Climbing mount Nyiragongo volcano– Mount Nyiragongo is an active volcano in the whole world and one of the largest volcanoes with a caldera summit having a diameter of 1.2 deadliest volcano in the whole world and one of the largest volcanoes with a caldera summit having a diameter of 1.2km with steep sided walls which makes it the largest active lava lake in the whole world. Mount Nyiragongo stands at a height of 3470 meters high and has a number of volcano actions causing lava to flow downhill to the neighboring Goma town located on the foothills. Mountain Nyiragongo is today listed among the deadliest and most dangerous volcanoes in the entire world.
The journey to mount Nyiragongo starts in Gisenyi town that is found in Rwanda and crossing the border into Goma town of DR Congo takes you about 30 minutes. Goma is the nearest town to the mountain. From Goma town it’s about 9 miles to the mountain and it is here that all the adventures to climbing mountain Nyiragongo are based.
Considering the various eruptions on mountain Nyiragongo that have been experienced in the past years including the recent one in 2002, one will consider that this is among the few places in the whole world that are not inhibited by human beings the fact that it has the largest fluid lava lake in the entire world. Surprisingly the lower slopes of the mountain are highly populated by people staying in village settlements while it’s densely forested lower slopes are homes to different animals such as chimpanzees, bushbucks, different monkey species, bird species and the unique 3 horned chameleons.
The depth of Nyiragongo Crater Lake is still unknown because it changes basing on the amount of magma produced from below, however, its depth is estimated to be 600 meters. Inside the crater there are several platforms that were created by the previous lava levels, with the first platform closet to the rim believed to be 2were created by the previous lava levels, with the first platform closet to the rim believed to be 20 meters from the top room and was created by the lava levels in 1973. Below the first platform is another one 40 meters from the top and was formed in 1995 by the lava lake which drained to neighboring areas in 2002 after eruption. As of today, the caldera lava flow is estimated to be between 430 meters to 410 meters beneath the ring of the volcano.
Mountain Nyiragongo is found inside Virunga national park in the DR Congo about 20 km north of Goma city on the borders of DR Congo and Rwanda, and of today the mountain is among the most active volcanoes in the whole world. The mountain is 3470 meters high and its caldera peak is nearly 1.2km wide and it is located near where the deep lava lake is found. Scientists have not fully studied about this mountain because of political unrests with in the DR Congo.
The exact time when Nyiragongo volcano become active remains unclear however occasional bubbling, clouds of smoke, discharge of fire and even the bursting crater walls for lava to flow downhill have happened many years although the first recording of eruption was in 1882.
Hiking mountain Nyiragongo usually begins early in the morning and hikers are advised to be at the starting point by 9am. It’s for the same reason that you are requested to spend the night in the nearby town to give you enough time to prepare adequately for your hike.
You are required to have a valid climbing permit and a yellow fever vaccination as proof of receiving the vaccine. The climbing permit can be booked directly from Virunga national park center or through us Africa Adventure Vacations who may give you around cost figure of all services as well as meals.
The most recommended days up Nyiragongo Mountain are just 3 days for that reason you don’t need to be an athlete to hike the mountain, however you are required to be in good condition to successfully hike up to the top of the mountain. Also keep in mind that the surface is covered up by the volcano rocks and the altitude is high so no signs of dizziness, exhausted as well as loosing courage are likely to occur.
You should know that the peak is 11,400 feet so it’s your choice to either hike slowly or faster. The porters are always there to give assist you in case of heavy luggage, the rate at which hikers succeed to the top of the mountain Nyiragongo is very high.
Warm clothing: just like any other mountain in the world, the temperatures on mountain Nyiragongo start with warm temperatures on the lower slopes to the very cold temperatures closer to the summit. It’s for this reason that you are strongly advised to pack enough warm clothes and don’t be misled by the fact that there is a volcano at the top and you think that the temperatures are warm. With enough warm clothing, the changes are freezing are few.
Change of clothes: in times of wet season which happens from March to May and again in November, there is a lot of rainfall received at the mountain and for that reason, you are strongly advised to pack changing clothes.
Good hiking boots: the hiking boots are another requirements and they should be able to offer adequate ankle support considering the fact that the terrain on the mountain is rocky and uneven.
A sleeping bag: a sleeping bag is another item highly advised to come along with. You can add on your sleeping bag on to the thin and not insulated mattresses that are in the huts up on the mountain.
Enough drinking water: you are advised to drink enough drinking water so as to keep your body well hydrated: a reusable water bottle is highly suggested.
Prescription for altitude sickness: to deal with altitude sickness you are advised to take Diamox
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