Nyiragongo Volcano
Nyirangongo Volcano
Nyiragongo Volcano : Mount Nyirangongo is an active stratovolcano with an elevation of 3470 m (11382 ft), the volcano is associated with the Albertine Rift. The volcano is one of the 8 volcanoes within the Virunga Conservation region and the others include Mount Karisimbi, Mount Bisoke, Mount Muhabura, Mount Sabyinyo, Mount Mikeno, Mount Gahinga and mount Nyamuragira.
Nyirangongo Volcano is located inside Virunga National Park in DR Congo, about 20 kilometers (12 miles) north of Goma and Lake Kivu and just west of Rwanda’s border.
The main crater of the volcano is about two kilometers wide and usually contains a lave lake, the crater presently has two distinct cooled lava branches within the crater walls, one at about 3,175 meters (10,417 ft) and a lower one at about 2,975 m (9,760 ft).
Nyirangongo Volcano’s lava lake has at times been the most voluminous known lava lake in recent history.
The depth of Nyirangongo’s lava lake varies considerably, researchers recorded a maximum elevation of the lava lake at about 3,250 m (10,660 ft) before the January 1977 eruption – a lake depth of about 600 m (2,000 ft). Recently researchers have recorded a shallow elevation of the lava lake at aboyt 2,700 m (8,900 ft).
Nyirangongo Volcano and the nearby Nyamuragira together are responsible for 40% of Africa’s historical volcanic eruptions.
Climbing Mount Nyiragongo
Climbing Mount Nyirangong is a fascinating adventure which can be challenging for those who are ill prepared and not in good shape, one need to be ready to deal with the steep slopes and rugged terrain. There are porters around the starting point in Kibati Ranger post who you can hire for a fee to help with carrying heavy stuff.
The briefing starts at 9 am and assembling as a team together with the cooks and other hikers.
There are five segments when climbing Mount Nyiragongo, the first part of the hike involves climbing through areas at lower altitude. Those who are not mentally or physically prepared usually quit at this point, after this first major stop, the altitude increases presenting more challenges.
The second part of the hike, one has to deal with small loose lava rocks, those who have proper hiking boots should pass through this second with ease. After completeing the second park hikers have now to deal with not only the small loose rocks but slippery stones and the difficult conditions of higher altitude.
By the time you reach the fourth segment, the mountain slopes gets steeper and steeper with greater cold due to high altitude. A part from the cold, it is common to find rains at this second, warm clothes and rain jackets will be required. The final part is the steepest but also shortest, the cabins can be sighted from the point that is enough motivation for even the most tired hiker.
Hikers who manage to reach this section are allowed to compete the rest of the hike at their own comfortable pace.
Overnight on top of the Nyiragongo volcano cabins
There are 12 summit cabins provided at the top of the volcano each comprising of 2 single beds where hikers can put their sleeping bags, the cabins have a mattress and pillow. While at the cabin hikers are provided with snacks, breakfast, dinner, water and sleeping bags. The mountain top can be freezing cold with strong winds, you need to go prepared with warm clothing.
The cooks and porters will help prepare hot tea and coffee to help relieve hikers from the cold, the cost of an overnight at the summit is included on the permit fees. From the cabins you can smell the boiling and bubbling lava.
Getting Down
After marveling at the boiling lava lake and magma, it is time to descend. Descending is much faster and it takes about three hours to reach the starting point. However it is not as easy as it seems, climbing down through sharp rocks and steep sections can be very challenging and one needs to be cautious so not to be hurt by the sharp rocks.
The great thing about descending is that you have a sustained view of the great Virunga National Park and distant Volcanoes including the Rwenzori Mountains in Uganda and Lake Kivu.
How to reach Mount Nyiragongo
Mount Nyirangongo can be reached from several areas, but for security reasons it is safer to get to the volcano through Gisenyi town in Rwanda. From Gisenyi, visitors will be driven 20 km to the border between Rwanda and DR Congo before crossing to Goma.
From Goma town, you can see a great black cloud which is visible and is a reminder of the volcanoes eruption in 2002, the lava that once flowed at great temperatures has now cooled to leave a black rock.
After Goma, you will be driven to the head trail at Kibati Village. This means you have reached the mountain.
Where to stay
Bukima Tented Camp
The camp is nestled just outside the Virunga National Park boundary and is the perfect starting point for hiking Nyirangongo and gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park. Initially the camp was built for researchers and now is used by trekkers.
At the camp, visitors sleep in platform tents that are surprisingly plush by camping standards, each tent features an adjoining bathroom with running water, a nearly appointed bed and a dresser for your clothes. The views from the tent sites are simply breathtaking.
To the south, the majestic Mt. Mikeno towers over the gorilla sector, with its summit reaching a staggering 4437m (14,560). Across the valley, the Nyirangongo Volcano’s lava lake colors the night sky with a mesmerizing red glow.
Nyirangongo Summit Shelters
On Mount Nyirangongo, there are twelve summit shelters that have single beds where visitors can sleep in their own sleeping bags. Even though the shelters are not luxurious, they provide a comfortable refuge from the weather. It is good to know that the permit fee includes the cost of staying in a summit shelter.
Mikeno Lodge
Mikeno Lodge is nestled within a forest boasting breathtaking views of the Rift Valley and Nyirangongo and Mikeno Volcanoes. The lodge is located approximately 90 minute drive from Goma and it offers large bungalows and a fantastic restaurant.
Visitors at the lodge can do nature walks and visit several local places of interest and there is an abundance of birdlife and residential blue monkeys, colobus monkeys and baboons.
The area is frequently visited by chimpanzees adding to the lodge’s charm.
Best Time for Hiking Nyirangongo Volcano
Hiking Mount Nyirangongo can be done throughout the year but the dry season is the most preferred time by tourists, the dry season falls between June and September and also December, January and February.
During the rainy seasons, the trails tend to be more slippery and difficult for hikers.
Packing List for hiking Nyiragongo Volcano
For a successful hiking adventure on Nyiragongo Volcano, you need to carry the following
A rain jacket: your rain jacket should be light so as not to inconvenience and you while climbing the volcano, the rain jacket will help shield you from the heavy rains
Suitable hiking boots: your climbing shoes should have a good grip (rubber soles), water proof, comfortable and able to keep your feet warm and free from blisters.
Warm clothes and sleeping bag: it normally gets colder as you ascend higher and you need to be prepared in the best possible way, so carry warm clothing to protect yourself from the freezing cold at the summit. You will need a sweater, rain resistant pants, jackets, long underwear, warm socks and hat.
Packed lunch and Water: Climbing Mount Nyirangongo can be very tiring, leaving you thirsty and even hungry. Carry along packed lunch and enough drinking water.
Hire a porter: Hiring a porter at the base of the volcano costs about $ 15 per day, these porters help you to climb the volcano several times a week and have no difficulty helping with heavy luggage. Also they will help you climb the most difficult parts of the mountain.
A hat and sunscreen: to protect you from the sun as well as rain.
Camera and Binoculars: always remember to carry a camera and binoculars to help you captures amazing memories and see sceneries from a far. You need good photos for your record and also to your off your friends and family.
Back Pack – to help carry all your gadgets including phones, ipads, camera, binoculars and more. Ensure that it is rainproof.
Portable charger: to ensure that your ipads, Laptops, phones are powered while in your cabin at the summit
A Torch: The summit has not electricity, power is got from solar but is not available everywhere, you will need a torch to move about to the kitchen or bathrooms.
