2021 Mount Nyiragongo Eruption
Mount Nyiragongo located in Virunga National Park in Eastern Congo has erupted after 19 years since the last eruption in 2002. The 2021 eruption took place on 22nd May 2021 when the sky turned fiery red sending lava to the nearby Goma city, the home to over 1 million people. Residents in Goma were seen fleeing to the nearby countries especially Rwanda. Fortunately, by Sunday 23rd 2021, the lava had stopped a few meters from Goma sparing the city and all business in the city Centre. Similarly, the nearby Goma airport was not destroyed by the Lava flow. Whereas there are some destructions by the lava flow, the people of Congo were very lucky this time that the eruption was brief and the Lava flow did not spread all over the place. According to Dario Tedesco, a volcanologist in Goma, its only the lava within the crater that came out, its believed that no additional lava from below came out. The first eruption of Nyiragongo Volcano was in 1882 and its believed to have erupted 32 times since the first eruption.
Nyiragongo Eruption
Damages and death
The lava flow has destroyed homes, businesses and farms in 17 villages around Nyiragongo Volcano. Altogether, 600 hundred homes and schools are reported to have been totally destroyed by the lava flow. Moreso, reports also show that over 170 children were missing and separated from their families as they fled for safety. More so, 15 people have been reported dead some were burnt, others died in traffic accidents while rushing for safety.
Is Congo Safe for Tourism
Given the ongoing situation, the Democratic Republic of Congo is apparently closed for tourism. All Congo safaris especially to Nyiragongo Volcano and Virunga National Park are currently on hold as we wait for the situation to stabilize. Gorilla Trek Africa will inform you when tourism in Congo restarts again.
About Nyiragongo Volcano
Standing at 3,470 meters above the sea level, Mount Nyiragongo is an active strata volcano located in Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The summit of the volcano shelters a 2 kilometers crater lake, which is the largest in the whole world. The actual depth of the lava lake at the summit of Nyiragongo is not certain. Nyiragongo Volcano is one of the 8 volcanoes in the Virunga Conservation Area. The nearby volcano in Virunga Park is Mount Nyamuragira, which is also active and travelers are not allowed to hike it. Hiking Nyiragongo costs$300 for each traveler and hiking starts at 10:00am.
3 Days Nyiragongo Volcano hike
3 Days Nyiragongo hike are enough for you to hike and explore the beauty of this active Nyiragongo Volcano. On day 1, travelers transfer to Virunga National park, on day 2, travelers hike the volcano and spend an overnight on the slopes of the volcano to experience the boiling lava lake which is clearly seen in the night. On day 3, travelers descend and transfer to the airport for return flights.
Other activities in Virunga National park
Besides Nyiragongo volcano hiking, travelers on Rwanda safaris have lots of other things to see and do for an exceptional experience. The other interesting activities in Virunga National park include among others:
Mountain gorilla trekking
Being home to 8 habituated gorilla families, gorilla trekking is an interesting experience you should not miss on your Congo tour to Virunga National park. Virunga Park is one of the four Parks, which shelter the endangered mountain gorillas. The other places to see gorillas are Bwindi Impenetrable Forest/Mgahinga Gorilla Parks in Uganda and Volcanoes National park in Rwanda. Fortunately, gorilla trekking in Congo costs $450, which is quite cheaper and affordable, compared to $1500 in Rwanda and $700 in Uganda. The Democratic Republic of Congo is therefore the best gorilla destination for budget travelers. Gorilla Trek Africa is your best for gorilla safaris in Congo. We tailor make various gorilla safaris
Bird watching
With over 706 bird species living in Virunga National Park, bird watching is a not miss on your Congo gorilla safari to Virunga National park. Some of the birds in Virunga National park include Olive Sunbird, Grey throated Barbet, White headed wood hoopoe, Rwenzori Batis, Rwenzori Turaco, Black Bishop, Double toothee Barbet, Black billed stork and Madagascar Bee eater among others. Bird watching in Virunga National Park is done all year round.
Nature/Forest Walks
A walk through Virunga National park is a great experience to explore all hidden gem in the rain forest. Enjoy and feel the quite cold Natural environment on foot through Virunga National Park with Gorilla Trek Africa. Follow different trails in the forest to discover waterfalls, rivers, caves and other attractions in Virunga National park. A forest walk is also a best time to see tiny ground insects and birds and herbal plants.
Conclusively therefore, we shall keep you posted on the recent eruption of Nyiragongo Volcano and general tourism in the Democratic Republic of Congo
