Virunga Mountains –Virunga Mountain ranges/Massifs make up a chain of spectacular mountains in East-Central Africa. A chain of 8 (eight) Virunga Massifs, mainly concentrated around Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. The Virunga Mountains are located in the Virunga National Park, Congo, as well as in Uganda’s Mgahinga and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Parks. Five of them are within Volcanoes National Park.
Virunga in Kinyarwanda is “ibirunga,” meaning mountain ranges. They exist in varying elevations/altitudes, including Mount Mikeno (4437m), Karisimbi (4507m), Bisoke (3711m), Sabyinyo, Muhabura, Mount Gahinga, Nyiragongo, and Nyamuragira.
Mount Nyiragongo
Nyiragongo Volcano is an active volcano in the Virunga Mountains of East-Central Africa. Standing at an altitude of 3470m, Mt. Nyiragongo is located in the Virunga National Park. At the summit of Nyiragongo Volcano, there exists a 1.2km wide Lava Lake. The Lava Lake has remained active since 1882 with a series of eruptions. This volcano recorded a disastrous eruption in 2021, affecting the neighboring areas, including Gisenyi and Goma. The May 2021 Nyiragongo eruption occurred without any signs except earthquakes.
Mount Nyiragongo is the most explored of the Virunga Volcanoes in the Virunga National Park. Visitors can spend 2 days, with the first day spent mainly for ascending to the summits and the second day for descending. Climbers can organize an independent hiking adventure to the summits of Nyiragongo or combine it with mountain gorilla trekking or Lowland gorilla tracking.
Mount Nyamuragira
Located in the heart of the Virunga Massifs, Nyamuragira Volcano is another active shield volcano and is known for its breathtaking landscapes. It is 25km away from Lake Kivu, and 13 km from the Northwestern Nyiragongo Mountain. Nyamuragira is located on the western edge of the Virunga Volcanic Province. It lies at an altitude of 3058m and features a scenic 2.3 km wide caldera and rift walls.
Mount Mikeno
Boasting of its towering peaks, Mount Mikeno is set at an altitude of 4,387m. It is the 2nd-highest volcano peak of the Virunga Mountain Massif. At the base, there are also chimpanzee communities that can be visited. Mount Mikeno is strategically located in the region where you can explore gorillas and also embark on hiking adventures. It shares its realm with other Virunga volcanoes, including Mt. Karisimbi, Sabyinyo, Bisoke, Nyamuragira, and Mount Nyiragongo.
Mount Karisimbi
Set at an altitude of 4507m, Mt. Karisimbi is the highest composite Virunga Mountain. Karisimbi is located in Musanze’s Volcanoes Park, Rwanda. It is renowned for its steeper slopes with about 25 to 30 gradients. Karisimbi is the tallest of all the 8 Virunga Massifs. Climbers need at least 2-3 days to have a complete trek to and from the summits of the Karisimbi Volcano.
Bisoke Volcano
Rising at an altitude of 3696m, Mount Bisoke is found North of Mt. Karisimbi. It is lying at the border of Rwanda and the DRC. Bisoke Volcano is located in the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and its last eruption was recorded in 1957. Bisoke Volcano features a scenic summit crater that measures over 450m. Crater Lake. Mt. Bisoke features among the most scenic Virunga Massifs. This volcano features unique floral species, including groundsels that thrive in the surrounding Crater Lakes.
At the extreme base, Bisoke features the Dian Fossey tomb site, golden monkeys, and mountain gorillas. The guided treks to the summits of Mount Bisoke can be combined with the Dian Fossey graveyard hikes.
Mt. Gahinga
Lying at the Rwanda-Uganda border, Mount Gahinga is part of the Virunga Volcanoes. This volcano sits on an altitude of 3474m and is 4km East of Mt. Muhabura. Mount Gahinga derives its name from the Rufumbira language, meaning a small pile of stones. A hike through Mt. Gahinga is best done in Mgahinga National Park.
At the base, Gahinga Volcano features lush green afro montane forest, bamboo forest, and more. The slopes of Mt Gahinga also support an abundant gorilla population.
Sabyinyo Volcano
Sabyinyo Volcano is one of the scenic volcano mountains located at the intersection of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. However, the hiking expeditions are only possible in Uganda’s Mgahinga National Park in Kisoro District. Sabyinyo is the 5th tallest of the Virunga Massif, created during the Pliocene and Pleistocene periods. During its ancient eruption, it left steep-sided peaks created by erosion. To locals, this volcano is nicknamed “old man’s teeth. While in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for gorilla tours, there is an option of exploring the Sabyinyo Volcano as well on a guided trekking adventure. Visitors can embark on the Sabyinyo trail and enroute, expect the lush vegetation, evergreen hagenia, and more.
Mount Muhabura
Mt. Muhabura is one of the amazing locations to experience the best of the Virunga Mountaineering expedition. Sitting at an altitude of 4127m, Mt. Muhabura features a scenic summit with a breathtakingly striking caldera. The word Muhabura translates to a guide. The Virunga Mountain Massifs can be explored in Mgahinga or Rwanda’s volcano hikes.
The Virunga Conservation Areas
Volcanoes National Park: Accessible within a 2-3 hours’ drive away from Kigali City; Volcanoes National Park is a spectacular Park and home to not only gorillas but also 5 of the Virunga Mountain ranges. This Park is located in the Northwestern part of Rwanda, Musanze/Ruhengeri, and covers a small area of only 160 sq. km. The 5 Virunga Massifs/ranges that are found in the Volcanoes National Park include Muhavura, Sabyinyo, Karisimbi, Bisoke, and Gahinga. While in Volcanoes, the exciting experiences to enjoy include golden monkey treks, mountain climbing/hiking, gorilla trekking, birding, and more.
Virunga National Park of Congo: Lying in the Eastern end of the DRC, Virunga is the largest of the Virunga protected areas, expanding over 7800 sq km and also gazetted in 1925, making it one of the oldest Parks on the continent. The Virunga National Park boasts captivating landscapes featuring mainly Virunga Volcanoes such as Mikeno, Nyamuragira, and Nyiragongo. This Park also holds a range of other attractions, including gorillas, golden monkeys, over 700 bird species, and more.
Mgahinga national park: This is found in Southwestern Uganda and is most famous for volcano mountain hiking, golden monkey encounters, mountain gorilla trekking, bird-watching, and Batwa trail tours. Mgahinga is the smallest of the 3 Virunga Parks with an area coverage of 33.7 sq. km. 3 out of the 8 Virunga Mountains exist in Mgahinga, including Gahinga, Muhavura, and Sabyinyo. Getting to this Park can take a 9-10-hour drive if you are setting off from Entebbe or Kampala. But you can also take 4-5 hours starting from Kigali, and this includes border crossing through Katuna or Chanika.
The best time to visit the Virunga Mountains in East Africa
Visiting the Virunga Mountains in Africa for mountain climbing is best during the peak dry seasons/months of the year. The Virunga region often experience ideal conditions for mountaineering from June, July, August to September and from December to February. The 2 dry season phases are characterized by low rainfall or completely no rain, with most hiking paths all accessible, guaranteeing climbers’ smooth Virunga hikes.
Packing for Virunga volcano hiking adventures
Essential items to consider for your hiking adventures in the Virunga regions include a safari sun hat, fleece, waterproof outerwear, trekking poles, high-energy snacks, a headlamp, sturdy and waterproof hiking boots/shoes. Climbers also need helmets, a backpack, a pair of socks, gloves, adequate water, insect repellents, and a first-aid kit.
Conclusively, the Virunga Mountains are unique features any enthusiastic climber shouldn’t miss exploring on an African safari holiday. Hiking opportunities to conquer Virunga Mountain summits are available in Rwanda, Uganda, and Congo. Book your hiking adventure package early through Bujuku Eco Tours and Travel.