Nyiragongo-most active/dangerous/ largest volcano in Africa
Location of Nyiragongo Volcano
Nyiragongo is a vigorous stratovolcano until now, with a towering height of 3,470 meters in the Virunga Mountains. It is associated with the Albertine Rift. Nyiragongo is unearthed in the interior of Virunga National Park, in the well-known Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is about 20 km north of Goma and Lake Kivu and just west of the border with Rwanda. The major crater is 2 km wide and routinely seats a lava lake. The crater currently has 2 distinct chilled lava benches within the crater walls. One stands at about 3,175 m and the other at about 2,975 m above sea.
History of Africa’s most active Volcano
Nyiragongo’s lava lake has sometimes been the most voluminous known lava lake in recent history. The depth of the lava lake varies greatly. This lava lake elevation was noted at about 3,250 m before the January 1977 eruption. Under those circumstances, we can say that Nyiragongo holds acclaim to Africa great historical eruptions since time immemorial. It is reported as Africa’s most active volcano. It has erupted more than 40 times since 1885 together with sister volcano, the peerless Nyamuragira.
Biodiversity record of Nyiragongo volcano
Nyiragongo is found within the glamorous Virunga National Park. The park is known for its unprecedented bio-diversity. It contains more bird, mammal and reptile species compared to other protected areas on the African continent. Mountain gorillas are without a doubt indexed as endangered species nevertheless triumphant conservation work has helped to shelter the remaining populations. Their populations unquestionably dwindled during the years of political disturbance in the region (1994–2004).
Altogether, this proceeded to do so even worse during the strenuous period of 2007-2008. Contrarily, the 2010 mountain gorilla census has connoted that the conservation efforts of Virunga have been very rewarding.
Additionally, savanna and forest elephants, chimpanzees, low land gorillas, the okapi, giraffes, buffaloes, and many endemic birds are also found in Virunga. The adjoining Mount Hoyo area is managed with the park and is home to a population of Bambuti pygmy people, caves and waterfalls.
Hiking Africa’s most dangerous volcano
Nyiragongo hiking starts at 10:00 am at Kibati and thereupon takes 5 hours to reach the summit. With this in mind, it’s easier when the tourist spends a night at Gisenyi. And then crosses through Goma town to Nyiragongo Park headquarters.
Other tourist activities on this African volcano hiking tour
With the former in mind, other tourist activities include boat cruising and sport fishing on Lake Kivu. Besides; birding, sightseeing, canoeing, gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, and chimpanzee trekking. And finally also do; forest walks, photography, and filming.
Africa is such a hub of adventure untold or unheard of and we imagine that an African adventure tour during a summer holiday will peep you through a few of the hidden wonders of our black continent. For bookings & inquiries, send mail to info@raksafaris.com or call +256 (0) 782 061 184 to speak directly to our team of experts.
