Volcanic View From Tchegera Island

Tchegera Island is a world away from Goma, even though it's just a quick 10 minute boat ride from the city. The lava rock and past destruction from eruptions and decades of conflict are not present. Just lush green grass and trees with the occasional environmentally friendly tent complete with solar polar. Among the places I stayed in Virunga, the tents were definitely the nicest on Tchegera, as you would expect from such a newly opened property.

Seeing the ever-present volcanos in the distance provided a beautiful backdrop to rest and recover after hiking up Mt. Nyiragongo. A rather quiet and peaceful setting. It's like being in the eye of the hurricane though. Calm mixed with the danger that surrounds you. Everything from one of three lakes in the world that can experience a limnic eruption to volcanoes that can devastate the city at its foot. Don't let any of that discourage you though - a trip to Virunga can be life changing and the staff at Tchegera couldn't have been more welcoming and friendly. I had a terrific time there.