Hiking in Congo

Hiking happens in both Virunga national park is home to several volcanoes with the most famous hikes being Nyiragongo and Mikeno volcanoes. The park is mostly known for gorilla trekking safaris but is home to some of the best hiking experiences and beautiful scenery.

Nyiragongo which is an active volcano is by the far the most famous hiked mountain in Congo. It is also helped by the fact that it is a one night hike to the top where you are able to view the red hot crater with boiling lava and magma. You spend the first day hiking up the top with your porters, cook and ranger guides. Once you arrive, you set up for the night and proceed to view the crater in the dark which gives you an amazing view. After enjoying the view, you descent to your tent for overnight. Part of hiking Nyiragongo is challenging because of the loose lava rocks, slippery stones and the steep nature of the volcano which comes with coldness because of the high altitude.

Mikeno volcano is also located in Virunga national park just but unlike Nyiragongo, Mikeno is a dormant volcano. You will need to purchase hiking permits from the park before you embark on this trip.. You will then be advised on the time and be allocated rangers and porters to walk with on your trip. The rangers are paid by the park but you will need to pay the porters directly. They will help in carrying some of your luggage and cooking while at the mountain.

Kahuzi-biege national park is home to Mt Kahuzi and Mt Biege and each has hiking trails. Hiking to Mt Kahuzi is a day trip, the ascent takes about 4 hours depending on experience and 3 hours to descend. Enjoy the different vegetation types and on a good day a number of primates can be seen as you hike. Mt Biege is a shorter trail compared to Mt Kahuzi equally offering you great experience and views of Congo.