Nyiragongo volcano: jewel or threat?

Despite the visible military activity in the region, tourists continue to come to the Democratic Republic of Congo to hike to the top of Nyiragongo, a very active volcano symbolising destruction to the local population.

In the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo, signs of an ongoing war are everywhere. But it doesn’t mean the area has been completely abandoned by tourists.

Despite the visible military activity, travellers come here to hike up to the top of the Nyiragongo, a very active volcano. The climb takes about five hours. Groups remain under the protection of armed guards to deter an eventual attack by rebel soldiers. They too are very active in the region.

Volcanic fumes and toxic gases like sulfur dioxide are another source of danger. Despite all this, every month as many as 50 tourists reach the top of the volcano, culminating at 3,500 m. They are greeted by an amazing sight: a blazing cauldron of glowing lava encased in an 800-metre deep crater.

Many embassies warn visitors of the dangers of travel to the RDC, but local tour operators continue to be reassuring. On Jan. 17, 2002 the volcano erupted and lava flowed down to the outskirts of Goma - a town 20 km away with more than 250,000 inhabitants. Between 15% and 20% of the city was destroyed by two powerful lava flows and 200 people died. Now local residents are using the lava stone to rebuild the city. While Nyiragongo's activity is now being carefully monitored, the threat remains.

With the present technology, scientists are able to sound the alarm only a few days before an eruption. The level of the lava lake in the crater is rising, to the delight of hikers and to the fear of locals.