Eruption of Mount Nyiragongo in 2021
Mount Nyiragongo, situated in Virunga National Park in Eastern Congo, has erupted after a 19-year hiatus since its last eruption in 2002. The 2021 eruption occurred on May 22, 2021, when the sky became ablaze, discharging lava towards the adjacent city of Goma, which houses over 1 million inhabitants. Inhabitants of Goma were observed evacuating to neighboring nations, particularly Rwanda. Fortunately, by Sunday, the 23rd of 2021, the lava ceased its advance a few meters from Goma, so preserving the city and its central businesses. Likewise, the adjacent Goma airport remained intact despite the lava flow. Despite significant harm caused by the lava flow, the people of Congo were fortunate that the eruption was brief and the lava did not disperse much. Dario Tedesco, a volcanologist in Goma, asserts that only the lava within the crater has erupted, and it is thought that no further lava from beneath has emerged. The initial eruption of Nyiragongo Volcano occurred in 1882, and it is estimated to have erupted 32 times since.
Injuries and fatalities
The lava flow has obliterated residences, enterprises, and agricultural lands in 17 settlements surrounding Nyiragongo Volcano. A total of 600 homes and schools have been reported as completely destroyed by the lava flow. Furthermore, reports indicate that more than 170 children were unaccounted for and separated from their family while seeking refuge. Furthermore, 15 individuals have been reported deceased; some were incinerated, while others perished in car accidents while fleeing for safety.
Is the Congo Safe for Tourists?
Due to the current circumstances, the Democratic Republic of Congo is evidently restricted to tourism. All safaris to Nyiragongo Volcano and Virunga National Park in Congo are presently suspended until stabilization of the situation. Gorilla Trek Africa will notify you when tourism in Congo resumes.
Concerning Nyiragongo Volcano
Mount Nyiragongo, an active stratovolcano, rises to 3,470 meters above sea level and is situated in Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The volcano’s peak contains a 2-kilometer crater lake, the largest in the world. The precise depth of the lava lake at the summit of Nyiragongo is uncertain. Nyiragongo Volcano is one of the eight volcanoes located in the Virunga Conservation Area. Mount Nyamuragira, the next volcano in Virunga Park, is active, and hiking is prohibited for travelers. The cost for hiking Nyiragongo is $300 per visitor, with the hike commencing at 10:00 AM.
Three-Day Nyiragongo Volcano Expedition
A three-day hike of Nyiragongo is sufficient to appreciate the magnificence of this active volcano. On Day 1, passengers will transfer to Virunga National Park; on Day 2, they will trek the volcano and spend the night on its slopes to observe the visible boiling lava lake at night. On the third day, travelers will descend and transfer to the airport for their return flights.
Additional pursuits in Virunga National Park
In addition to trekking Nyiragongo volcano, guests on Rwanda safaris have numerous more attractions and activities for an extraordinary experience. Other notable activities in Virunga National Park include, among others:
Trekking for mountain gorillas
With eight habituated gorilla families, gorilla trekking is an essential activity not to be overlooked during your vacation to Virunga National Park in Congo. Virunga Park is one of the four parks that protect the endangered mountain gorillas. Alternative locations to observe gorillas are Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla Parks in Uganda, as well as Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Gorilla trekking in Congo is priced at $450, making it significantly more economical than the $1500 charged in Rwanda and the $700 in Uganda. The Democratic Republic of Congo is the premier gorilla location for budget-conscious guests. Gorilla Trek Africa is the premier choice for gorilla safaris in Congo. We customize a range of gorilla safaris.
Avian observation
With more than 706 avian species inhabiting Virunga National Park, birdwatching is an essential activity during your gorilla safari in the Congo. Bird species in Virunga National Park include the Olive Sunbird, Grey-throated Barbet, White-headed Wood Hoopoe, Rwenzori Batis, Rwenzori Turaco, Black Bishop, Double-toothed Barbet, Black-billed Stork, and Madagascar Bee-eater, among others. Birdwatching at Virunga National Park occurs year-round.
Nature and Forest Excursions
A stroll through Virunga National Park offers an excellent opportunity to discover the concealed treasures of the rainforest. Experience the serene, cool natural surroundings on foot in Virunga National Park with Gorilla Trek Africa. Explore various paths in the forest to uncover waterfalls, rivers, caverns, and other sights throughout Virunga National Park. A woodland walk is an optimal opportunity to observe minute terrestrial insects, avian species, and herbal flora.
Consequently, we will keep you informed about the current eruption of Nyiragongo Volcano and tourism in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
