When Did Mount Nyiragongo Last Erupt?

When did Mount Nyiragongo Last Erupt? Mount Nyiragongo last erupted on 22^nd May, 2021; making it exactly two years since its last eruption which left several thousands of families displaced. Based on information from a Virunga National Park officer, the Mount Nyiragongo eruption is similar to the 2002 explosion, which killed 250 people.

Katcho Karume, head of the Goma Volcano Observatory, stated in September 2020 that the lava lake was fast filling, raising the possibility of an eruption in the next years, however Karume also stated that an earthquake might spark an eruption sooner.

The Observatory had been inoperable for over a year before to the eruption, as the World Bank suspended financing due to corruption charges. The Observatory was unable to afford for an internet connection to link distant monitors or for gasoline to drive workers to the observation locations on a regular basis; during their rare travels to the volcano, staff physically downloaded data from memory cards.

A study published in Geophysical Research Letters in August 2020 identified the probability of a flank eruption between March 2024 and November 2027 based on a comparison of history and present activity at Nyiragongo.

Where is Mount Nyiragongo located?

Mount Nyiragongo near Virunga National Park, and a Congo visa is required at least 7 days in advance. Internationally, Congo is considered as a no-go zone, but in reality, Congo is quite safe for vacationers! If there were any security issues, the Virunga National Park would be closed, and you would never be allowed to cross the border into the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Above all, tourist safety comes first.

It is not as tough as it looks to climb Mount Nyiragongo in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Aside from the portions of uneven rocks from earlier eruptions that make travelling a little difficult as you step the ground, hiking Mount Nyiragongo is doable even for average fitness.

It is possible to climb and descend the Nyiragongo volcano in a single day. The two-day excursion is more pleasurable since you can see the boiling magma from the lava lake’s domain at night, when it becomes bright without being obstructed by heavy smoke. Simple huts with beds are available at night.

About Hiking Mount Nyiragongo in Congo.

Before undertaking the Nyiragongo Volcano Hike in Congo, hikers are briefed on what to expect. The briefing covers all of the important aspects of hiking Nyiragongo volcano and what to expect on the route.

There are five phases to scale Nyiragongo Mountain. The first method is to climb through lower-altitude zones. Hikers who are not physically or psychologically fit should turn back at this point. Following this first point, the following one features a higher height, which provides more difficulties. The terrain in this segment is made up of small lava locks that necessitate the use of suitable hiking shoes.

At higher altitudes, the third phase is made up of both small lava rocks and slick stones. This pattern continues until the fourth segment, when the weather begins to chill and occasionally rains, necessitating the use of strong clothes and a rain jacket to combat the increasing cold produced by the high altitude. The final stretch of the mountain grows shorter and steeper as you approach the peak.

Hiking Nyiragongo volcano in Congo is enjoyable and fulfilling at this stage, as you begin to see the volcano’s top, a distant view of the volcano’s surroundings, and the lava lake at the volcano’s crater. Hikers who complete the Nyiragongo trek and reach the summit are authorized to spend the night there.

Tourists may remain at the volcano’s peak, where they will be provided with meals, snacks, breakfast, drinks, and slipping bags. Chefs and porters will help prepare hot tea and coffee to keep hikers warm because the top may be cold. It should be mentioned that the cost of the summit overnight stay is included in the fee for climbing Nyiragongo in Congo. After you’ve eaten your breakfast and a cup of hot tea or coffee the next day. You take one final glimpse at the burning lava lake and magma before plunging.

Descending is much faster than ascending since reaching the starting point takes around three hours. Descending allows you to see the whole Virunga National Park as well as distant mountains such as Mount Rwenzori in Uganda and Lake Kivu on the Rwandan side. Binoculars and a good camera would be handy at this stage, since this is a once-in-a-lifetime chance that few people get to experience.

Is there accommodation on Mount Nyiragongo?

The cottages are really modest. The cottages you sleep in are little more than a timber structure and some roll mats on the floor, but they keep you warm and have foam mattresses, so they’re pretty pleasant! The shelters are near the summit and round the rim; you may walk around and see the molten lava at any time.

What to pack before Hiking Nyiragongo Mountain in Congo?

You’ll need walking shoes and maybe trekking boots. Make certain that these are comfy.
Carry extra warm clothing for when you reach the peak. Because it is cooler on the peak, you may need to wear two layers of clothing every time.
Rain gear is essential, if not required. Make it a light rain jacket because it might rain at any time.
Poncho, this will keep you warm and dry if it rains.
Long pants and higher socks: wear pants that can be stuffed into your socks.
To prevent lingering in wet clothes, bring extra clothes that you can change into if it rains.
Bring some spare cash for modest expenses such as tipping guides, porters, and purchasing a walking stick.
The hat and sun screen: these are mostly for sun protection.
You’ll need a camera to record the breathtaking landscape and moments.
Portable chargers: Because there is no power, you will need them to charge your mobile devices before the trek, if you require them.
Because you will be sleeping in an open environment, you should use a mosquito net.
You will need passport photographs for your Visa and other purposes, so bring several with you.
The first-aid supplies
You will need a warm sleep porch to enjoy your night.
To remain warm, you’ll need hand gloves, woolen stockings, and a head sock.
For a tent or hut, you may require a rechargeable torch or light. Because there is no electricity at the summit and you will need to roam about at night, you will need a decent LED illumination torch.
Because this is a tropical environment, you will need insect repellent lotion to protect yourself from the numerous insects and mosquitoes.
You will need a decent camera for both still photography and filming; this is critical for this safari because it nearly entirely depends on it; please bring an additional battery.
Binoculars are required since some of the items need zooming in; for bird watchers, this is essential.
Because most people here speak French, a French dictionary is essential. Swahili language is also spoken in the country.