Mount Nyiragongo

Mount Nyiragongo rises 3,470 meters above sea level, containing a massive crater that holds one of the largest permanent lava lakes on Earth.

The 2002 eruption created fissures in the southern flank, releasing lava flows that destroyed large sections of Goma city and displaced 400,000 residents.

The Goma Volcanic Observatory maintains a scientific station at the summit, where researchers study volcanic activity and monitor potential hazards to local communities.

The ascent to the summit requires a guided trek through Virunga National Park, with overnight camping facilities available near the crater rim.

The volcano's lava moves at exceptional speeds of up to 100 kilometers per hour due to its unusual chemical composition and low silica content.

Location: Democratic Republic of the Congo

Elevation above the sea: 3,470 m

Made from material: feldspathoid

GPS coordinates: -1.52145,29.24995

Latest update: May 27, 2025 20:34