Accommodation at Nyiragongo Volcano

Nyiragongo Volcano Summit Shelter Accommodation: A Cozy Retreat at the Top

Discover the unique and comfortable accommodation experience awaiting you at the Nyiragongo Volcano Summit Shelter. Instead of pitching your own tents or seeking alternative shelters, hikers are provided with well-built cabins at the summit, adhering to National Park regulations.

The cabins at the Nyiragongo Volcano Summit are of a basic yet functional design, constructed with wood materials to ensure warmth and dryness. After a day of trekking, these cabins offer a cozy space for a restful night’s sleep and preparation for the upcoming adventure.

Camping is strictly prohibited at the Nyiragongo Volcano Summit, and the designated accommodation consists of cabins. Typically, each cabin accommodates two hikers, providing two separate beds placed flatly on the floor.

Positioned strategically, the shelter offers breathtaking views, from rolling mist to lush green landscapes, and a stunning panorama of Lake Kivu on the opposite side of the ridge, extending from the crater of Nyiragongo Volcano. Hikers can also marvel at the colossal Shaheru and Older Volcano, surrounded by small cinder cones adorned with vegetation.

While the twelve cabins are allocated for hikers, porters and guides have their dedicated accommodations in a separate section. Along the trail, the only other structures you’ll encounter are the toilets, with varying conditions but maintaining a basic design—a small wooden hut with a hole in the floor.

Accommodation options around Virunga National Park cater to diverse budgets, ranging from budget to mid-range and luxury, with bed and breakfast services. Some of the establishments at the park’s base include Mikeno Lodge, Bukima Tented Camp, Tchegera Island Camp, and Kibumba Tented Camp.

Affordability is a hallmark of these accommodations, particularly for those exploring the southern sector of Virunga National Park. Advance payments for at least the first night are advisable during the booking process, with credit cards being a preferred mode of payment, though cash is also accepted upon arrival.

Hikers opting for Mikeno Lodge enjoy a unique privilege—the Mikeno package. This all-inclusive package provides sleeping materials and food for the hike. For those not staying at Mikeno Lodge on the first night, they need to bring their own food and sleeping bags or purchase the Mikeno package at a cost of USD100.

It’s essential to note that hostel-style accommodation is not as prevalent as in some neighboring countries. Still, the Democratic Republic of Congo caters to low-budget and backpacker travelers, with hostel costs comparable to hotel rates.