What to pack for Nyiragongo volcano hike? The Nyiragongo is one of the largest active volcanoes in the whole world with a caldera summit having a diameter of 1.2km with steep sided walls which makes it the largest active lava lake in the entire world. Nyiragongo volcano today stands on a height of 3470 meters above sea level and has seen a number of volcano actions that have caused the follow of lava downhill to the neighboring settlements such as Goma located on the foothills. Nyiragongo today is known to be among the deadliest and most dangerous volcanoes in the whole world.

Packing list for Nyiragongo hike safaris

The following a necessary Items to pack for hiking safaris in DR Congo ;

A rain jacket: The rain jacket should be light. The rain jacket will provide you with best option against rain.

Suitable hiking boots: The hiking shoes should have rubber soles, water proof comfortable and should be able to keep your feet warm. The hiking shoes should be able to protect your feet and uncles on the rocks during hiking.

Warm clothes and sleeping bag: The higher you go on a mountain the cooler it becomes so you must be prepared in the best possible way. Go with warm clothes to keep your body warm and protect you from freezing cold at the top of the mountain. You need a sweater, long sleeved clothes, rain resistant pants, warm stocks and jacket.

Packed lunch and water: You need to take enough drinking water to keep you hydrated because mountain hiking can leave you thirsty. The food is for taking you when you get hungry.

Hat and sunscreen: These will help you in case of heavy rain during hot season.

Cameras and binoculars: You can’t attempt to go to such a great experience without a good camera to take good photos and record videos to show your friends and family your time at the volcano. Witnessing a live volcano is a once in a life time experience. You need to take good photos to go show your friends and family. Binoculars will help you in spotting beautiful scenery particularly while descending down the mountain.

Back pack: This is where you keep all your gadgets such as iPads, camera, laptops, phones, binoculars and much more. The backpack must be waterproof.

Portable power bank: This will help in charging your iPad, cameras and phones while in your cabin at the summit

A flash light: At the top summit there is no electricity. The power comes from solar but unfortunately it has never been there. You will need a torch to light your beddings, kitchen and the bathrooms.

Important information about climbing mountain Nyiragongo

Besides knowing what to pack for mount Nyiragongo volcano hike, you need to understand relevant information and travel tips about the destination

Best time to hike mount Nyiragongo volcano

Hiking Mountain Nyiragongo can be done any time of the year but the dry season is the most preferred. The dry season happens in the months of June, July, August and September and also December to February. During dry season, the trails are dry and the sky is clear so you can take best pictures and record moments while in rainy season the trails tend to be more slippery and difficult for hikers.

Mental preparedness

This also another key reason beings it’s not all about being fit. You must be determined to finish the hike despite all the challenges you may face. One cam prepare the mind and the body before the hike by going for small hikes on hills around their homes.

Be in good shape

Hiking mountain Nyiragongo is difficult and needs on to be physically fit. The mountain is steeper while ascending and climbing down has its own challenges as the knees and ankles pain because of pressure.

A yellow fever vaccination card

This is one of the requirements need to cross the border of DR Congo. You will need to submit your passport and a yellow fever vaccination card. Without these you won’t be allowed to enter DR Congo.

Hiking sticks

A hiking stick helps in keeping balance as you climb up and down the mountain while reliving the knees from greater strain. Climbing sticks are sold at the beginning point.

Keep your variables safe

You should keep monitoring your valuables such as cameras, money, laptops and phones while at the cabins with fellow hikers.

Hiking mountain Nyiragongo can be combined with mountain gorilla trekking in Virunga national park for a memorable safari experience in Africa. If you are interesting in combining these two activities, contact us at Africa Adventure Vacations for more information to help you in planning your safari accordingly.