Mount Nyamuragira Hike | Active Volcano Tour in Congo

Mount Nyamuragira is an active shield volcano and one of the eight Virunga volcanoes located in the Democratic Republic of Congo, about 25 kilometers north of Lake Kivu. It is known as Africa’s most active volcano, having erupted at least 40 times since 1885.

The Virunga Mountains, which stretch across Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, are a range of eight volcanoes that are home to the endangered mountain gorillas. These volcanoes include Mount Karisimbi, Mount Mikeno, Mount Gahinga, Mount Muhabura, Mount Bisoke, Mount Sabinyo, Mount Nyamuragira, and Mount Nyiragongo.

The mountain rises to 3,058 meters above sea level and has a 2-kilometer-wide caldera with walls about 500 meters high. During a scientific study in 2016, researchers reported that the bottom of the inner pit had disappeared for unknown reasons, and gases were being released from the area where the lava lake once existed.

The name Nyamuragira comes from the local Kishi and Kifuru phrase Kuragira ngavu, meaning “to herd cows.” The volcano has had many eruptions, both from its flanks and its summit, often forming smaller temporary cones that disappear after a short time.

In 2002, Mount Nyamuragira erupted, causing damage in Goma City. The largest eruption in a century occurred in 2011, producing a 400-meter-high column of lava. The mountain contains about 500 cubic kilometers of lava spread across 1,500 square kilometers of the East African Rift.

In 2014, a new lava lake appeared for the first time in 75 years, reaching a depth of 500 meters. The previous lava lake had emptied in 1938. Scientists observed that sulfate aerosols formed from the volcano’s sulfur dioxide emissions traveled as far as the Amazon rainforest in South America.

Hiking Mount Nyamuragira

Hiking Mount Nyamuragira offers beautiful scenery that can only be truly appreciated by climbing to the top and seeing the molten lava lake. Treks are done with the help of guides and park rangers.

The hike usually takes 3 to 4 hours, but visitors who wish to stay overnight to view the glowing lava at night can stay in bungalows built with lava rock walls and thatched roofs, costing about $300 per person per night. There is also an option for camping, but visitors must bring their own camping gear.

The best time to hike Mount Nyamuragira is during the dry season, although light rain can still occur as the weather is sometimes unpredictable.

Visitors planning to hike should pack waterproof hiking boots, drinking water, energy snacks, garden gloves, insect repellent, sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to ensure a comfortable and safe trek.