Where To Do Mountain Hiking In Democratic Republic Of Congo

Mountain Hiking in D.R.Congo is one of the top safari activities that the country is known for. The most active side for hiking mountains in D.R.Congo is the eastern side with famous mountains like Nyiragongo which is an active volcano up to date. Other mountains you can hike in D.R.Congo include Mountain Biega, Mountain Kahuzi, and Virunga Volcanoes.

Most Popular Safaris

3 Day fly in Safari

5 Day Rwanda Chimp & Congo Eastern Lowland gorillas safari

3 Day fly in safari to Murchison Falls National Park

3 Day fly in gorilla habituation tour

7 Day Nyungwe Forest National Park & Kahuzi Biega National Park

4 Day Murchison falls fly in safari

2 Days DRC Eastern lowland gorilla safari

5 Days gorilla and game fly in safari

3 Days DRC Eastern lowland gorillas

8 Days Kidepo & Murchison game fly in safari

5 Days gorilla and chimp fly in safari

To hike the mountains of D.R.Congo you must reserve a hiking permit and each hiking experience must be under the guide of a ranger guide. You need to arrange for your mountain hiking in D.R.Congo by doing some pre-tour exercises and packing the right clothes for the hike.

D.R.Congo has some of the less traveled destinations in Africa with authentic but scenic views of their surroundings. The lush vegetation in and around D.R.Congo is most enjoyed as you go up the slopes of these highlands.

Where To Do Mountain Hiking in D.R.Congo?

Mountain Nyiragongo

When hiking the mountain Nyiragongo, you may take an escorted excursion or a full day in case you have to hike this mountain. Mountain Nyiragongo which an active stratovolcano that is it is one of the still active volcanic mountains in the world with its latest eruption happening in 2024. This mountain is recognized as one of the most voluminous lava lakes in the world. Mountain Nyiragongo stands at 3470 meters (11385 feet)

 While on the top of Mountain Nyiragongo which makes up one of the six famous Virunga Volcanoes, you enjoy one of the hottest but scenic crater lakes when at the top, it is memorable. While hiking up this mountain, you may spot several animals residing in the forested area at the bottom of the mountain some of which include olive baboons, vervet monkeys, bushbucks, and others.

From the starting point of the hike on mountain Nyiragongo at Kibati Ranger station, it takes about 4 hours up and returns in about three to four hours. It is safer to start the hike up mountain Nyiragongo when you are in good shape and acclimatized because of the altitude effect.

Along the way to mountain Nyiragongo, the first section has some animals and other interesting wildlife. In the next section, you enjoy walking on open trails with a stunning view of mountain Nyiragongo. The next part is filled with lava residues and steaming volcanic fissures. Moving the fourth and fifth sections, you get to the summit of Mountain Nyirangongo.

You can camp at the top of Mountain Nyiragongo and as night breaks in you enjoy the stunning view of the hot crater from the glow of this molten crater.

Virunga National Park Hiking During Gorilla Trekking

To locate the mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park in D.R.Congo you have to hike some of the highlands in this volcanic area. To do gorilla trekking in D.R.Congo, you need a gorilla permit. Each day maximum of 8 gorilla trekking permits are open to the public per family.

On gorilla trekking day, you have to wake up early for briefing and you will be escorted by the ranger guide into the forest following the trails leading to where the lowland gorillas may be spending the day. The nature of the topography of the Virunga area is volcanic with several highlands that you have to hike to locate the mountain gorillas.

Only one hour is allowed with the mountain gorillas as this is the time for which they are habituated to be in front of humans. The mountain gorillas are highly endangered primates that need to be protected from many atrocities that they face while in the jungle.

However, the time of finding the mountain gorillas is hard to determine because of their free movement in the forest. The mountain gorillas are free to move in the forest in search of food and other supplies. This may take some time to finally locate the mountain gorillas.

In order not to get exhausted while trying to find the mountain gorillas, you need to have some level of fitness and hire some porters to help carry your belongings. Wearing the right attire on the gorilla trek helps you to maneuver through the tough jungle.

 Mountain Biega

The hike on mountain Biega is exciting and it may take about 4 hours up and return 3 to 4 hours down. Mountain Biega is in the eastern part of Kahuzi Biega National Park. When you hike up this mountain, you enjoy the stunning views of the dense forest surrounding this park.

While at the bottom of Mountain Biega, you may meet animals like olive baboons, vervet monkeys, blue monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabey, and others. The thick natural trees in the forest stand beautifully providing a picturesque scenery.

While at the summit of Mountain Biega, you enjoy the great view of this mountain.

Mountain Kahuzi

When hiking Mountain Kahuzi, you need to bear some level of fitness. Mountain Kahuzi is on the western side of Kahuzi Biega National Park. Kahuzi Biega National Park is situated on the eastern side of D.R.Congo. it is home to the eastern lowland gorillas some of the endangered primates in the world. You need to book a gorilla permit to be allowed to do gorilla trekking in Kahuzi Biega National Park.

From the bottom of Mountain Kahuzi, you hike through the trails on the slopes of the forested part of this mountain. On the way, you may encounter wild animals like olive baboons, vervet monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabey, and others. The long list of birds that traverse the forest makes it very interesting for keen birders in the wilderness.

While at the top of mountain Kahuzi, you enjoy the stunning view of the surrounding with the lowland area as the most forest. When you finally get down the mountain, you enjoy the great surroundings.

How To Prepare For Hiking On The Mountains Of D.R.Congo

You need to book a hiking permit to any of the mountains in D.R.Congo. It is best to pre-book the hike up these mountains so that all necessary arrangements can be made.

Do some pre-mountaineering exercises to keep your body in shape in order not to get exhausted while you trek up these mountains.

Do a health checkup before hiking the mountains in D.R.Congo because you need to be healthy to hike the mountains. Familiarize yourself with hiking the mountains to get used to the experience of mountain climbing.

How Long Is The Hike On The Mountains In D.R.Congo?

The time taken hiking the mountains in eastern D.R.Congo varies with the altitude of each mountain. You need to be in good shape and fit to maneuver the steep slopes and tough environment. When you hike up these mountains, you may encounter huddles but follow the trails constructed by the predecessors.

It is best to hike the mountains starting early morning before the sun is too harsh and when you still have the energy to cover a big part of the mountain. As you get up the mountain on a normal day, you enjoy the stunning views around the mountain through the bright sunlight.

Try to walk following the trails constructed by the regular hikers and avoid constructing more trails that are environmentally degrading.

Is Mountain Hiking In D.R.Congo Difficult?

Hiking is always quite challenging because you have to walk through the thick jungle which is at times slippery, with decomposing matter and soggy from the regular rains that fall. While walking in the jungle, you may encounter some rough surfaces like stinging nettles, and biting insects that may hurt your skin.

The altitudes in the mountains in D.R.Congo may cause you to get altitude sickness in case you are not acclimatized. From the start of the hike up these mountains, you may also meet several wild animals like forest elephants, wild forest hogs, and much more.

To overcome some of the challenges of hiking in D.R.Congo, pack the relevant hiking attires, keep yourself in shape, and open your mind to the experience you may encounter while hiking.

How safe is Mountain hiking in D.R.Congo?

The eastern part of D.R.Congo is the most interesting tourist destination in D.R.Congo with several highlands. This area for some time has been politically unstable with rebel activities, illegal mining, lumbering, poaching, and much more. These have created insecurity in the eastern side of D.R.Congo for some time however currently, because of the presence of other security agencies who are on the ground to keep law and order in this area.

No matter which mountain you hike in D.R.Congo, you must be in the company of the ranger guide. The ranger guides carry some protective gear like a machete or rifle. The wilderness has some wild animals that may charge at you in case you are walking alone.

In case you are hiking as a group, you need to stay closer to the people in your company so that you are not lost in the wilderness. Follow the guidelines for hiking given by the ranger guide at the briefing so that you do not get lost.

For those hiking the volatile Mountain Nyiragongo, you must climb carefully and when booking, keep up to date with the status of this mountain which may change at any time.

When Is The Best Time To Hike Mountains In D.R.Congo?

Hiking mountains in D.R.Congo is all year round but the dry season is most preferred. The dry season is normally June, July, August, September, December, January and early February. In this season, the sun is bright and trails dry permitting quicker movement in the wilderness.

The vegetation along the trails on these mountains is lower in the dry season permitting faster movement. There are more chances to spot other wild animals and birds within the forests along the slopes of these mountains. Even in the environment around the mountains, there is less precipitation along the slopes.

You may share the same space with other tourists on your hike up these mountains in the dry season because this is the peak tourism season too. It is best to book accommodation to use for your hike up these mountains early so that you do not run out of options at the last minute.

We do not recommend the wet season for hiking mountains in D.R.Congo because sometimes it falls heavily and yet the ground is soft because of the volcanic action in this area.

What to pack for Hiking mountains in D.R.Congo

• Camera to take photos while at the Mountain top is a task that is on the bucket list of many adventure seekers worldwide.
• Hiking boots that are comfortable for you to hike for a long distance. They must be waterproof too.
• Sunscreen to protect your skin from getting sunburns.
• Sunglasses to protect your eyes from the direct sunlight and buzzing insects.
• Insect repellant to protect your skin from stinging insects you may find along the way.
• Garden gloves to protect your fingers from touching rough surfaces along the way.
• Some extra clothes to change into after the long day on the mountain.
• Energy bites to munch on when hungry because meals are taken from designated points.
• Hiking rods to give you extra support when hiking the mountain.
• Backpack to carry with your belongings so that they do not scatter while you hike.
• A torch to use for lighting.
• Some cash in case you need to do ground purchases like hiring hiking equipment, even porter hiring before starting your hike, purchasing food, cooking equipment, fuel, and others
• Warmers because the higher you go the cooler it becomes.
• A pair of binoculars to get better visibility of far-ranging features.
• A pair of stockings to protect your feet from getting cold.
• Head gears to cover yourself from getting cold while hiking to get to the top of the mountain.
• Sleeping bag for your nights on the mountain.
• First aid kit with emergency medication in case you need it.
• Rainproof gears to protect you from getting wet and cold when it rains while up the mountain.

Contact our team for more information about hiking in Democratic Republic of Congo.