The Virunga Mountains are a chain of magnificent volcano mountains occupying 3 regions; the extreme southwestern Uganda, Northwestern Rwanda and the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). These stunning volcanoes are also best known as the Virunga Massifs and they make up a chain of 8 volcanoes. They are strategically located where mountain gorillas, golden monkeys and several iconic species live.
The Virunga Massifs range along the Albertine rift which makes up part of the mighty rift valley. They extend up to 80kms long covering the area between the scenic Lake Edward and Lake Kivu. These volcanoes include Mount Nyiragongo, Nyamuragira volcano, Mount Mikeno which all straddles in the DR Congo; Mount Bisoke, Gahinga Volcano, Karisimbi Volcano just at Rwanda border with the DRC; Muhabura Volcano, Gahinga and Sabyinyo Mountain shared between Uganda and Rwanda.
Amazingly, the Virunga Mountains offer the best hiking experience to all enthusiastic hikers on safari in Africa. They can be best explored while on gorilla trekking safari, birding tour or any other safari activities in Rwanda, Uganda or the DRC.
Karisimbi Volcano
Karisimbi volcano features as the tallest of the 8 Virunga Massifs. Its altitudinal range is about 4507m and it occupies the border area between Rwanda and the DRC. Its summit is snow-capped whether it is a dry or wet season and this can witnessed on hiking tour. A complete hike through this volcano may cover 2 days and it best to explore and experience it during the dry months of the year; June, July and August.
Nyiragongo Volcano
Mount Nyiragongo (3462m) is undoubtedly one of the famous Virunga Mountains and it straddles in the DRC. It is one of the powerful volcanoes in Africa and the world at large. History has it that this volcano has erupted about 35 times from 1982 and because it is still the most active, it is not certain when it has been active. It recorded its recent eruption in 2002 and on hiking to its summits; you will left mesmerized by its powerful Lava Lake as it glows at night.
Sabyinyo Volcano
Sabyinyo volcano sits at altitude of 3634m and it is shared among 3 states; Uganda, Rwanda and the DRC. It takes its name from local word which denotes ‘Old Man’s Teeth’ which depict its serrated summit that seemingly appear like a gum of an old man’s tooth. Unlike other volcanoes, it is possible to hike to the summit of Sabyinyo while on Uganda safari and rewards hikers with lots of astonishing views over the 3 states.
Mount Nyamuragira
Rising at elevation of about 3063m, Nyamuragira Volcanoes features among the active volcanoes in Africa. Volcanic activity has been occurring in this volcano for the past 50 years. It experienced its eruption in November 2011 and it has recorded eruption about 40 times since 1985. This volcano is best explored on Congo safari or gorilla safari in the Virunga National Park.
Mikeno Volcano
Mikeno Mountain is the second tallest of the 8 Virunga Mountains. It rises up to 4437m and in Africa; it is in the 13th position among the tallest mountains. Its strategic location in the Virunga National Park makes it an ideal hiking site which you can add on your Congo gorilla safari.
Mount Muhabura
Muhabura Volcano lies between Uganda and Rwanda. It is rated as the 3rd tallest of the 8 Virunga Massifs. It features steep slopes and it is arguably one of the challenging volcanoes to hike. A hike to the summit of Muhabura lets hikers enjoy breathtaking view of the surrounding areas including the scenic Twin Lakes; Lake Ruhondo and Bulera.
Mount Gahinga
Mount Gahinga is where Mgahinga Gorilla National Park takes its name. This volcano rises up to 3474m and features afro-montane forest plus bamboo forest where mountain gorillas dwell. It is a famous dormant volcano and hikers may need the whole day to make a complete hike through it.
Bisoke Volcano
This Virunga Mountain boasts of its rare montane forest and magnificent Crater Lake which can be best explored and experienced while on a hike. Bisoke Volcano lies in area filled with distinct vegetation types ranging from bamboo forest to montane. Unlike other Virunga Mountains, this volcano last experienced its eruption in 1957.