Rising within Virunga National Park, Mount Nyiragongo is one of the world’s most active volcanoes and home to the largest lava lake on the planet. Climbing to its summit to peer into the churning, glowing crater is one of Africa’s most extraordinary adventures.

The climb

The trek to the 3,470-metre summit typically takes five to six hours, ascending through forest and hardened lava fields. It is challenging but achievable for reasonably fit hikers.

The lava lake at night

Trekkers spend the night in simple summit huts on the crater rim, watching the lava lake glow spectacularly against the night sky – an unforgettable, otherworldly sight.

Plan your Nyiragongo trek

Nyiragongo pairs perfectly with gorilla trekking in Virunga. Start planning your Congo adventure.