Eruption of Mount Nyiragongo 2021
Eruption of Mount Nyiragongo 2021 : Mount Nyiragongo is an active and one of the largest volcanoes in the world. The volcano stands at the height of 3,470 meters with a 1.2 kilometer diameter caldera at the summit which makes it the largest active lava lake in the world. Nyiragongo volcano is located in the eastern part of Democratic Republic of Congo near Lake Kivu overlooking Virunga national park at the border of Congo and Rwanda. Nyiragongo volcano hiking tours were opened to tourism in 2014 by Virunga national park authorities and a hike to the top takes about 5 to 6 hours depending on your physical fitness.
Nyiragongo volcano is hiked by visitors who are looking for a once in a lifetime adventure in that they will get an opportunity to enjoy and get up close with the unique lava lake.
Mount Nyiragongo which is located 20 kilometers from Goma city has erupted many times since 1882 with the last eruption in January 2002 where the lava lake drained from fissures on its western flanks which destroyed Goma city, killed about 250 people and left over 200,000 people homeless. Nyiragongo volcano erupted suddenly on Saturday night causing lava to flow in various directions. The lava crossed and split the major road connecting Goma city to Beni and Bunagana border in Uganda.
Residents started leaving their houses with some of their belongings like mattresses as the lava had started burning hundreds of houses, large buildings in Buhebe district and crossed to the nearest country Rwanda on foot while others went to the western part of the city. The local journalists reported that by Sunday morning the lava flow had slowed and that it had stopped just a few hundred meters from the nearby airport and Goma city therefore you could see a smoldering black gash where the lava had cooled to rubble could be seen on the outskirts of Goma.
In a statement from Patrick Muyaya a government spokesman he reported that over fifteen people were killed due to the eruption including 4 people who tried to escape Munzenze prison in Goma, 2 people who were burned to death and 9 people who died due to traffic accident as crowds of residents fled with their belonging to the neighboring country.
The international federation of red cross said that between 3,000 and 5,000 residents fled into Rwanda on Saturday night and about 25,000 people were displaced in sake 25 kilometers northwestern part of Goma but on Sunday some residents began returning back to their homes. The spokes person also said that the eruption affected about 17 villages, 3 health centers, a water pipeline and a primary school.
Hiking mount Nyiragongo
Mount Nyiragongo is the largest and one of the 8 volcanoes within the Virunga conservation area including other volcanoes like Mount Nyamuragira, Mount Mikeno, Mount Bisoke, Mount Karisimbi, Mount Sabyinyo, Mount Muhabura, Mount Gahinga. Hiking Nyiragongo volcano starts very early in the morning at around 9:00am with a briefing at the trail head/ starting point which is located about 15 minutes from Goma city. Hiking Mount Nyiragongo is challenging for visitors who are not physically fit but rewarding.
During the hike which takes about 6 hours you will pass through steep slopes, rugged terrain, lava rocks, slippery stones with two stopovers to rest and refresh yourself. Once you reach the summit you will enjoy breathtaking views of the boiling lava lake, beautiful scenery and spend an overnight.
After enjoying the incredible views at the summit you will start descending down which takes about 3 hours to reach the starting point. While descending down, you will be able to enjoy stunning views of Lake Kivu, Rwenzori Mountains, other volcanic mountains, views of Virunga national park among others.
Visitors interested in climbing the active Nyiragongo volcano are required to have a hiking permit which can be obtained directly through Virunga national park or a trusted tour operator like Achieve global safaris. Nyiragongo hiking permit costs 356 USD per person for foreign non residents and the price includes overnight accommodation at the summit, transportation to the starting point and security.
How to get to Mount Nyiragongo
Mount Nyiragongo can be accessed from Kigali Rwanda whereby you will fly to Kigali international airport and then drive to Gisenyi town, cross through Goma which takes about 4 hours drive. From Goma you will drive 20 kilometers to Kibati trail head starting point.
Hiking Mount Nyiragongo can be combined with mountain gorilla trekking in Virunga national park or eastern lowland gorilla trekking in Kahuzi Biega national park to make your safari unforgettable. For more information about Nyiragongo Volcano and safari booking you can contact us at Achieve Global Safaris.
