Climb Mount Nyiragongo, one of only a handful of volcanoes in the world with a glowing lava pool in the crater cone. Based out of your hotel on the shore of Lake Kivu in Gisenyi, Rwanda (connected to Goma on the Congo side), you will set off on a five hour hike through the lower forest and up to the crater mouth. Camp overnight with a spectacular view of the Virunga mountains, wide open African starry skies, and the glowing lave in the volcano's cone below. Return down the mountain (3-4 hrs) the next day, and visit the town of Goma to see the remarkable lava flow that swept right through the center of town. Meet the resident Volcanologists at the Goma museum, and see how they monitor the mountains in this hot spot in the great Rift Valley.

After being dormant for decades, Mount Nyiragongo erupted on January 17, 2002, after several months of increased seismic and fumarolic activity. A 13 km fissure opened in the south flank of the volcano, spreading in a few hours from 2800 m to 1550 m elevation, reaching the outskirts of the city of Goma the provincial capital on the northern shore of Lake Kivu. Lava flowed in a stream 200 to 1000 m wide and up to 2 m deep through Goma. Warnings had been given and 400,000 people were evacuated from the city across the Rwandan border into neighbouring Gisenyi during the eruption. Lava covered the northern end of the runway at Goma International Airport, leaving the southern two-thirds usable, and reached Lake Kivu. At least 15% of Goma comprising 4,500 buildings were destroyed, leaving about 120,000 people homeless. The eruption was the most destructive effusive eruption in modern history.

This is a true expedition trip in an emerging country. There is a likelihood of park closures, border delays, or other unexpected challenges. Your in-country expert guide will be there to help navigate through these hurdles. Includes a local expert guide, private 4x4 Land Cruiser, meals as indicated.

You must obtain a DRC visa PRIOR to arrival.

Option to add on a 6-Day Mountain & Lowland Gorilla tour, to see two related families of gorillas in both Virunga Park as well as Kahuzi-Biega Park near the southern end of Lake Kivu.

Mount Nyiragongo is a stratovolcano in the Virunga Mountains associated with the Great Rift Valley. It is located inside Virunga National Park, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, about 20 km north of the town of Goma and Lake Kivu and just west of the border with Rwanda. The main crater is about two km wide and usually contains a lava lake. The crater presently has two distinct cooled lava benches within the crater walls - one at about 3175m (10,400 ft) and a lower one at about 2975 m (9800 ft). Nyiragongo and nearby Nyamuragira are together responsible for 40% of Africa's historical volcanic eruptions.

The day starts early. Have breakfast and check out prior to 8am. Cross the border into Congo (you should purchase your DRC visa prior to arrival), and drive through Goma town to the super market to purchase food for the climb. Depart 9am for Kibati Village, the gate of the mountain, where the climb starts.

Meet your porters and cook. Climb starts around 10-11am. The climb up to the Nyiragongo summit is strenuous and takes about 4-5 hours in often hot conditions. The lower section is overgrown forest and bushes and a shell and gaiters will keep your clothes from becoming soaked. The middle section up the flank of the mountain is through low growth and is well marked on smooth lava flows. The final ascent is steep but well defined. There is no climbing or slipper scree, but a high degree of fitness is required. Arrive at the top late in the afternoon at around 4-5pm. The views into the lava lake are spectacular, especially in the evening.

(Equipment required: Walking boots, day-pack, lightweight clothing for the hike, fleece/pants for evening on the crater rim, hat, sun glasses, bottled water/snacks. Optional; sleeping bag/mat. Included in price; park entrance fees, porters, tent, used sleeping bag, meals and drinks, skilled guide)

Rough camp with tents and sleeping bags in a safe location near the crater rim of Mount Nyiragongo, with spectacular views of the red glowing molten lava pool deep below.

Overnight at Crater Rim Camp.

After breakfast at 7am, there is an opportunity for pictures and a further exploration of the crater rim. Return back down the mountain (3-4 hours) to Kibati village.

Meet up with your vehicle and driver, pack up the hiking equipment and return to Goma/Gisenyi.

Enjoy a short city tour of Goma town. In 2002 Goma was destroyed by lava from the Nyiragongo volcano which flowed straight through the middle of the city and buried most of the streets, particularly the town centre. Since then, Goma has been a city under constant construction. The post-eruption scene is eerily intimate, only a few years ago. You can still see homes and buildings where the river of lava flowed in and cooled. Visit the Volcano Information Center and speak with the resident volcanologists. You can also tour a vibrant city market and have opportunity to purchase souvenirs.

Lake Kivu Serena Hotel is located in the Rwandan resort town of Gisenyi, on the shores of Lake Kivu, the sixth largest lake in Africa. The hotel is ideally situated on a sandy beach, with the nearby Virunga Volcanoes providing a spectacular backdrop on one side and a panoramic view of the lake on the other. Accommodation comprises of 66 air-conditioned rooms, including 6 luxury suites, 23 family rooms and one room especially equipped for disabled guests. The restaurant offers a stunning view of the lake as you have breakfast, lunch or dinner. Lake Kivu Serena Hotel offers business facilities including a boardroom and three conference rooms available for business meetings, cocktails and banquets. The hotel also has a gym, outdoor swimming pool and two tennis courts.

Overnight at Lake Kivu Serena.