Mount Nyamuragira (Nyamulagira) is one of the active shield volcanoes located within the Virunga Massifs in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This volcano is approximately 25kms North of Lake Kivu. Its name is translated as a herd of animals. Nyamuragira Mountain is notably the most active volcano, with a record of not less than 40 eruptions since 1885. It has had eruptions at the summits and around its flanks, resulting in the formation of smaller volcanoes. Although its small volcanoes only existed for a shorter period of time an example Murata from 1976 to 1977.
Mt. Nyamuragira lies within the Nord-Kivu Province, about 13kms North-North-West of Mount Nyiragongo (this volcano has had multiple eruptions, and what one may describe as the worst damage occurred in 2002). Mount Nyamuragira has an estimated volume of 500 cubic km and spreads covering an area of at least 1500sq.km, about 580sq.mi. Unlike other volcanoes, Nyamuragira has a low shield profile and contrasts with adjacent steep-sided Mount Nyiragongo. 
The huge portion of the sulfur dioxide that is realized in the atmosphere by volcanoes comes from Mount Nyamuragira. The eruption began spewing out the lava flows in the upper left of Lake Kivu. The advantage of it is that there are no settlements, but such eruptions always threaten the lives of chimpanzees and their habitats on Uganda and Rwanda side.
As of 2010, the Lava flows were experienced with satellite pictures capturing it to have covered about 25km Southwest of Lake Kivu. In 2014, a new lava lake was created from this volcano with a depth of 500m and rising at an altitude of 3058m. Its caldera on its summits measures 2kms wide with wide walls measuring 100m high.
Like Mauna Loa in Hawaii, Mt. Nyamuragira has had a series of eruptions that have taken place on its flanks leaving small volcanoes. It is possible to get to Mount Nyamuragira from Rwanda or from Goma in Congo and you travel to Virunga National Park, Eastern D.R. Congo.
Other attractions & activities at the Virunga National Park Congo
Gorilla trekking
Congo is one of the preferred destinations when it comes to gorilla trekking in Africa, and luckily, Nyamuragira Volcano lies right within the premier gorilla trekking spot – Virunga National Park. A visit to Mount Nyamuragira can be combined with gorilla tours in Virunga National Park, Congo where you will be tracking mountain gorillas in the wild.
For Congo gorilla trekking safaris in the Virunga National Park, there are 8 fully habituated gorilla families to be visited. Virunga Park habituated gorilla family groups include Humba, Bageni gorilla group, Kabirizi, Nyakamwe, Munyaga gorilla group, Mapuwa group, Rugendo, and Lulengo group.
To visit any of Virunga Park’s habituated gorilla families, you require valid gorilla permits, and each costs USD400. The local tour operator whom you contact to plan your gorilla safari is in a position to also secure valid gorilla permits or you can deal directly with Virunga National Park authorities.
Hiking Nyiragongo volcano
Nyiragongo volcano is one of the Virunga Massifs that offers special hikes. A trek to the summits of Mt. Nyiragongo is a great opportunity to conquer its magical summits, 3470m and at the top, you won’t return the same way you went. The strong bubbling lava with fumes emitted to the sky will definitely take your breath away. Hiking through the remarkable Nyiragongo volcano can take about 4 to 6 hours, although this usually varies with your fitness level.
Birding
Bird watching shouldn’t be missed on Congo tours in the Virunga National Park, home to all 706 bird species, with the majority them comprising Albertine rift and forest bird species. The special birds to identify on the birding expedition in Congo Virunga NP include speckled mouse bird, Kivu ground thrush, paradise flycatcher, handsome francolins, Rockefellers sunbird, Shelley’s crimson wing, blue-headed coucal, olive woodpeckers, papyrus yellow warblers, grey-throated barbet, ibis, Rwenzori batis, turacos, Grauer’s swamp warblers, tropical boubou, and many others. At the lower Rutshuru River, you can spot a large population of pelicans.
Best time to visit
The favorite time to consider visiting Nyamuragira Volcano or Virunga National Park is during the dry season. This is from June to September, December, and January to February when Virunga Park records low or no rains and the trails remain relatively drier.
What to carry for your hiking safaris to Virunga Park/Nyamuragira Volcano
There is a long list of items to consider packing for any Congo safari, but the key ones include waterproof hiking boots, cameras, insect repellents, rain jacket, high-energy giving snacks, valid passport, visas, bottled water, sunscreen, gloves, long-sleeved shirts, long trousers or pants, daypack preferably waterproof, and many more.
Where to stay
The available places to consider for overnight sleep in Virunga National Park include Bukima Tented Camp, Kibumba Tented Camp, Mikeno Lodge, and Tchegera Island Tented Camp.
