Volcanoes of the DR Congo

Volcanoes of the DR Congo : The Democratic Republic of Congo is one of the countries on the African continent that have volcanic mountains. The Democratic republic of Congo is Africa’s second biggest country covering an area of 2,345,409 square kilometers with an estimated population of 92,377,393 as of 2021. The Democratic republic of Congo is a home to 6 volcanic mountains and some of these are still active while the others are extinct.

The Democratic republic of Congo is famously known for being one of the homes of the mountain gorillas and also because of the famous Mount Nyiragongo which is among the active volcanoes. The Democratic republic of Congo despite the natural resource wealth, this country is feared to be among the poorest countries of Africa. The volcanoes of the Democratic republic of Congo range from 2,000 meters high to 3,711 meters high.

This article highlights and describes each of the 6 volcanoes of the Democratic republic of Congo. The 6 Volcanoes of the Democratic Republic of Congo are May-Ya-Moto, Nyamulagira, Mount Nyiragongo, Tshibinda and Mount Bisoke.

May-Ya-Moto

The May-Ya-Moto volcano is one of the volcanoes of the DR Congo and is located in the eastern part of the country. The May-Ya-Moto is sometimes referred to as the Maji ja moto and is considered a dormant and isolated hydrothermal field. This volcano is standing at an elevation of 3,120 feet approximately 950 meters and can be seen in the previously known as Albert National Park which is in the south of Lake Edward.

The Albert National Park is currently the Virunga national park that broke off from the Rwanda’s Volcanoes national park. This volcano is located in the north west of the Virunga Mountain ranges and is a 38 kilometer distance from the Rutshuru town. The age of the May-Ya-Moto volcano is unknown but it is said to have had one eruption in the past.

Tshibinda volcano

The Tshibinda volcano is another one of the volcanoes of the Democratic republic of Congo located on the south eastern shoreline of the Lake Kivu. The Tshibinda volcano is part of the Kivu volcano province along with the Virunga mountains located on the western branch of the East African Rift.

The Tshibinda volcano is standing at an elevation of 1,460 meters above sea level which is approximately 4,790 feet and the last eruption recorded was in the Pleistocene epoch which is about 2,580,000 years to 11,7000 years ago. The Tshibinda volcano is seen as a group of cones that are built up by lava ejected from the volcanic vent and piled up forming the volcanic cones. The Tshibinda volcano is therefore referred to as a pyroclastic cone volcano.

Mount Bisoke

Mount Bisoke is one of the 8 Virunga volcano ranges and this is still considered an active volcano shared by both Rwanda and the DR Congo. The Mount Bisoke is standing at an elevation of 3,711 meters above sea level which is approximately 12,175 feet. The last eruption of this volcano was recorded in 1957 and is still under study.

A hike to the top of the Mount Bisoke is possible on the Rwandan side and a permit goes for 75 USD per person and the summit of this volcano is located on the Rwandan side. The Bisoke mountain on the DR Congo side is located 35 kilometers north east of Goma town just adjacent to the Lake Kivu.

Mount Nyamuragira

The Mount Nyamulagira is one of Africa’s most active volcanic mountains and is located in the north of the Lake Kivu which is about 25 kilometers away approximately 16 miles. The Mount Nyamulagira is sitted on an elevation of 3,058 meters approximately 10,333 feet and the last eruption of this volcano was experienced in 2021 and is still ongoing.

The Mount Nyiragongo is a shield type of volcano and is close to the other volcano of DR Congo, the Mount Nyiragongo.

Mount Nyiragongo

The Mount Nyiragongo is the most famous volcano of all the above and is sitted on an elevation of 3,470 meters approximately 11,384. This is a stratovolcano and a very active one with the last eruption having been in May 2021. The Mount Nyiragongo is located in the Virunga national park about 12 kilometers away from Goma.

A visit to the Mount Nyiragongo is possible and can be booked through the Virunga national park for a permit at 300 USD per person for this overnight hike. Guests can spend a night at the top on the Nyiragongo summit shelters.