Strange Facts about Mount Nyiragongo in Congo: Mountain Nyiragongo in Congo is among the most visited tourist attractions during Congo Safari Tours. A hike on Nyiragongo volcano is always combined with gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park or lowland gorilla trekking in Kahuzi Biega National Park.
Strange Facts About Mount Nyiragongo in Congo
Mount Nyiragongo Stratovolcano
The Nyiragongo Volcano is one of the eight Virunga Mountains, located in eastern Congo, north of Goma and Lake Kivu, close to Rwanda in the west, and is part of the Virunga conservation zone, overlooking the Virunga National Park. The Nyiragongo trek is the lowest volcano, rising at 3,470 meters and requiring a medium hike of 5 to 6 hours to the peak. The most active and biggest volcano in the world, Nyiragongo, features two different cooled lava benches with crater walls, one of which is approximately 3,175 meters higher than the other at 2,975 meters.
Its lava is liquid
Nyiragongo lava has been documented as the greatest lava with different depths of lava; hence, the Nyiragongo and Nyamuragira volcanoes have contributed to approximately 40% of Africa’s historical volcanic eruptions.
Hikes on Mount Nyiragongo started in 2014
Nyiragongo tours were made available to visitors in 2014, and since then, its lava lake has been very fascinating and interesting to view for visitors up close, providing a one-of-a-kind and once-in-a-lifetime hiking expedition and adventure that can be combined with a gorilla trekking experience in Virunga National Park.
Mount Nyiragongo Has Erupted 35 Times
It is not yet known how many times the mountain has erupted, although the mountain volcano is thought to have erupted around 35 times since 1882. This also includes days when the eruption lasts for a lengthy period of time in a year and results in a churning lava lake forming in the crater.
The lava lake’s walls were crushed in 1977, and the lava was drained in less than an hour. It dropped at roughly 60 miles per hour on the volcano’s slopes and dispersed to adjacent settlements, killing 70 people.
Mount Nyiragongo emits Carbon Dioxide Toxicity
Carbon Dioxide Toxicity, also known locally as Mazuku, has lately resulted in the deaths of children. The effects of this gas are lethal in regions where it seeps from the earth since it has high levels and lacks the dispersing effects of wind.
Mount Nyiragongo last erupted in May 2021
Mount Nyiragongo last erupted on 22 May, 2021. Its recent eruption displaced more than 450,000 people and killing about 32 people. According to Virunga National Park officers, the Mount Nyiragongo eruption is similar to the 2002 explosion, which killed 250 people.
Mount Nyiragongo Hiking Tours
Hiking/climbing Nyiragongo is a strenuous exercise that necessitates strong physical condition due to the steep slopes and harsh terrain. Porters are available for hiring at the start of the trek for a price of around $25. These porters are in charge of assisting you with carrying your bags and anything else you may require while trekking.
All trekkers must report by 8 a.m. Central African Time to the Kibati ranger post, which serves as the hike’s starting point, and hear a briefing on the trekking experience before assembling as a team with the cooks and other hikers. The real hike begins at 9-10 a.m. and takes around 5-6 hours to reach the peak.
Mount Nyiragongo is divided into five parts, the first of which includes reaching lower altitude areas; if you are not physically and psychologically fit enough, you may end up at this leg of the walk. You will be permitted to take breaks to regain your breath at certain stages. After this break, the altitude becomes even more difficult in the second leg of the trip, where you must climb on little loose lava rocks, and here is where your comfy hiking shoes come in handy, because this level would not be a problem with decent hiking shoes.
The final phase entails trekking across tiny loose pebbles with slippery stones at higher altitudes. As you approach the fourth part, the hills get steeper and colder, with the greatest altitude conditions and occasional rain drops. This is the level where you’ll need to bring your warm garments, rain coats, hats, and gardening gloves. The final portion of the trek is the hardest, and it is at this height that you will see the summit shelters/Cabins, providing considerable inspiration and thrill when reaching the peak.
After the exhausting climb, you will be given adequate time to recover and unwind at this point. While at the peak, be sure to safeguard and keep your things safe, such as cameras and money thus Strange Facts About Mount Nyiragongo in Congo.
After you’ve rested, get your cameras ready to capture the roiling lava below. The boiling of lava occurs within the crater under the top. The evening hours are the greatest time to observe the boiling lava since it provides clear views of the boiling lava, you will have enough time to enjoy your experience before returning to the shelter for your supper, and you may return to receive more of the boiling lava experience if you desire.
There are around 12 summit shelters accessible at the top of Mount Nyiragongo, each consisting of single beds, mattresses, and pillows, where hikers rely on their sleeping bags to get through the freezing night, and when at the cabins, you can readily smell the boiling and bubbling lava.
The peak may be bitterly cold due to strong winds, therefore hikers should come equipped with appropriate gear. Warm meals, including breakfast and supper, are supplied for hikers. There are cooks on hand to provide hot meals. This payment is often included in the price of the trek provided by your tour operator.
After the incredible experience of the boiling lava lake and magma the next day, make a cup of tea and begin your descent from the peak. Descending is easier and faster than rising, since it takes roughly 4 hours to reach your starting position at Kibati ranger station.
Descending the mountain necessitates stepping on rough rocks, and certain portions are steep, making it challenging. Hikers must use caution to avoid being injured by the sharp rocks. The descent from the top provides close-up views of Virunga National Park and Lake Kivu, as well as distant vistas of Volcanoes National Park and the Rwenzori Mountains in Uganda.
Book your Nyiragongo Hiking Safari with us and combine it with a gorilla trekking safari in Virunga National Park. Checkout our offers on Congo Safaris and tours on www.congosafaristours.com