Have you ever thought of taking a visit or hike of Mount Nyamuragira? Did you know that there are only 2 active Volcanoes in D.R Congo and Mount Nyamuragira is the second after the famous Nyiragongo? Did you know that Mount. Nyamuragira is located in Virunga national park?
Most known as the shield Volcano, Mount Nyamuragira is located just 25 kilometers west of Lake Kivu and 14 kilometers northwest of Mount Nyiragongo the most active Volcanoes in the world. Surprisingly, Mount Nyamuragira is also an active Volcano in the Virunga massif in the Virunga national park and gets its name from the local word “Kuragira ngavu” meaning heard cows. Historically, this mountain has erupted at least 40 times since 1885 and it recently erupted in November 2011.
Eruption normally causes emerging of small Volcanoes that end up disappearing time and again, eruption causes displacement of people and the death of wildlife including flora and fauna. This is because of the released Sulphur dioxide which is so harmful to the environment. This mountain has a Caldera of 2 kilometers wide with an elevation of 3058 meters above sea level and on eruption, it forms different fissures and cinder cones.
The researchers realized that there was a disappearance in the lava lake from the Caldera in 2016 but still now the reason for its appearance is not yet known and there are gasses that still fuse out from the Caldera. There is a lava lake and this has been seen forming in 2014, hence making it on record to be one of the Volcanoes mountains with lava lakes. Researchers say that this lake is 500m and it keeps growing daily with high chances of forming lava flows in future.
There is a lot you can do while visiting this great mountain and hiking is the best adventure each tourist desire to do while on a Congo safari. The hiking experience does take place on this mountain and only takes place on the neighboring mountain Nyiragongo. It takes 2 days and you are advised to follow the park rules and regulations.
Spot lots of while on the hike such as different bird species, primates and much more. Take a 3 days safari to Congo that is tailored to take you on a hike on Mount Nyiragongo which is also the best option you can consider that will increase your mental ability and memories.
Bird watching.
Apart from hiking Mount. Nyamuragira, there are other things one can take part while and one of them is bird watching. While visiting Virunga national park on your Mount Nyamuragira hike, you can take part in birding since this tourist destination is a birder’s paradise. Be in a position to spot birds like a black kite, Kivu ground thrush, olive woodpecker, paradise flycatcher, olive legions, and many more. Like any other birding spot, birders are advised to take the activity either early in the morning or late in the evening when the birds are active.
Gorilla trekking.
Since the mountain is less visited and it’s located in the home of mountain gorillas – Virunga national park, you can add gorilla trekking to your bucket list as you plan to visit Mount Nyamuragira. This experience exposes tourists to the presence of gorillas for an hour but the overall experience takes about 2 to 7 hours. This is because the location of the gorilla family trekked cannot be predicted.
Cultural experience.
While on your Congo safari, include a cultural experience on your travel plan since there are a lot of cultures one can explore. This can be through traditional music and dances, tasting local foods, taking a community walk and much more. You are advised to acquire some souvenirs in form of handmade crafts that will enable you to trace the roots of your safari. For the best safari in the Democratic Republic of Congo, consider a hike to Mount. Nyamuragira and get ready to create lifelong memories.
