Wondering about the best time to climb the Nyiragongo Mountains in the Virunga Massif? The Nyiragongo Volcano hike can be done at any time of the year. However, the dry season is regarded as the best time for visitors on Nyiragongo hiking tour to hike the top of the active volcano in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The dry months begin in June, July, August, September, early October and this is considered the long dry season and the second phase is short and it occurs in December, January, February.
During the dry season, the area is kept drier because there is low or no rain thus making it ideal for hikers to smoothly hike to the summits of Nyiragongo Volcano. The advantage with hiking to Nyiragongo Mountain is that the slopes are not slippery. However, rains are unpredictable in this area and you should expect it rain at anytime of the day that is why you need to be prepared and have your rain jacket ready.
The wet or rainy months are characterized by plenty of rainfall and some sun heat. Because Nyiragongo Volcano is found within the tropical rain-forest, hiking through it during the wet or rainy season is so challenging because the trails can be slippery. The wet or rainy months start in March, April, May and October, November.
Also starting December, January, February to Mid-March, as well as Mid-June, July, August, September Nyiragongo Volcano area is never cold like it a case with the rainy months of the year. The skies are clear offering breathtaking views of the glowing Lava Lake while you are on Nyiragongo Volcano summits and also opportunity for hikers to capture the best pictures. Most hikers however, prefer hiking through Nyiragongo Mountain in the months of December and January.
Mount Nyiragongo is one of the few active volcanoes on planet earth and it sits within the Virunga National Park, Eastern side of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This volcano is 20 kilometers North of Goma Town and Lake Kivu, close to Rwanda border. It features a 1.2 diameter summit caldera comprising of a vast Lava Lake. This active stratovolcano stands at elevation of about 3470 meters.
Hiking to the summits of Nyiragongo Mountain starts with briefing at Kitabi station and hikers are accompanied by a guide. It is an exhilarating experience hiking through this volcano especially when you get to its summits. At the summits of Nyiragongo Volcano, you will be thrilled by its glowing fiery like Lava Lake. With a good camera ready, you will capture incredible pictures of this magical volcano.
Nyiragongo Volcano hikes can be incorporated with other thrilling adventure experiences offered to visitors on Congo safari in the Virunga National Park. Hikers on hiking tour in Nyiragongo volcano can also take part in bird watching, mountain gorilla trekking, guided nature walks or trek the eastern lowland gorillas in Kahuzi Biega National Park.
In summary, the fact that weather conditions in Nyiragongo Volcano area are unpredictable, any intending hiker should take note of the dry and wet season if he or she is to get the best of hiking adventure experience.