The Fiery Giant: Hiking Mount Nyiragongo and Witnessing the Lava Lake

As I navigated the rugged terrain and steep slopes of Mount Nyiragongo, I couldn't help but marvel at the sheer magnitude of this active stratovolcano. The start of the hike brought us through thick forest, the diverse flora and fauna providing a stark contrast to the rocky ascent that awaited. Once we reached the crater rim and looked down, I was awestruck by the bright red lava that filled the caldera. The molten rock created a fiery lake, its heat felt even from a distance. I couldn't stop analyzing the volcanic activity and geological composition of this impressive mountain. Nyiragongo is situated along the East African Rift, contributing to its instability and frequent eruptions which have occurred since the 1800s. Despite its potential dangers, the indigenous people coexist with this fiery giant. At night, we settled into our tents on the crater rim and watched in amazement as the fiery lake illuminated the pitch-black night sky.