Mount Nyiragongo is a stratovolcano located in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is one of the eight volcanoes in the Virunga massif, which stretches across Rwanda, Uganda, and Congo. Mount Nyiragongo is famous for having the largest lava lake in recent history, making it one of the most unique and active volcanoes in the world.
Mount Nyiragongo rises to 3,470 meters above sea level. Its crater is about 2 kilometers wide and contains the lava lake. Inside the crater, there are two cooled lava benches. One bench is found at about 3,175 meters, while the second is at about 2,975 meters. Before the major eruption in January 1977, the lava lake reached a height of around 3,250 meters.
Together with Mount Nyamuragira, Mount Nyiragongo causes about 40 percent of all volcanic eruptions in Africa. The mountain is surrounded by many small volcanic cones that were formed by eruptions on its slopes. Nyiragongo also partly overlaps two older volcanoes called Mount Shaheru and Mount Baratu.
The lava from Mount Nyiragongo is very fluid. This is because it is made of a rare type of rock known as melilite nephelinite. This rock contains high alkaline levels and low silica. Because of this, the lava flows very fast and can reach speeds of up to 100 kilometers per hour. This makes Nyiragongo one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world.
Mount Nyiragongo Hiking Permit Fees
Hiking Mount Nyiragongo takes about five hours to reach the summit. Because of this, it is not possible to hike up and down in one day. All hikers must spend at least one night at the shelters near the summit. Staying overnight allows visitors to clearly see the glowing red lava lake during the night.
The hike starts at Kibati Patrol Post. All climbers must begin the hike at exactly 10 a.m. If you arrive late, you will not be allowed to climb, and your permit fee will not be refunded. Visitors are required to check in at the park headquarters by 8 a.m. for briefing and security checks.
The Mount Nyiragongo hiking permit costs 300 USD per person. This fee does not include accommodation, meals, or porter services. Visitors may carry their own camping equipment if they want to reduce costs.
If you prefer Virunga National Park to arrange accommodation and meals at the summit, this costs an extra 100 USD per person. Porters are available at 24 USD per night and can carry luggage weighing up to 15 kilograms.
One permit allows you to stay more than one night at the summit. You only pay extra for accommodation and meals for each additional night, at 100 USD per day.
To hike Mount Nyiragongo, you also need a Congo tourist visa. The visa costs 100 USD and can be arranged through Virunga National Park.
Park Entry Fees
Park entry fees for Virunga National Park depend on the activity you choose. For Mount Nyiragongo hikers, the park entry fee is already included in the hiking permit. No extra entry payment is required once you have a valid permit.
History of Mount Nyiragongo Eruptions
Mount Nyiragongo has erupted many times over the years. Recorded eruptions happened in 1884, 1898, 1899, 1900, 1901, 1902, 1905, 1906, 1908, 1911, 1918, 1920 to 1921, 1927 to 1977, 1982, 1994 to 1996, 2002, and 2010.
An active lava lake existed from 1894 until 1977. In January 1977, the crater walls collapsed, and the lava drained out in less than one hour. Lava flows reached widths of 200 to 1,000 meters and depths of up to 2 meters. The lava moved at about 60 kilometers per hour, making it the fastest lava flow ever recorded. This eruption also formed a small new volcano inside the crater.
Lava lakes returned between 1982 and 1994, until another major eruption in 2002. During this eruption, a 13 kilometer crack opened on the southern side of the volcano. Lava flowed toward Lake Kivu, the city of Goma, and parts of Goma International Airport.
Before the 2002 eruption, about 400,000 people were evacuated to Gisenyi in Rwanda. There was fear that lava could release dangerous gases from Lake Kivu. This risk still exists for people living near Goma and Gisenyi.
The eruption destroyed around 4,500 buildings, and about 245 people died due to gas poisoning. Over 120,000 people lost their homes. About 70 people died directly from the lava flow within 30 minutes of the eruption. Earthquakes continued for three months after the eruption, causing further damage.
Six months later, Mount Nyiragongo erupted again. A new lava lake formed, about 250 meters wide. It was smaller than the earlier one. Today, volcanic activity is mostly limited to inside the crater.
Mount Nyiragongo has erupted about 34 times since 1882. The lava lake was suspected for many years but was officially confirmed in 1948. It covers an area of about 120,000 square meters. Carbon dioxide gas still escapes from the ground in some areas near the volcano and has caused deaths, especially among children.
In 2016, a new vent opened in the northeast part of the crater after loud rumbling sounds were heard. No one can predict the exact date of the next eruption, but experts can often give warnings months in advance. Hiking is allowed only when there are no danger signs, and tours stop immediately if risks increase.
Location of Mount Nyiragongo
Mount Nyiragongo is located inside Virunga National Park. The park borders Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda.
The drive from Goma town to the starting point of the hike takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Park rangers escort all visitors for safety due to occasional security concerns in the region.
Best Time to Climb Mount Nyiragongo
Mount Nyiragongo can be climbed at any time of the year. The best time is during the dry season when trails are not muddy or slippery. Dry months offer clearer views of the crater and lava lake.
Visitors should drink enough water to avoid dehydration and altitude sickness. Hiking Mount Nyiragongo is a once in a lifetime experience. Standing above one of the world’s most active lava lakes is an unforgettable memory for any traveler.
