You may have read in last week’s news post about the volcano erupting in the Congo. Well more news from that front has emerged with the launch of night-time treks to see the volcanic eruptions from up close.

The authorities in the Virunga National Park have announced that they are organising treks to the Nyamulagira volcano which can be found in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The eruption has been continuing at a steady pace since November 6th and the lava fountains are said to be spectacular. There are also several immense slow moving lava flows heading down into the park. The Park authorities wish to make the most of this exciting opportunity to witness one of nature’s most incredible phenomenons and to respond to the interest in trekking to the area.

They have installed a new tented camp for visitors in a close but safe area which was selected by volcanologist, Dario Tedesco, with the Goma Volcanological Observatory (OVG). He said: “This is definitely the best and most spectacular eruption of Nyamulagira I have ever seen. The 200-300m lava fountains, the closeness and the arrangement of the camping site and, finally, the incredible show given by the lights of the incandescent lava, made everything special… more than special.”

The national park authority is organising the night-time trek, which includes transportation from Goma, a shared tent, mat and blanket. Visitors will have to bring their own food, water, sleeping bag, and rain gear. The hike will take three to four hours in each direction and begins at Rugari an hour away from Goma.

This volcanic eruption is giving a much needed boost to the efforts to re-introduce tourism to the eastern Congo after decades of turmoil. It is a truly unique and stunning area with fabulous wildlife which along with Uganda and Rwanda is also home to the rare mountain gorilla and the famous chimpanzee colonies.