his team. In case you have a choice of drivers, go for Godwin, his presence made this trip even more enjoyable - cheerful, helpful, good sense of humour, generally a great person. Just look for the guy with a big smile and big heart:)

Bert Simoens

09:38 08 Jan 24

We recently embarked on a safari adventure with Standard Safaris in Uganda, which was truly exceptional. Our guide, Yonah, was outstanding - his kindness, knowledge, and discretion significantly enhanced our experience. He was the heart of our trip.

The local company's planning was offering a tailor-made journey that matched our interests. We saw an array of wildlife in Murchison, enjoyed rafting at Jinja, and experienced mountain biking at Sipi. A visit to Kidepo National Park was a highlight and comes highly recommended.

The vehicle provided was comfortable and reliable. We highly recommend Standard Safaris for anyone seeking an unforgettable safari in Uganda. Their professionalism and the exceptional guidance of staff like Yonah make them an great choice.

Michał Kostrzewa

00:41 15 Nov 23

We are all extremely grateful Standard Safaris for an incredible East Africa experience. I recently booked a custom trip for group of 8 people, including an 8-year-old boy, from Kampala through Queen Elizabeth National Park and on to Rwanda and Burundi. Coleb delivered on everything that was discussed and agreed upon beforehand.

The car provided was in great condition and our driver Meddy went above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable, informed, and had the best possible time. He was friendly, knowledgeable, and professional. All local services were inlcuded in (reasonable) price that we agreed, so there was no need to worry about payments during the 6 day trip. Also Standard Safaris agreed took care about safety and security by helping us organize armed ranger while in the park.

The whole trip was hassle-free and smooth. We saw amazing wildlife in Queen Elizabeth NP, took in the sights of Rwanda and Burundi, and made lifelong memories.

I would happily book with Standard Safaris again in a heartbeat and recommend them wholeheartedly to anyone looking for the best East Africa trip. They provide top-notch service while ensuring you have an incredible, customized experience. If you want a hassle-free, flawlessly organized African adventure, Standard Safaris is the tour operator to book with.

Ivan Nammanda

18:31 27 Oct 23

Very organized travel operator who chose awesome guide to make our trip wonderful.

We booked a nine days trip with Standard Safaris and all was perfect from start to finish. Coleb was very prompt at replying and easy to liaise with ahead of the trip. We had done a lot of research and had an itinerary in mind and Coleb helped us to put everything together to make this happen for a very reasonable price.  On the trip we had a private vehicle for the whole tour which was exactly what we wanted. Bryan was our driver and an amazing guide - really friendly and knowledgable, working hard to find the things that we wanted to see and quickly understanding what was of interest to us/how much information to give.

Would highly recommend a trip to Uganda with Standard Safaris. We are definitely coming back soon!

MUGAIGA KENNETH

18:01 27 Oct 23

The company has very courteous tour guides with wide knowledge of fauna and frola in the whole of East Africa.
The choice of safari Lodges is good with first class treatment.
Game drive security is assured.
Almost The whole of September I was traversing through DRC, Uganda,and Rwanda on a gorilla tour and wildlife expedition.
Everything was arranged and booked perfectly by Standard Safaris.
The owner, Coleb was always helpful whenever we needed to ask questions about this gorilla safari in Uganda and beyond.
It was a complex expedition but Standard safaris and Coleb made it look amazingly easy.
I’ll recommend Standard safaris 200%, for all gorilla safaris in Uganda, Rwanda and wildlife tours in east africa.

travel uganda

16:35 27 Oct 23

This is so far the best gorilla trekking company in Uganda, and africa, by far. I had a wonderful time with Standard Safaris as a solo traveler.
My guide was excellent and our safari planner, Coleb was quick with responses and the prices were very friendly.
I’ll definitely book with Standard safaris on my next gorilla tour in Rwanda and Uganda.