Mount Nyamuragira is Africa’s most active volcano and one of the most active volcanoes in the world. It used to erupt every two years, resulting in huge lava flows.
It is a massive volcano within the East African Rift Valley, about 25 km north of Lake Kivu. Its lava flows cover 1,500 sq. km of the East African Rift Valley, with lava sometimes moving more than 30 kilometers from its summit.
The volcano, which stands at 3,058 meters above sea level, has a top crater that is nearly 2 kilometers wide and has walls reaching 100 meters in height.
A lava lake can be found in its caldera during periodic eruptions. It has both internal and external eruptions, leading to the formation of many cinder cones and fissures.
The volcano, known as “Nyamuragira,” is located near Virunga National Park in the massive Virunga ranges. It is conveniently accessible and is known for its mystical nature, making it an excellent hiking destination. This mountain hike is unique and memorable.
The word “Kuragira Inka” comes from the Rwandese language and means “herding cows.” “Inka” refers to cows or cattle.
It is about 13 kilometers north of Mount Nyiragongo and 25 kilometers north of Lake Kivu. Nyamuragira covers 1,500 sq. km and has a volume of 500 cubic kilometers.
The mountain has beautiful landscapes, including vegetation zones that are home to a variety of animals such as monkeys and hyenas, dramatic craters on the summit, and trees growing in the fertile volcanic soils.
Many birds, including herons, kingfishers, hornbills, and owls, are found in this area, making it a great place for bird watching.
Along with Mount Bisoke, the mountain and its neighbor, Mount Nyiragongo, are positioned at the Virunga Massif’s western edge – the only historically known active volcanoes in this area.
Mount Nyamuragira, like Mount Nyiragongo, is a magnificent volcano that offers excellent hiking opportunities. Travelers should take advantage of it when on safari tours in D.R. Congo.
