Mount Nyiragongo is an active stratovolcano with an elevation of 3,470 metres (11,380 ft) in the Virunga Mountains (Virunga National Park), in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, about 20 km (12 mi) north of the town of Goma and Lake Kivu and just west of the border with Rwanda. The main crater is about two kilometres wide and usually contains an impressive lava lake. The crater presently has two distinct cooled lava benches within the crater walls – one at about 3,175 m (10,417 ft) and a lower one at about 2,975 m (9,760 ft). It is possible to descent the crater up to the second bench for scientific and documentation purposes. Nyiragongo’s lava lake has at times been the most voluminous known lava lake in recent history.
Ph. F. Pandolfo
Related Projects:
Video:
video spedizione di Francesco Pandolfo
In collaboration with:
Logistics and transports
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helicopter
Access to specific locations requires the use of the helicopter. MB deals with Companies in compliance with flight permits and the revision of the means of transport. Usually, throughout the entire expedition, for security reasons, it is always available, for the MB team and its customers, a helicopter with a pilot and a mechanic. helicopter -
ropes
All MB team members and their collaborators, as well as being skilled speleologists and mountaineers, are regularly licensed to work on ropes in natural and artificial locations (such as IRATA). In addition, MB provides its own technicians and customers with tools and materials for rope progression, carefully chosen and revised. ropes -
tent
Base camp: the base camp arranged by the MB team is generally composed of a «base camp» tent equipped as a kitchen, a «bell tent» for material storage and for charging electronic equipment; personal tents for 2/3 people; electricity generator; gas and camping stoves; fresh and/or lyophilised food; boxes for materials and food storage; medical backpack; VHF radio equipment; satellite phone and possible satellite internet. tent -
jeep
Pickup or 4X4 will be used to allow access to the location. MB only uses revised vehicles and in good condition. jeep
Points of interest
- A new lateral vent has open in 2016 forming spectacular lava falls
- The volcano is monitored for gas and earthquakes for eruption forecasts
- Nyiragongo is close to the biggest Nyamualagira volcano, also one of the few volcanoes on Earth which have sustained lava lakes for several decades
Accessibility
Nyiragongo volcano can be accessed by land up to the crater rim, also thanks to the support of local labourers. However, the descent to the lower benches is strictly restricted and require a complex logistic and rope assistance. Nyamualagira can be reached only through helicopter flight. The social instability of the region require special permits and logistic support from the UN and local army.
