Mount Nyamuragira is a large shield volcano and one of Africa’s most active volcanoes. This active shield volcano has an elevation of 3,058 meters and a caldera on its summit, approximately 2 kilometers wide, with walls rising up to about 100 meters high. Nyamuragira Volcano derives its name from the local Kifuru and Kishi dialect “Kuragira ngavu,” translated to “herd cows.” It is located about 25 kilometers north of Lake Kivu in the Democratic Republic of Congo, near the city of Goma and Virunga National Park. It has had numerous previous eruptions.
It is also 13 kilometers northwest of Nyiragongo, another active volcano that caused devastating damage to the city of Goma in 2002. As is typical of active volcanoes, Nyamuragira experiences eruptions inside its summit caldera and from extensive rift zones on the flanks, producing numerous cinder cones and fissures. The most recent eruption on Nyamuragira volcano occurred in 2014. This eruption did not affect any nearby communities but left behind a lot of ash and air pollution.
During some eruptions, lava lakes form within the caldera. This occurred between June and August 2014 when Nyamuragira erupted. It is one of the few active volcanoes on Earth where lava lakes have formed in recent decades. The last lava lake at the mountain was emptied in the 1938 lava flow. This new lava lake is said to have a depth of 500 meters and is growing, likely to produce lava flows in the near future.
No known tourist activities take place on this mountain, but due to its proximity to the Virunga volcanoes and the larger Virunga Conservation Area in Virunga National Park, numerous activities can be carried out around this mountain. However, we do not offer any Congo safari packages for this mountain.
Safari Activities
Gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park
Virunga National Park in the D.R. Congo is home to some of the rarest primates – mountain gorillas. When planning a trip to Mount Nyamuragira, you can always add gorilla trekking as one of your activities in Virunga National Park. In addition to tracking gorillas, you can also go chimpanzee tracking in the park. Proceeds from visitors are used for protecting and developing the park.
Volcano hiking
Although Mount Nyamuragira doesn’t offer hiking opportunities, the neighboring Nyiragongo volcano is a perfect option. The mountain provides amazing scenery to view, including the beautiful caldera on top, different tree species that grow on volcanic soils, and the serrated lowland vegetation, a perfect hideout for some of Africa’s wildlife like monkeys, bushbucks, hyenas, and many others. A trek to the summit can take 4-6 hours depending on your fitness. Conquering this giant volcano rewards you with a view of the world’s largest lava lake.
Birding
Virunga National Park is also a birder’s paradise, where avid birders can spot species such as the Kivu ground thrush, olive woodpecker, olive pigeon, black kite, speckled mousebird, blue-headed coucal, paradise flycatchers, and many more.
Cultural experiences
The Democratic Republic of Congo is one of the best places to experience unique African cultures. You can encounter different traditional dance groups, take village walks to learn about people’s day-to-day living, and taste mouthwatering cuisines. Don’t forget to acquire some souvenirs to take back home as memories of your wonderful time in Congo.
The best time to visit Mount Nyamuragira and surrounding destinations like Virunga National Park and Nyiragongo Mountain is during the dry season when the trails are not muddy, offering panoramic views of the amazing crater and surrounding areas.
Visitors planning to travel to Nyamuragira can stay at various accommodation units in Virunga National Park, ranging from luxury to mid-range and budget lodges such as Mikeno Lodge, Kibumba Tented Camp, Bukima Tented Camp, and Tchegera Island Tented Camp. For anyone bitten by the travel bug and seeking a less congested tourist destination, add Mount Nyamuragira to your list and be assured of not being disappointed.
