Hiking safaris in Congo are among the amazing experience you will never forget in your life most especially when you hike the active volcanoes in the entire world.  DR Congo located in the central part of Africa is the best place for hiking safaris. You can go hiking in DR Congo on mountains like Mount Nyiragongo, Mount Muhabura, Mount Mikeno, Mount Gahinga, Mount Sabyinyo, Mount Nyamuragira, Mount Kahuzi, and Mount Biega.  Mountain hiking in Virunga national park can give you an opportunity to see endangered mountain gorillas that inhabit in the thick forests on the slopes of Virunga volcanoes alongside other wild animals such as chimpanzees, hippos, warthogs, pelicans, okapis, and antelopes. Hiking from Kahuzi Biega national park gives you a chance of meeting eastern lowland gorillas which inhabit only in this place in the entire DR Congo

East African mountain hiking is a great choice since you will have various options to choose from. You can hike various mountains such as Mount Bisoke, Mount Sabinyo, Mount Karisimbi, in Rwanda then Muhabura, Mountain Rwenzori, Mount Elgon in Uganda.

Hiking And Mountain Climbing Adventures In Congo

Hiking in DR Congo can be done in so many places but the most hiked mountains are mountain Nyiragongo and mountain Mikeno. All these mountains are in Virunga national park which is famous for gorilla trekking.

Mountain Nyiragongo

Mountain Nyiragongo is the most active volcano in the whole world and the most famously hiked in DR Congo. The last eruption on mountain Nyiragongo happened in May 2021. At the summit of mountain Nyiragongo is a red hot crater with boiling lava and magma believed to be the largest in the whole world. Hiking mountain Nyiragongo takes on one day to reach the summit but the whole process begins with a briefing at the park headquarters where you are taught about the rules and regulations of hiking.

After the briefing, the hikers gather at the starting point together with the porters, cooks, and the ranger guide to lead them to the summit of the mountain. During the hiking there are opportunities of seeing some of the parks such as elephants, lions, warthogs, pelicans, gorillas, and okapis among others, you will also see different bird species as well as plant species. once you arrive at the summit of Nyiragongo you will have clear views of the crater lake, surrounding mountains, the park, and the community.

How much is hiking mount Nyiragongo

Nyiragongo hiking permits can be obtained from Virunga national park or through any registered tour operator like Africa Adventure vacations at a fee of $300.

Mountain Mikeno

Mountain Mikeno is situated right inside Virunga national park in the eastern part of DR Congo. Mountain Mikeno is a dormant volcano but hiking it is worth it with stunning views of the surrounding park, communities, and the mountains. Hiking mountain Mikeno starts with a briefing at Bukima patrol post after which the hikers are led by ranger guides to the summit of the mountain which takes 5-6 hours. During the hiking, you have opportunities of meeting animals such as baboons and monkeys, different plant and bird species.

Mount Kahuzi and Biega

Mountain Kahuzi and Biega are both found in Kahuzi Biega national park which is famous for hosting eastern lowland gorillas. Hiking these mountains takes only one day with 4 hours of ascending and 3 hours descending. At the summit of mountain Kahuzi gives you rewarding views of Bukavu town and lake Kivu. During the hiking, you will enjoy different animal types, birds, and different vegetation types.

Mountain Rwenzori

Rwenzori Mountain Hiking safaris is carried out on several days and it all depends on the summit you want to reach or the days you have for the hike. Mountain Rwenzori is 16,700ft and is a block mountain located in Western Uganda and is shared by DRC. Mountain Margherita is the highest peak for these mountain ranges.  UNESCO says that Mount Rwenzori is the highest and permanent source of river Nile since it has got strong water catchments with various waterfalls in the region. The mountain is known as the mountain of the moon and was called so by Ptolemy a Greek explorer in the AD 150. This explorer was in search for the source of river Nile. The climate and vegetation make the place a wonderful area to visit. The mountain is known as the 3^rd highest point after Kilimanjaro hence you can visit this place if you are looking for a hiking challenge to Kilimanjaro. The hike may last for 7-8 days. Therefore, be ready for the long hike after making good preparations for this one.

What to pack for mountain hiking safaris in Congo?

When planning to hike the Congo mountains you should pack a rain jacket, good waterproof hiking shoes, warm clothes, sleeping bag, enough drinking water, a hat, sunscreen, camera, binoculars, backpack, porter, walking stick, torch, a power back, face mask and sanitizer.

What is the best time to do Congo hiking safaris?

The best time to hike the Congo mountains is during the dry season of June to September and December to January. During this season you can easily locate mountain gorillas and there are higher chances of little or no rainfall meaning that the trails are not muddy and slippery.