Dem Rep of Congo: Virunga NP – Climbing Nyaragongo Volcano

Nyaragongo is the most active volcano in Africa and until 2 months ago was closed due to rebel fighting in the area. Climbing Nyrangongo is a 2 day affair – 6 hours up on the first day from 6400 to 11000 feet over a very steep 8km. Then you sleep overnight on the rim in huts in near freezing temps, and the next morning take 3-4 hours of knee-wrecking to descend back to the starting point. Most of the way is trekking over lava flows, it’s very rough and unstable as you keep on slipping and twisting ankles. The last portion is very steep and you almost think there’s no possible way you can get up there. But the thought of seeing one of the few lava lakes in the world in the crater pushes you on! Notice the picture of the sign riddled with bullet holes in 2012. Also of note is the toilet at the top where you need to use a rope to go down and up – but a million dollar view from the missing door!