Ascend to Adventure: The Majestic Mt Nyiragongo

Getting There

• Car

  From Karisimbi Volcano, head south towards Gisenyi on the main road. After approximately 30 kilometers, you will reach the town of Gisenyi. Here, you can refuel and grab any last-minute supplies. Continue driving on the main road towards the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which is approximately 15 kilometers away. Once you reach the border crossing, you will need to present your travel documents for entry into the DRC. After crossing into the DRC, follow signs towards Goma, which is about 20 kilometers away. From Goma, continue towards Virunga National Park where Mt Nyiragongo is located. The final leg will lead you to the trailhead at Buhumba, which is marked on the map. Total travel time from Karisimbi to Buhumba is roughly 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic and border crossing times.

• Public Transportation

  To travel from Karisimbi Volcano to Mt Nyiragongo by public transportation, first make your way to Gisenyi. You can catch a local bus or shared taxi from nearby towns to Gisenyi. Once in Gisenyi, you will need to find a bus heading to Goma, which is a frequent route. After arriving in Goma, look for a local taxi or shared vehicle that will take you to the Virunga National Park entrance. Make sure to confirm the destination with the driver. Once at the park entrance, you will need to arrange a local guide and pay the entrance fee for park access, which typically costs around $200, including the guide fee. The entire journey can take approximately 3 to 4 hours depending on wait times and connections.