Mount Nyamuragira is located in Virunga National Park in Congo. It is one of the eight volcanoes that make up the Virunga Massif, about 25 kilometers north of Lake Kivu.
This location makes it easy to hike Mount Nyamuragira and also do gorilla trekking on the same trip. The name Nyamuragira comes from the local word “Kuragira ngavu,” which means “herd of cows.”
Mount Nyamuragira is one of Africa’s and the world’s active volcanoes. It is believed to have erupted at least 40 times since 1885.
The last eruption happened on November 8, 2011. It is thought to be the largest eruption in 100 years, producing a lava column 400 meters high.
Around August 2014, a new lava lake formed inside the volcano. It is about 500 meters deep and stands at 3,058 meters above sea level.
The caldera at the top of the volcano is about 2 kilometers wide, with walls about 100 meters high. The lava lake sits inside this caldera.
Mount Nyamuragira is said to be similar to Mauna Loa in Hawaii.
Many eruptions have happened on the sides of the volcano, creating smaller volcanoes that lasted for a short time.
The volcano is active and part of a high potassium basalt field.
Nyamuragira often erupts through cracks that spread out from the center. These eruptions send lava fountains and large flows of lava that move into areas with few people.
You can hike Mount Nyamuragira in about 4 hours.
If you want to stay overnight, there is a bungalow at the summit. It costs $300 per night.
For those who want to camp, it is best to bring your own camping gear.
Tourists should carry raincoats, warm clothes, gloves, insect repellent, sunscreen, good hiking shoes, packed food, snacks, socks, a packed lunch, and drinking water.
If you plan to sleep at the summit, you can hire a cook at the park’s headquarters.
The best time to visit Mount Nyamuragira is during the dry season when the trails are not muddy or slippery.
This time is also best for taking photos of the crater because there is less fog and clouds, giving clearer views.
The dry seasons are from December to February and from June to September.
Although rain can still happen during the dry season, the sky usually clears quickly and the sun comes out soon after.
Mount Nyamuragira is easy to reach from Rwanda by flying into Kigali and then driving 4 to 5 hours to Virunga National Park.
Porters are available to help carry backpacks. Their fees range from $15 to $25, depending on how heavy your luggage is.
All hikes start at 7:00 a.m. after a briefing at Bukima Patrol Post.
Other volcanoes in the Virunga Mountains include Mount Bisoke, Mount Karisimbi, Mount Muhabura, Mount Gahinga, Mount Sabyinyo, Mount Nyiragongo, and Mount Mikeno.
