Africa, a region of outstanding natural beauty, is also home to some of the world’s most wonderful active volcanoes. Less well known is the fact that Africa is home to more than 100 volcanoes that have been active during Holocene time (roughly the past 10,000 years), including one of the most voluminous and dangerous lava lakes on Earth, and to a rift system that’s actively splitting the continent apart.
An amazing fusion of geological wonder and natural beauty can be found in Africa’s active volcanoes. Each volcano in Africa has a distinct narrative to tell, from the majestic peaks of Eastern Africa to the isolated landscapes of Northern, Western, and Southern Africa.
National Geographic describes Volcanoes as Earth’s geologic architects, and we couldn’t have said it better ourselves. Their explosive eruptions shape the earth, creating both mountains and craters. You don’t need to be a volcanologist to be fascinated by these wonders of nature. Volcanoes helped forge the Earth, and even today some volcanoes are still considered sacred.
In historic times, at least 31 volcanoes have been active in Africa and the Red Sea, including Nyamuragira, Ol Doinyo Lengai, and Jebel Zubair volcanoes.
Topography of East Africa, highlighting the region's volcanic landscape.
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Volcanic Activity in Africa
Africa is best known for BIG things, including Earth’s largest desert (the Sahara), longest river (the Nile), and largest land mammal (the African elephant). Most African volcanoes result from hotspots, the rifting in East Africa, or a combination of the two.
Africa and the Red Sea is volcanically extremely active: Since 1900, at least 19 volcanoes in Africa and the Red Sea have been active. Every year, at least one volcano has been in eruption in Africa and the Red Sea. The latest eruption from Nyamuragira volcano volcano is still continuing at present.
Key Statistics
- Frequency of Eruptions: Since 450 BC, Africa and the Red Sea has seen at least 157 historically documented eruptions, averaging one eruption every 15.8 years.
- First Documented Eruption: Approximately 450 BC from Mount Cameroon.
- Last Eruption: Ongoing since 2018 from Nyamuragira volcano.
Notable Volcanoes in Africa
Mount Kilimanjaro
Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa.
Mount Kilimanjaro volcano in Tanzania, celebrated in Ernest Hemingway’s The Snows of Kilimanjaro and later in The Lion King series, is also Africa BIG. It’s the highest mountain on the continent and the highest single free-standing mountain in the world at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea level and about 4,900 meters (16,100 feet) above its base. Mount Kilimanjaro, located in Tanzania, is a stratovolcano, which is also known as the ‘Roof of Africa’. The three cones: Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira, make up its characteristic shape.
Over 360,000 years ago, the last significant eruption of the Kilimanjaro occurred, making it a dormant volcano. In contrast to the nearby grassland, Kibo’s snow-capped top offers an amazing sight. In addition to being a geological marvel, Kilimanjaro is a hub for biodiversity with a variety of plant zones, from lush rainforest to arctic-like temperatures near the peak.
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Mount Kenya
Mount Kenya, a dormant stratovolcano.
Mount Kenya, a stratovolcano is Africa’s second-highest peak at 5,199 metres and this is another treasure of Eastern Africa. This dormant stratovolcano which is located in Kenya, is a wonder of the natural world, having a number of rough peaks and a wide variety of flora and fauna. Its slopes are evidence of the diverse ecosystems, from dense forests to alpine grasslands, that flourish under its shadow. Mountain climbers and environment lovers alike are attracted to Mount Kenya’s snow-capped summit, Batian.
Mount Meru
Another active volcano in Eastern Africa is Mount Meru, located in Tanzania. Kilimanjaro overshadows Mount Meru but despite this, Mount offers climbers a difficult but rewarding climb. Mount Meru plays a significant role in the region’s geological past as an active stratovolcano. It is a dormant yet fascinating natural wonder because its most recent large eruption happened in the distant past. The opportunity to experience the numerous ecosystems and breathtaking views that characterize this region of Africa is provided by hiking Mount Meru.
Ol Doinyo Lengai
Ol Doinyo Lengai, the "Mountain of God".
The volcano Ol Doinyo Lengai is located in Tanzania, East Africa. In Maasai, they refer to it as the “Mountain of God,” paying tribute to nature’s matchless creativity. Ol Doinyo Lengai is unique because of its distinctive volcanic activity as it is one of the few volcanoes in the world to erupt with the rare carbonatite lava. This remarkable feature casts a dramatic dark tint throughout the landscape, producing a surprising and captivating sight.
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Ol Doinyo Lengai, known by the local Maasai as “Mountain of God”, is an active volcano south of Lake Natron, in Northern Tanzania. Part of the East African Rift Valley, it uniquely produces natrocarbonatite lava. An overnight ascent to the summit is not for the faint hearted, but the moonlight climb is truly a mystical experience. At 2962m, this is one of the most challenging one day climbs in Africa.
Ascending Ol Doinyo Lengai: Conquering Tanzania's Unique Carbonatite Volcano
Mount Elgon
In Eastern Africa, on the boundaries of Kenya and Uganda, lies Mount Elgon, a massive shield volcano. It is one of the continent’s tallest summits, standing as an impressive sentinel at a height of nearly 4,321 metres. Cloaked in thick forests, Mount Elgon’s slopes are home to a complex tapestry of biodiversity, including unique flora and wildlife. In addition, the volcano is home to a massive caldera, a reminder of its volatile geological past.
Mount Cameroon
With an impressive height of 4,040 metres, Mount Cameroon, a spectacular stratovolcano in West Africa, is the tallest peak in the area. It is located in Cameroon and offers a breathtaking fusion of ecological diversity and natural beauty. The dynamic landscape of Mount Cameroon, which witnessed its most recent significant eruption in 2000, beckons adventurers and nature lovers alike.
Biu Plateau
Nigeria’s Biu Plateau is an interesting volcanic feature with a long history of volcanic eruptions. This plateau formerly supported multiple volcanic cones, offering a look into the area’s turbulent past even though it is now thought to be extinct. Even though they are inactive, these cones serve as silent reminders of the dramatic forces that formed the surrounding area. The Biu Plateau is now a calm area covered in lush vegetation and stunning panoramas that serve as a lovely backdrop to the area around it.
Mount Nyiragongo
Mount Nyiragongo, featuring the world’s largest lava lake.
Mount Nyiragongo, one of Africa’s most active stratovolcanoes, is located in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The ongoing activity and, particularly, the captivating lava lake make this a well-known stratovolcano. Nyiragongo, standing at a towering height of 3,470 meters, boasts slopes adorned with luxuriant flora, providing a stark contrast to the harsh spectacle within its crater.
Nyiragongo is a beautiful stratovolcano that features the world’s largest lava lake. The volcano’s forested lower slopes are home to a variety of animals, including chimpanzees, monkeys, and bushbuck. Nyiragongo’s summit rim is largely devoid of vegetation and is sometimes dusted with snow. The trek is steep and tough, but typically takes 4 - 6 hours.
Altitude sickness can be an issue for some because the climb begins at 1989m (6,525 ft) and ascends to 3470m (11,382ft) in a short time. A gas plume rises above lava fountains in a lava lake in the summit crater of Nyiragongo volcano on 20 August 1994. Nyiragongo volcano, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is one of the most active volcanoes in the world, having erupted at least 34 times since 1882.
In 2002 and 2021, the large lava lake at its summit drained and fed lava flows that raced down the volcano’s flanks toward and into the crowded city of Goma, forcing hundreds of thousands of people to flee and resulting in significant damage and even some deaths. Nyiragongo’s lavas are unusually fluid owing to their high temperature (1100 degrees Celsius, or 2000 degrees Fahrenheit) and low silica content (36 percent, compared to 46-50 percent for most basaltic lavas and over 74 percent for Yellowstone’s rhyolites). Their extreme fluidity has been compared to that of water (an exaggeration), but the risk they pose to vulnerable people and infrastructure is acute.
Mount Nyamuragira
Mount Nyamuragira, located in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is one of Africa’s most powerful and active volcanoes. It continues to be a topic of intense interest for volcanologists and others researching volcanic activity due to its history of recurring eruptions. The rich greenery of Virunga National Park encircles this magnificent volcano.
Erta Ale
Erta Ale, one of the longest-existing lava lakes.
Situated in the Afar Region of Ethiopia, Erta Ale is one of the continent’s most captivating natural wonders. This shield volcano has a constant lava lake that has captured the interest of both scientists and explorers. Its ongoing activity distinguishes it. A unique opportunity to see the hot interior of the Earth is provided by the strange sight of molten lava seething and pouring within Erta Ale’s crater.
Erta Ale volcano, in Ethiopia, lays claim to one of the longest-existing lava lakes, having been active continuously since at least 1967, and possibly since 1906. At times, the volcano has hosted not one, but two roiling lava lakes in its summit caldera.
Mount Karisimbi
On the border between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mount Karisimbi, an impressive stratovolcano is located. It has an astounding height of 4,507 metres, making it the tallest peak in the Virunga Mountains. Rising to 4507m, Mt. Karisimbi is the highest volcano in the Virungas. A white-capped summit can often be seen on top of this stratovolcano.
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Mount Visoke (Bisoke)
Mount Visoke, often referred to as Mount Bisoke, is a lush masterpiece located in the centre of the Virunga Mountains. This dormant stratovolcano peaks at a height of 3,711 metres. Also, it is a live illustration of the splendour of the natural world. The lush vegetation covering its slopes creates a striking contrast with the rocky volcanic background. The hike to the top of Mount Visoke reveals an array of beauties that end in the spectacular discovery of a serene volcanic lake at the top.
Other Notable Volcanoes
- Mount Gahinga: At 3,474m, Mt. Gahinga is the smallest of the Virunga volcanoes. This climb takes around 6 hours in total including ascent and descent. Mt Gahinga is topped by a swamp-filled crater and giant lobelia. Lucky climbers may spot golden monkeys on their climb through the bamboo forest.
- Mount Sabinyo: The climb up Mt Sabinyo (3,669m), is a 14km round trip and takes about 8 hours to cover, following a steep ridge up to the peak.
- Mount Muhabura: The climb up massive Mt. Muhavura (4,127m peak), is a 12km round trip and takes around eight hours to cover. Standing at 4,127m, climbing Mt. Muhabura is no joke. It is the steepest of all the 8 Volcanoes found in this region. It can be hiked within one day, and tourists are rewarded with breath-taking views of the other Volcanoes and the Twin Lakes of Ruhondo and Burera. The hike is divided into two stops (each with a hut) before reaching the summit.
Volcanic Eruptions in Africa and the Red Sea (1967-2021)
The following table shows notable volcanic eruptions in Africa and the Red Sea between 1967 and 2021:
| Date | Volcano | VEI | Region | Deaths | Damage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1967 or before - ongoing | Erta Ale | 0 | Danakil depression, Ethiopia | ||
| 2018 Apr 18 - ongoing | Nyamuragira | Summit caldera | 0 | DRCongo | |
| 2002 May 17 ? 2021 May 22(eruption 2002 May 17 ? 2016 Nov 27 - 2017 May 2 | Nyamuragira | Summit crater | 0 | DRCongo | |
| 2016 Sep 21 or before - Oct 13 or later | Ol Doinyo Lengai | North Crater | 0 | Tanzania | |
| 2014 Jun 22 - 2016 May 14 | Nyamuragira | Summit crater | 0 | DRCongo | |
| 2015 Jun 20 or before - Aug 24 or later | Ol Doinyo Lengai | North Crater | 0 | Tanzania | |
| 2011 or before - 2014 Jul 15 ±10 d. | Ol Doinyo Lengai | North Crater | 0 | Tanzania | |
| 2013 Sep 28 - Nov 20 | Jebel Zubair | 2 | Jadid Island | Yemen | |
| 2011 Jun 13 - 2012 Jun 3 ? | Nabro | 4 | Summit crater and NW flank | Eritrea | |
| 2011 Nov 6 - 2012 Mar 16 ? | Nyamuragira | 2 | NW flank | DRCongo | |
| 2011 Dec 18 - 2012 Jan 12 | Jebel Zubair | 2 | Sholan Island | Yemen | |
| 2011 Jan 4 ±3 d. | Dallol | 0 | Dallol crater | Danakil desert, Ethiopia | |
| 2007 Jun 16 ±15 d. |
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