What do you know about Virunga Volcano Mountains

What do you know about Virunga Volcano Mountains

The northern border of Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo are home to eight volcanic mountains known as the Virunga Massif or the Mufumbiro Ranges. These mountains are essential for the survival of endangered mountain gorillas that live on their slopes. Most of these volcanoes are dormant, except for Mount Nyamuragira and Mount Nyiragongo in eastern D.R. Congo, which last erupted in 2021.

These volcanoes are named based on their geographical features. For example, Mount Sabyinyo is called “old man’s teeth” because its three peaks resemble teeth in a jaw. From the Kanaba Gap along the Kisoro-Kabale Road in Uganda, one can see all eight volcanoes from a bird’s eye view.

Mountain Karisimbi

Mountain Karisimbi is a strato volcano and the highest of the eight volcanoes, standing at 4,507 meters. It straddles the border between Rwanda, known as the country of a thousand hills, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. In Rwanda, it is located in the famous Volcanoes National Park. The name “Karisimbi” means “white shell” in Kinyarwanda, referring to its snow-capped peak during the dry season.

Hiking Mountain Karisimbi
Hiking Mountain Karisimbi is a thrilling two-day adventure. The hike starts at 8:00 AM and can take between 5 to 10 hours to reach the summit, depending on the hikers’ fitness levels. Permits for hiking must be obtained three days in advance through a tour company, costing $400 for a single hiker and $350 each for groups of two or more. This fee does not include food, hiking equipment, or porters.

Hikers are treated to views of two craters, Mutanga and Branca Calderas, at the summit. The peak is often covered in snow during the dry season, making the hike even more rewarding. Along the way, hikers may spot Dian Fossey’s grave and learn about her work protecting mountain gorillas. Wildlife sightings may include golden monkeys and, with luck, groups of mountain gorillas.

Mountain Mikeno in D.R. Congo

Mountain Mikeno is the second highest of the Virunga volcanoes, reaching 4,437 meters. It is the highest mountain in the D.R. Congo and the 13th highest in Africa. Mikeno’s last eruption occurred during the Pleistocene era. It is located entirely within Virunga National Park in eastern D.R. Congo. While the slopes of this mountain are home to endangered mountain gorillas, they are not suitable for human habitation.

Hiking Mountain Mikeno
Hiking Mountain Mikeno is a challenging two-day trek, recommended for experienced hikers. The hike begins at the Bukima patrol post and proceeds to the Kabara campsite for an overnight stay. The ascent to the summit is completed the following day.

At the peak, hikers are rewarded with spectacular views of a lava lake and the great western rift valley, perfect for photography. The slopes are home to lush green vegetation, massive coffee plantations, and beautiful waterfalls. Wildlife sightings may include mountain gorillas.

Mountain Muhabura – Rwanda and Uganda

Mountain Muhabura, also known as Mount Muhavura in Rwanda, is a dormant volcano last erupted during the Holocene period. It stands at 4,127 meters, making it the third highest among the Virunga volcanoes. The name “Muhabura” means “the guide,” as it was historically used by travelers for navigation.

Hiking Mountain Muhabura
Hiking Mountain Muhabura is a one-day activity. In Uganda, the hike starts from Mgahinga National Park at the Ntebeko ranger station, and in Rwanda, it begins from Volcanoes National Park at Kinigi. The hike starts at 7:00 AM after a briefing. The trek takes 7-9 hours, including both the ascent and descent. Hiking costs $80 in Uganda and $90 in Rwanda.

The mountain’s conical shape, formed by ancient volcanic eruptions, and its crater lake at the summit are major attractions. Hikers may also spot mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, and other wildlife.

Mountain Bisoke

Mountain Bisoke, also known as Visoke, is an active volcano standing at 3,696 meters. It straddles the border between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, with its last eruption occurring in 1957. Bisoke means “soaked with water,” named for the two crater lakes on the mountain.

Hiking Mountain Bisoke
Hiking Mountain Bisoke is a one-day adventure, starting from Kinigi in Rwanda. The hike is challenging but manageable, even for less experienced hikers. The trek takes about 6 hours to reach the summit and 2 hours to descend. The cost is $75 per person.

The volcanic eruption created two beautiful crater lakes, which are the main attractions. Wildlife sightings may include mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, and various other species.

Mountain Sabyinyo

Mountain Sabyinyo is a stratovolcano standing at 3,669 meters. Its name, derived from the Kinyarwanda word “Iryinyo,” meaning “tooth,” refers to its serrated peaks. Sabyinyo is the oldest of the eight Virunga volcanoes and has not erupted since the Pleistocene era.

Hiking Mount Sabyinyo
The best hiking trails for Mount Sabyinyo are in Uganda, as there are no trails on the Rwanda and D.R. Congo sides. The hike starts at Mgahinga National Park headquarters at 8:00 AM. It takes about 5 hours to reach the summit and 3 hours to descend, making it an 8-hour journey in total.

This mountain is unique because it straddles the borders of Uganda, Rwanda, and the D.R. Congo, allowing hikers to stand in three countries at once. The hike offers stunning views of the serrated summits and the surrounding landscape.

Mountain Gahinga – Uganda and Rwanda

Mountain Gahinga stands at 3,473 meters and is located between Mount Muhabura and Sabyinyo. Its name means “a small pile of stones,” referring to the caldera swamp at its summit. The mountain is accessible from Mgahinga National Park in Uganda and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. It is a dormant volcano with an unknown last eruption date.

Hiking Mountain Gahinga
Hiking Mountain Gahinga costs $75 per person and can be done from both Uganda and Rwanda. The hike starts at 7:00 AM after a briefing at the park headquarters. The trek takes about 6 hours, depending on the hikers’ fitness levels.

The summit offers views of the unique caldera swamp and sub-alpine plants. The hike is relatively easy, making it suitable for inexperienced climbers. Wildlife sightings may include mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, and various bird species.

Mountain Nyiragongo

Mount Nyiragongo is an active strato volcano in the Democratic Republic of Congo, standing at 3,175 meters. Its last eruption occurred on May 22, 2021.

Hiking Nyiragongo Mountain
Hiking Mount Nyiragongo starts at 9:00 AM with a briefing session. The hike is divided into five segments, each progressively more challenging as the altitude increases. The trek costs $300 per person and requires advance booking.

The summit features one of the world’s largest lava lakes. Hikers can see the black rock formed by cooled lava, offering stunning views.