Exploring the Majestic Nyiragongo Volcano: A Thrilling Adventure in Congo
Mount. Nyiragongo is a one natural feature that defines Congo’s beauty. It lies in the volcano region of Virunga National Park in Congoin about 12 km from Goma and Lake Kivu. It is one of the world’s active stratovolcanoes rising at an altitude of 3470m. Mount Nyiragongo’s formation is connected to the Albertine rift. It is found next to Rwanda along the Western side. Besides Nyiragongo volcano, the Virunga Region is also comprised of Mount Mikeno, Mt. Karisimbi, Mt. Muhabura, Bisoke, Gahinga volcano, Sabyinyo, and Nyamuragira volcano.
At the summit of Nyiragongo volcano, there is a wider crater measuring up to 2kms, about 1 mile wide. The powerful Lava Lake lies right at the summits of Nyiragongo volcano and it features 2 remarkable cooled Lava benches. One of the Lava benches measures about 3175m and the other bench measures 2975m.
The mountain has the largest lava lake in the world found at the summit of the volcano. The Lava Lake is set at an altitude of 3250m and this is before the 1977, eruption with its depth measuring over 600m. Nyiragongo and Nyamuragira volcanoes account for 40% of historical volcanic eruptions in the African continent. Nyiragongo volcano’s cone features pyroclastic and lava flows. Its lavas are low silica, alkali-rich ad ultramafic extrusive rocks.
Inspite of the above, not much is known about how long the volcano has been erupting, but it has erupted for at least 35 times since 1882, including the many periods where activity was continuous for years at a time, often in the form of a churning lava lake in the crater. In 1977, 2,000 people were killed and in 2002,Goma was largely destroyed by lava, leaving more than 100,000 people homeless and creating a refugee crisis.The most recent eruption to have occurred at this volcano took place in May 2021, making it the most active volcano in the world. Its effects were felt across Goma and other surrounding areas that is, destruction of vegetation, displacement of people and some animals were killed.
Scientists from the Goma Volcanic Observatory monitor mount Nyiragongo 24/7 year after year and record seismic data every after 4 minutes and the temperature data is produced every after 10 minutes.
Activities
Hiking Mount Nyiragongo
Hiking mount Nyiragongo isn’t as tough as what’s documented. Climbing mount Nyiragongo can be climbed even for average fitness apart from the pieces of uneven rocks from the past eruptions that make hiking a little difficult as you step the ground but the terrain isn’t steep. It’s very possible to hike the Nyiragongo volcano in just one day up and back down. The 2 day hike is more rewarding as you get to watch the boiling magma from the realm of the lava pool in the night, it become bright in the night without the obstruction of the heavy smoke. Simple cabins are available in the night with a mattress.
The activity starts early morning with drivers transferring the hikers to the park offices where they meet the park Wadens to take them through the entire briefing. During this process, the travelers are taught the different rules and regulations about hiking and armed ranger guides lead them throughout the hike.You must be at Kibatsi ranger station by 9:00 for briefing and getting the necessary gear for hike.
Hiking takes about 6 -7 hours and the activity is carriedout by people above the age of 15 years passing through different vegetation covers, meeting different park animals forexample lions, buffalos, mountain gorillas, okapis, hippos, warthogs and bird species such as double-toothed barbet, Rwenzorituraco and so on.
Upon reaching the summit, hikers are able to relax, have a stunning view of the lava lake which is the largest in the world. They will have beautiful views of the surrounding places like Volcanoes National park, Lake Kivu, plantations, KahuziBiega National Park, Mountain Rwenzori and homesteads.After enjoying the summit, you will move to the cabins at the summit where you will have an evening relaxation, dinner and overnight stay.
Descending is done the next day and travelers can first have beautiful views of the lava lake surrounding areas and then descend the mountain which normally takes about 3 hour. While descending mount Nyiragongo, there are chances of meeting park mammals, primates and birds. Hikers must use their walking stick while descending Nyiragongo so as not to get hurt by the sharp rocks.
Bird watching
With this activity, over 700 recorded bird species that you may encounter while birding around Nyiragongo; RwenzoriTuraco, Ruwenzori’ Nightjar, Handsome Francolin, Grauer’s Swamp Warbler, Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher.
Gorilla tracking
When visiting Nyiragongo volcano, one can also go for gorilla tracking in the Virunga national park. The park is open for visitors who wish to visit with gorillas in the jungle. Virunga national park currently hosts 6 habituated gorilla groups available for visitors and offers a total of 48 gorilla permits available daily. Gorilla permits in Congo go for USD 450 which is a much more affordable price as compared to Rwanda at $1500 and Uganda at $700.
How to get there
Travelers who want to hike Mount Nyiragongo can fly to Kigali International Airport. From Kigali, travelers can either fly or drive to Gisenyi town where they will continue to the border of Goma and cross to the DR Congo. Here, you will have to present your yellow fever card, Congo Tourist Visa and hiking permit in order to be allowed to enter the country. From Goma, you will be handed over to the authorities of Virunga National Park who will transfer you to the mountain or accommodation.
Border crossing into Congo is easy, if you are hiking Mount Nyiragongo the same very day you cross, you need to arrive at the border earlier so that you are not delayed in the crossing line. It gets so busy in the day as trucks and buses cross over.
Best time to visit
Climbing a volcano involves some level of risk and adverse weather conditions can increase the challenges. Choosing the dry season reduces the chances of encountering heavy rains, thunderstorms, or other weather-related hazards during your ascent. However, it’s important to note that weather patterns can vary, and even during the dry season, rainfall can occur unexpectedly. It’s always recommended to check the local weather forecast and consult with park authorities or tour operators who organize climbs to get the most up-to-date information and ensure your safety
The Democratic Republic Congo experiences heavy rainfall throughout the year, but the dry season offers a relatively lower chance of rain. This reduces the risk of encountering slippery and muddy trails, making the hike more manageable. Clear skies and reduced cloud cover during the dry season improve visibility, allowing you to enjoy panoramic views from the summit and witness the glowing lava lake more easily during the night.
Apart from the really wet months, (April and November) there’s neither a “bad” time to visit Nyiragongo nor is there a “perfect” time to climb. As we mentioned above, weather conditions on any mountain can be unpredictable and that’s all part of the adventure.You can visit at any time of the year but it’s better for you when planning your hike to Mt. Nyiragongo during the dry season which is from June to September or from December to February. During these months, the weather is generally stable, with little rainfall, great views and clearer skies, providing better visibility of the surrounding landscapes and the lava lake within the volcano. Here, the trails leading to the summits of Mount Nyiragongo remain dry and make it easier to navigate through the steep slopes as you conquer the 3470m elevation.
To enjoy your trek, you should be physically fit (you can exercise prior to visiting the Kibati patrol post for an actual hike to the top of Nyiragongo), mentally prepared, and ensure that you have a yellow fever vaccination certificate.
Attractions
Nyiragongo is an active volcano offering tourists an opportunity to watch pool of steaming bubbling lava, never ending. Nyiragongo lava experience is something unique whereby, you can sit at the edge of the crater and watch the magma orange burn away, best to watch when the sun has gone down, you get clear views of the magma.
With over 700 recorded bird species, here are some bird species you may encounter while birding around Nyiragongo; RwenzoriTuraco, Ruwenzori’ Nightjar, Handsome Francolin, Grauer’s Swamp Warbler, Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher including the migratory birds.
At the summit of the volcano, you will see the largest lava lake in the world. You will have beautiful views of the Virunga volcanoes and Mountain Rwenzori, Lake Kivu, Goma city, KahuziBiega National Park. During your hike, you will encounter animals such as aardvark, top, duikers, giant forest hogs, buffalos, mongoose, elephants, okapi, waterbuck, giant pangolin, kobs among others.
Itineraries/hotels
From Goma in D.R. Congo, you can connect to Virunga National Park for your trek to the summits of Mount Nyiragongo. Or connect from Kigali through Gisenyi and from Gisenyi to the Congo border which is 20kms away. Settle at Kibati for a briefing about your hiking journey to the top of this volcano and this exercise is usually performed early before the actual hike starts. The activity takes 2 days to get to the summit and come back. On the first day, hikers spend their night at the summit cabins. There are 12 cabins at the summit of Nyiragongo and they do accommodate over 24 people. With your sleeping bags, you can have a comfortable stay at the summits and hikers get breakfast, dinner, bottled water, sleeping bags/mattress, etc.
Before hiking, there are so many accommodation facilities for you to spend a night in Virunga National Park and they range from budget to mid-range to luxury options such as Lulimbi Tented Camp, Nyiragongo Volcano Summit Shelters, Bukima Tented Camp, Mikeno lodge, Tchegera island, Kikumba Tented Camp to mention but a few.