About Kyejo
Kyejo is a stratovolcano rising to 2,176 meters (7,139 feet) in Tanzania's Eastern Africa Volcanic Regions. Its last known eruption was in 1800 CE. The volcano has produced 1 recorded eruption, with a maximum Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 2.
Geography & Climate
Kyejo is located in Tanzania, within the Rukwa Rift Volcanic Province of the broader Eastern Africa Volcanic Regions. Situated at 9.23° S, 33.79° E in the Southern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a tropical climate zone. At 2,176 meters above sea level, Kyejo rises above the surrounding terrain into montane or subalpine conditions. The elevation creates distinct ecological zones along its flanks, from forested lower slopes to exposed rocky terrain near the summit. The volcanic landform is characterized as a composite, which describes the physical shape and structure of the volcanic edifice as observed from the surface.
Geological Context
Kyejo is situated along a rift zone, where tectonic plates are pulling apart. As the crust thins and fractures, magma rises to fill the gap, creating volcanic activity. Rift volcanism typically produces more fluid lava flows rather than explosive blasts, which means communities near Kyejo in Tanzania generally face slower-moving hazards like lava flows and ground fissures rather than sudden pyroclastic events. However, rift volcanoes can still generate significant ash emissions and gas releases that affect local air quality. The dominant rock type is trachyte / trachydacite, an intermediate to silica-rich volcanic rock. This composition typically produces more viscous magma, leading to more explosive eruptions with ash columns and pyroclastic flows. Andesitic and dacitic magmas build pressure before erupting, which is why volcanoes with this rock chemistry are often associated with Plinian-style eruptions that can send ash tens of kilometers into the atmosphere and disrupt aviation across entire regions.
Eruption History Summary
Kyejo has 1 recorded eruption in the geological database, spanning from 1800 CE to 1800 CE. The most powerful recorded event was an explosive event producing ash plumes up to several kilometers in 1800 CE, reaching VEI 2 on the Volcanic Explosivity Index.
GVP Reference Summary
Late-stage activity of the Kyejo (Kieyo) trachytic stratovolcano, NW of Lake Malawi (Lake Nyassa), consisted of the formation of numerous maars and cinder cones. This stratovolcano is elongated in a NW-SE direction and has been active since the mid-Pleistocene. Maars, some of which contain lakes, surround the area, and young basaltic cinder cones and lava flows cover an extensive area to the south. The latest eruption around 1800 CE took place from two tephritic cones, Sarabwe and Fiteko, that were constructed along a NW-trending fissure. The eruption produced lava flows that traveled 8 km and overran several villages.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
1 Recorded Eruption
| Year | VEI | Type | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1800 | 2 | Confirmed Eruption | Sarabwe and Fiteko |
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Kyejo
Is Kyejo an active volcano?+
Kyejo is classified as active based on credible evidence of past eruptions. Although its last known eruption was in 1800 CE, volcanologists consider it capable of erupting again.
When did Kyejo last erupt?+
The most recent recorded eruption of Kyejo occurred in 1800 CE with a Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 2. The eruption was classified as a "Confirmed Eruption." Kyejo has 1 recorded eruption in total.
How high is Kyejo?+
Kyejo has a summit elevation of 2,176 meters (7,139 feet) above sea level. At 2,176 meters, it is comparable in height to many significant mountain peaks and stands well above the tree line.
What type of volcano is Kyejo?+
Kyejo is classified as a Stratovolcano. Stratovolcanoes (also called composite volcanoes) are steep, conical volcanoes built up by many layers of hardened lava, tephra, and volcanic ash. They are among the most common and dangerous types, known for explosive eruptions.
Where is Kyejo located?+
Kyejo is located in Tanzania, in the Eastern Africa Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Rukwa Rift Volcanic Province. Its exact coordinates are -9.229° latitude, 33.792° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Kyejo?+
Kyejo can generally be visited, but as with any volcano, visitors should check local conditions and any advisory notices before traveling. Tanzania may have specific regulations for accessing volcanic areas. Guided tours are often the safest and most informative way to experience a volcano.
