Hiking Safaris in congo
Hiking Safaris in Congo are very interesting as you get a chance to visit one of the active volcanoes in the world namely Mount Nyiragongo.
Most of the tours offered in East Africa involve a few hiking safaris so before you book one, you need to check your physical ability and what your activity requires physically. 75% of the incoming visitors to Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo come with the interest of visiting the mountain gorillas. Just like their name, these endangered species stay far up in the mountains so to catch a glimpse of them, you will need to hike for about 2 to 4 hours before you find these gentle giants. However, other visitors are specific and like a challenge. East African mountain hikes are a great choice as there are several options to choose from. There are mountains that can be hiked for example the Mount Bisoke, Mount Sabinyo, Mount Karisimbi, in Rwanda then Muhabura, Mount Nyiragongo, Mountain Rwenzori, Mount Elgon in Uganda. Hiking does not necessarily mean only mountains but also hike waterfalls like Sipi guided waterfall hike and Nyungwe waterfall guided hike where visitors move on trails of these waterfalls to enjoy the views from a different point of view. These hikes are refreshing as the views are remarkable. There is also the Dian Fossey hike in the volcanoes national park of Rwanda.
Hiking Mount Nyiragongo (11,380 ft) found in the Democratic Republic of Congo is one remarkable hike that all the past travelers have lived to talk about. A night at the summit is exciting enough on top of that, with the views of the red hot magma boiling from the world’s largest lava lake. This hike is a bit challenging as you will spend 5 hours with one stopover to rest until you reach the summit which is the topping to the cake. On this hike ensure to hire porters to carry your luggage so that you reserve energy to go up the mountain and also these porters can hype you and chat you up which is part of the experience and helps you not get exhausted halfway the journey. There is also a provision of hiring porters to carry you up to this mountain if you want to reach the summit but cannot hike. You may have to part with about 300 USD for this service. You will spend a night at the top enjoying the cool breeze of this mountain. Ensure to pack up enough warm clothes as you may think the hot red lava warms up the place but it is the total opposite as temperatures can even go as low as 0 degrees at the top.
Mount Karisimbi hiking safaris is also one other hike that is worth it. This mountain is located on the North-Western side of Rwanda. Mount Karisimbi is 14,790 ft above sea level which is the highest peak of the volcanoes so clearly it isn’t one you go for unprepared. Firstly, you will have to check if you are physically capable as this is a 2-day hike. You will overnight at a shelter that is 3000m after a strenuous 6-hour hike then wakes up the next day to complete the hike and descend. The hike up to the summit of this volcano is rewarding with views of the other volcanoes like mount Nyamulagira and Nyiragongo of Congo along with views of the Mount Muhabura and Lake Kivu as well. This hike is steep so ensure to have great hiking shoes and hiking shoes. Also, check if you will have meals on this hike at the ground camping site and if not, ensure to book before you set off your trek.
Rwenzori Mountain Hiking safris can be done in a number of days according to the summit you would like to reach or the number of days you have for this hike. Mount Rwenzori (16,700 ft) is a block mountain found in Western Uganda and also shared by the DRCongo. The highest peak of these mountain ranges is the Margherita mountain. According to UNESCO, mountain Rwenzori is the highest and permanent source of the River Nile as it has a strong water catchment with the numerous waterfalls in the region. This mountain is also called the mountain of the moon which was named that by the Greek explorer Ptolemy in AD 150 who was looking for the source of the River Nile. The major reason this mountain is one of the wonderful mountains is the different climates experienced in the region, the various vegetation in the region. It is also considered Africa’s 3rd highest point after Kilimanjaro so one can opt to visit this mountain if you can’t afford to hike Kilimanjaro or are looking for an equal challenge to that of Mount Kilimanjaro. The hike to the Stanley Margherita peak can take one about 7 to 8 days. This is a long time so make sure you are well packed and prepared for this one.
