Summit Nyiragongo, active volcano, DR Congo

Today was the day. We passed over the border into the Democratic Republic of Congo, to climb Nyiragongo. An active volcano with the world's largest open lava pool.

I haven't had any internet for a week so I will be busy back-blipping to catch up, but the trek was hard but satisfying, and the beauty of the laval, WOW! These porters were marvelling at my tripod and camera (they carried it for me), so I got them to pose for a shot on the rim.

It has only been a few years since it last "blew", and Goma, the nearest city with over a million inhabitants shows all the scars. Aeroplanes still stuck in lava on the edge of the landing strip, people everywhere, rubbish everywhere, overwhelming to all senses. The UN has a strong presence in DRC, with two large bases before we got to Virunga National Park to do the climb.

It is hard to believe that this beautiful sight sits high above the mayhem of poaches, rebels, warlords, and the general chaos and lawlessness that is DRC. The most amazing thing that I have done so far in my life.

Please stay tuned for back blips, gorillas etc. Rwanda is a truly amazing country.