There are twelve simple, rustic shelters at the summit of the Nyiragongo. Each of the shelters contain two single mattresses on which visitors can put their sleeping bags on. Although these shelters aren’t plush, they offer a welcome escape from the elements. The cost of staying in a summit shelter is included in the permit fee.
Make sure you bring warm clothes as it gets very chilly at night! Temperatures at the summit are routinely below freezing. Although most people arrive at the summit sweating from the steep climb, this sense of warmth quickly gives way to cold. A complete change of base layers is a must. Failure to bring proper gear will lead to hypothermia. Please do not endanger yourself and others by coming unprepared for these conditions.
From the summit shelters the rim is only a few meters away. The Nyiragongo summit has spectacular views. From the rim, you can peer down into a churning lava lake as well as see and hear hot gases exploding up though a mosaic of molten lava.
Nyiragongo Hike
The hike up Nyiragongo will take between 4 - 6 hours depending on the fitness of the group you are climbing with. The first quarter is a gentle incline up the foot of the mountain and goes through high canopy forest. This is an easy section and good pace can be made if wanted.
The second quarter starts at the old lava flows, the incline increases and climbing gets tougher. You are more exposed to the elements as vegetation is limited in this area. You will be nicely out of breath while making your way up this section.
The third quarter takes you through a beautiful patch of African Alpine Forest, with short lychen bearded trees along the way and a steep ascend through roots and mud, this section can be challenging on tired legs especially when tired.
The last quarter is the toughest, it goes up at an angle of 40 degrees of screed and rock, Lobelias and other high altitude plants make way for bare rock the closer you get to the craters edge. Fortunately at this point you will be able to see the shelters, so the end is in sight and once you make it to the rim, you will be welcomed by the warm glow of lava and the sight of the lava lake will make you forget your tired legs!
