The Virunga Conservation Area is shared by Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. It is home to the Virunga Volcanoes. There are eight Virunga mountains in total. Six of these are inactive, while two are very active and among the most active volcanoes in the world. Explore our Rwanda safaris to see how a visit here fits into your trip.
The Virunga mountains are located north of Lake Kivu, near Rwanda’s northern border. To explore the Virunga mountains, one will need to visit Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and Virunga National Park in Congo. Since the range spans all three countries, many travelers combine it with our East Africa safaris.
These volcanic mountains are shared by three East African countries: Rwanda, Uganda, and Congo. The name “Virunga” was derived from a local Kinyarwanda word, “Ibirunga,” meaning mountains.
Home to the Mountain Gorillas
One of the most notable aspects of these volcanic mountains is that they are home to the remaining mountain gorillas in the world, which can only be found in Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda.
The Virunga volcanoes are also situated along the Albertine Rift Valley, which is part of the Great Rift Valley, one of the world’s greatest natural features.
The eight volcanoes include Mount Bisoke, Mount Nyamuragira, Mount Karisimbi, Mount Nyiragongo, Mount Sabyinyo, Mount Muhabura, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Mikeno.
The Virunga volcanoes offer great opportunities for gorilla trekking, bird watching, golden monkey trekking, wildlife viewing, and also provide an opportunity to encounter the people living in these areas.
Most interesting are the pygmies, also known as the forest people, who are believed to have lived in these forests for over 500,000 years before the area was designated as national parks.
List of the 8 Virunga Volcanoes
Below is the list of the eight Virunga Volcano Mountains.
Mount Muhabura
Mount Muhabura is shared by Uganda and Rwanda. The name is derived from a local word meaning “Sentinel.”
It is one of the steepest to climb, but the hike is worth it, as you can see a crater near its summit and wide views of Rwanda’s twin lakes, Burera and Ruhondo.
Muhabura stands at an elevation of 4,127 meters above sea level. Tourists usually complete the climb in one day.
Mount Karisimbi
Mount Karisimbi stands at an elevation of 4,507 meters above sea level, making it the highest of the Virunga Volcanoes.
Mount Karisimbi is where the famous primatologist Dian Fossey constructed her institute, Karisoke, for the study of mountain gorillas. It also provides dramatic views of Mount Nyiragongo at its summit.
Hiking Mount Karisimbi takes two days.
Mount Nyiragongo
Mount Nyiragongo is one of the most famous of the Virunga Mountains. It is said to have erupted at least 35 times since 1982, making it one of the world’s most active volcanoes.
The last eruption occurred in 2002, causing damage and destruction as lava flowed into the nearby town of Goma.
Mount Mikeno
Mount Mikeno is situated in Congo within the Virunga National Park. It is the second highest of the Virunga ranges and the 13th tallest mountain on the African continent, standing at an elevation of 4,437 meters above sea level.
The mountain is also believed to date back to the Pleistocene Epoch. It is one of the toughest mountains to climb among the Virunga.
Mount Gahinga
The word “Gahinga” is derived from a local word meaning “piles of stones.”
Mount Gahinga is one of the highlights of the Virunga mountains, characterized by bamboo forests and afro-montane forests.
The mountain stands at an elevation of 3,474 meters, making it the smallest of the Virunga massif. Mount Gahinga is well known for its volcanic caves that can be seen while trekking.
Mount Bisoke/Visoke
Mount Bisoke is shared by Rwanda and Congo, standing at an elevation of 3,711 meters above sea level.
Mount Bisoke is endowed with a crater at its summit and is characterized by montane forests and bamboo forests, providing wide views across the surrounding landscape.
Mount Sabyinyo
Mount Sabyinyo is serrated at the top, resembling the gums of an old man’s teeth. The name was derived from a local word, “Sabyinyo,” meaning “Old man’s teeth.”
The mountain is shared by Rwanda, Congo, and Uganda, offering views of three countries from its summit.
However, Mount Sabyinyo can only be climbed from the Ugandan side, as the sides of Congo and Rwanda are steep.
Mount Nyamuragira
Mount Nyamuragira is one of the most active volcanoes in the world. The last eruption took place in November 2011, and the mountain stands at an elevation of 3,058 meters above sea level.
Mount Nyamuragira is said to have erupted 40 times since 1885. It is known to have an active lava lake on its summit, which appeared for the first time in 50 years.
Best Time to Visit the Virunga Volcanoes
The best time for hiking the Virunga mountains is during the months of December to February and June to September, when the weather is dry and favorable. Once you’ve settled on your route, you can see our gorilla safari packages for ready-made itineraries covering these mountains.
However, tourists are still advised to carry warm clothing, good hiking boots, and rain jackets, as the weather can sometimes be unpredictable, especially at the top.
