Mount Nyamuragira, also called Mount Nyanulagira, is an active shield volcano located in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The name “Nyamuragira” comes from the Kinyarwanda verb kuragira nyama, meaning “to herd animals or cows.”
Mount Nyamuragira has erupted up to 40 times since 1885, making it the most active volcano in Africa. Its most recent eruption occurred on 23rd May 2021.
Nyamuragira covers an area of 1,500 square kilometers, with its highest point at an elevation of 3,058 meters.
Like Nyiragongo, Nyamuragira is a deadly volcano, and its eruptions have caused significant damage, including the destruction of parts of the city of Goma in 2002.
The area surrounding Mount Nyamuragira is under government control to ensure the safety of both tourists and local people.
Mount Nyamuragira has a lava lake with a depth of 500 meters, and it continues to grow. It is believed that it will form future lava flows.
Activities Carried Out
- Bird Watching: Bird watching is one of the most interesting activities, as tourists can spot birds singing and flying in their natural habitats. Bird species include the Kivu ground thrush, olive pigeon, woodpecker, blue-headed coucal, speckled mousebird, black kite, and paradise flycatcher.
- Gorilla Trekking at Virunga National Park: Gorilla trekking is another popular activity for tourists visiting Mount Nyamuragira. They have the chance to visit Virunga National Park to trek these amazing creatures. The Democratic Republic of Congo offers some of the cheapest gorilla permits, meaning tourists can experience gorilla trekking without spending much on a gorilla family.
- Cultural Tours: Tourists will have the opportunity to visit local communities near the mountain. They will be entertained through traditional dances and songs.
Best Time to Visit Nyamuragira
The best time to visit Mount Nyamuragira is during the dry season, from June to August and December to February. This is because the area receives little rain during this period, and the slopes are not muddy, making hiking easier.
How to Access Mount Nyamuragira
- By Road: Mount Nyamuragira can be accessed by road from Goma using a taxi or private car. The journey takes about 3 to 4 hours.
- By Air: Tourists flying to the area will arrive at Goma International Airport, the nearest airport. Various airlines operate flights to this airport from Kigali, Addis Ababa, and Nairobi. From the airport, tourists can connect to the mountain by road.
Accommodation
- Mikeno Lodge
- Lac Kivu Lodge
- Karibu Lodge
- Hotel Ihusi
Mount Nyamuragira is a unique natural feature that offers tourists both exploration and relaxation through hiking.
