2021 Mount Nyiragongo Eruption
2021 Mount Nyiragongo Eruption , 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, expelling 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 commercial district. Likewise, the adjacent Goma airport remained intact despite the lava flow. Although there was significant harm caused by the lava flow, the people of Congo were fortunate that the eruption was brief and the lava did not disperse extensively. Dario Tedesco, a volcanologist in Goma, asserts that only the lava within the crater has erupted, and it is thought that no additional lava from beneath has emerged. The inaugural 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 vehicular accidents while fleeing for safety.
Is Congo Safe for Tourists?
Due to the current circumstances, the Democratic Republic of Congo is evidently restricted to tourism. All safaris to the Nyiragongo Volcano and Virunga National Park in Congo are presently suspended until stabilization of the situation. Gorilla Trekking in Africa will notify you when tourism in Congo resumes.
Facts Regarding Nyiragongo Volcano
Mount Nyiragongo, an active stratovolcano, rises to 3,470 meters above sea level and is situated in Virunga National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo. The peak of the volcano 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 within the Virunga Conservation Area. Mount Nyamuragira, the proximate 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 explore the splendor of this active volcano. On the first day, tourists will transfer to Virunga National Park. On the second day, they will trek the volcano and spend the night on its slopes to observe the visible boiling lava lake after dark. On the third day, guests will descend and proceed to the airport for their return flights.
Additional pursuits in Virunga National Park
In addition to trekking Nyiragongo volcano, guests on Rwandan safaris have numerous more attractions and activities to enhance their experience. Other notable activities in Virunga National Park include, among others:
Trekking mountain Gorillas
With eight habituated gorilla families, gorilla trekking is an essential activity not to be overlooked during your visit to Virunga National Park in Congo. Virunga Park is one of the four parks that protect the endangered mountain gorillas. Additional 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, which is significantly more economical compared to $1500 in Rwanda and $800 in Uganda. The Democratic Republic of Congo is the premier gorilla location for budget-conscious guests. Gorilla Trekking in Africa is the premier choice for gorilla safaris in Congo. We customize a range of gorilla safaris.
Bird observation
With more than 706 avian species inhabiting Virunga National area, birdwatching is an essential activity during your Congo gorilla safari to the area. 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 throughout the entire year.
Nature and Forest Walks
A stroll through Virunga National Park offers an excellent opportunity to discover the concealed treasures of the rainforest. Experience the serene and brisk natural environment on foot in Virunga National Park with Gorilla Trekking in 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 diminutive terrestrial invertebrates, avian species, and herbal flora.
In conclusion, we will keep you informed about the current eruption of Nyiragongo Volcano and tourism in the Democratic Republic of Congo.