Mount Nyamuragira

Mount Nyamuragira is one of the two most active volcanoes among the eight Virunga range volcanoes found within three countries that is Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo. Mount Nyamuragira is located in Congo 25 kilometers north of Lake Kivu.

Mount Nyamuragira derives it’s name from a local Bantu word translated to mean “hers of cattle”. The mountain stands on an elevation of 3058 meters above sea level and last erupted in April 2018 although it’s not yet been well studied by scientists and researchers, it’s erupted at least 40 times since 1885.

There have been a number of eruptions from the flanks of Mount Nyamuragira creating small Volcanoes that disappeared overtime. The mountain is just 13 kilometers from Mount Nyiragongo that just erupted this may 2021.

Unlike Mount Nyiragongo there are no human settlements near mount Nyamuragira but other wildlife is under threat. The recent eruptions occurred in 2010, 2011, 2014 and in 2018. The previous lava lake at the volcano emptied in the 1938 lava flow until  2014, a new lava lake appeared at the top of the volcano for the first time in 75 years.

The 2014 eruption of Mount Nyamuragira caused a lot of air pollution, the mountain is responsible for the largest sulfur dioxide released by volcanoes. The sulfate aerosols were observed as far as the Amazon rainforest in south America.

Gorilla trekking

Gorilla  trekking can only be done in three countries in the world including Virunga national park in Congo, The slopes of Mount Nyamuragira are home to endangered mountain gorillas and there are eight habituated gorilla families for tourists to visit within the park.

Gorilla trekking usually starts early morning after briefing of the dogs and don’ts of trekking, the activity can take 3-7 hours depending on the location of the gorilla family. Once tourists find the family, they are given a period of an hour to observe the apes and take photos.

Nature walks

There are various trails established within the rainforests and each trail leads to a unique beautiful destination. During the walk you will be able to see different plant species, birds, animals and learn alov about the parks flora and fauna.

Hiking mount Nyirangongo

Mount Nyiragongo is close to mount Nyamuragira and these two are the remaining active volcanoes of the Virunga massif and most active volcanoes in Africa. Nyiragongo last erupted in may 2021 and can not be trekked right now as the situation is still being observed but you can keep checking on updates if it’s safe to climb the mountain again then you can add on your bucket list to Virunga national park