Mount Nyamuragira is found in Virunga National Park in Congo, and it is one of the eight volcanoes that make up the Virunga Massif, located about 25 kilometers north of Lake Kivu.
This makes it easy for you to hike Nyamuragira and also experience gorilla trekking on the same trip. Mount Nyamuragira derives its name from a local word, “Kuragira ngavu,” meaning “herd of cows.”
Mount Nyamuragira is one of the world’s and Africa’s active volcanoes, believed to have erupted at least 40 times since 1885.
The last eruption occurred on November 8th, 2011, which is believed to have been the largest eruption in 100 years, producing a 400-meter column of lava.
Around August 2014, a new lava lake was formed within the volcano, with a depth of 500 meters, standing at an elevation of 3,058 meters above sea level.
The caldera at the top of the volcano is about 2 kilometers wide, with walls of 100 meters high, and a lava lake is contained within the Caldera Lake.
Mount Nyamuragira is said to be similar to Mauna Loa in Hawaii.
Numerous eruptions have occurred on the flanks of the volcano, creating small volcanoes that lasted for only a short while.
The active volcano is high in potassium basaltic field.
Nyamuragira produces eruptions often from radial fissures, emitting lava fountains and large fluid lava flows that flow into sparsely populated areas.
Mount Nyamuragira can be hiked within 4 hours.
Overnight trekkers can sleep in a bungalow built at the summit, costing $300 per night.
For those who would love to camp, it is advised to bring camping gear.
Tourists are advised to carry raincoats, warm clothing, garden gloves, insect repellent, sunscreen, good hiking shoes, packed food, energy snacks, socks, a packed lunch, and drinking water, among other things.
If planning to sleep on 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 and slippery.
This is also good for taking photos of the crater because it will not be covered with fog and clouds, allowing for better clear views.
The best times of the year to visit Mount Nyamuragira are during the dry seasons in the months of December to February or June to September.
Although the weather during the dry season can still be unpredictable with occasional rain, the sky typically clears, and the sun rises immediately after the rain.
Mount Nyamuragira can easily be accessed from the Rwandan side by flying into Kigali and then driving for 4-5 hours to the Virunga National Park.
Porters are available to help tourists carry their backpacks at a cost of $15-$25, depending on the weight of the tourists’ luggage.
All trekking starts at 7:00 in the morning after a briefing at Bukima Patrol Post.
Other Virunga volcano mountains include: Mount Bisoke, Mount Karisimbi, Mount Muhabura, Mount Gahinga, Mount Sabyinyo, Mount Nyiragongo and Mount Mikeno.
