2022 Facts about the Virunga Mountains – Rwanda Wildlife Safaris
2022 Facts about the Virunga Mountains: The Virunga Mountains are divided into three regions: the south-western part of Uganda, which includes the Mgahinga National Park, the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which includes the Virunga National Park, and the north-western part of Rwanda, which includes the Volcanoes National Park.
The Virunga Mountains, also known as the Virunga Massif, are one of Africa’s most unusual tourist destinations. It is well-known for being the home to golden monkeys and endangered mountain gorillas. Many people come to the area to hike rare animals and to see the distinctive Albertine birds located in the National parks around the mountains, and it is a great spot for anybody who likes adventure, 2022 Facts about the Virunga Mountains.
The Massif contains eight volcanic mountains that are evenly scattered throughout three countries: Rwanda, Congo, and Uganda. These mountains include Mount Nyamuragira, Mount Nyiragongo, and Mount Mikeno in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mount Bisoke, and Mount Karisimbi on the border of Rwanda and the DRC, Mount Gahinga, Mount Sabinyo, and Mount Muhabura on the border of Uganda and Rwanda.
Except for Nyamuragira, which is an active volcano, all of the mountains listed above are extremely accessible for climbing and sightseeing. When you visit the Virunga Mountains, you will be accompanied by a professional tour guide who will take you on a tour of the Virunga Mountains. Due to the low weather in the mountains, tourists should be able to carry appropriate equipment and thick clothing, .
When you visit these mountains, you can engage in a variety of activities such as hiking, mountain gorilla trekking, birding, and visiting villages to mingle with the local people known as the Batwa, where you can learn about the various cultures that they practice and purchase souvenirs sold by the locals.
The following sections go into detail regarding the various Virunga Mountains:
Muhabura Mountain
Mount Muhabura is the third tallest peak in the Virunga range, located on the boundary between Uganda and Rwanda. This volcanic mountain has steep slopes and trekking on it is difficult, but you will be able to observe the other volcanic mountains in Virunga, mountain gorillas, which are an endangered species, the Burera and Ruhondo twin lakes, and the crater.
Mountain Nyiragongo
Nyiragongo is a volcano in the Democratic Republic of the Congo that is one of the most active on the African continent. Even though it erupted in 2002, the climb to this volcanic volcano is quite safe. You can also see the lava lake, and the ideal time to observe the lava lake is at night.
Karisimbi Mountain
Karisimbi is the tallest of the Virunga volcanoes. It is high at 4507 meters above sea level, and a walk up this mountain will take you two days to finish.
When you reach the summit of Mount Karisimbi, you will be able to see the Nyiragongo Mountain. It is important to note that a hike to this mountain should be done during the dry season, which is from June to August, because you will avoid slippery routes and temperatures that drop to zero degrees during this time and at night. As a result, you should bring heavy clothing to remain warm.
Mountain Nyamurangira
Nyamuragira is the most active volcano on the African continent, with several volcanic activities seen on the summit, and a lava lake has recently formed on the mountain after more than 50 years.
Sabinyo Mountain
Sabinyo includes three countries: Rwanda, Uganda, and Congo. The mountain was given the name Sabinyo, which means “old man’s teeth,” by the natives due of its recessed peak.
The mountain is surrounded by woods, and you will be able to witness numerous bird species known as Albertine birds that are only found in the area and nowhere else in Africa, as well as follow the endangered mountain gorillas in the volcanoes National Park.
Gahinga Mountain
Mount Gahinga is the smallest of the Virunga volcanic ranges and is densely forested. It features marshy vegetation and is also known to be a dormant volcano. If you enjoy trekking, the hike up Gahinga is only one day long.
Bisoke Mountain
This is another Virunga volcanic mountain. It is well-known for the Crater Lake, which is located at its peak, and it is heavily covered with various forms of flora, the most prominent of which are bamboo forests, which comprise the majority of the montane vegetation.
Mikeno Mountain
Mountain Mikeno is a dormant volcano situated in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Mikeno is the second highest peak in the Virungas, towering at 4437 meters above sea level and boasting extremely steep slopes, making it the most difficult Virunga Mountain to trek. You will be able to witness many bird species as well as endangered gorillas and other wild creatures in the region.
National Parks found within the Virunga Mountain Ranges.
The Virunga Mountains are bordered by many national parks, and there are a variety of activities available in these parks, which are described below:
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda
Mgahinga, in the south-western section of Uganda, is well known for gorilla trekking. The gorilla group that lives in the park is known as the Nyakagezi, and you will also be able to see the numerous birds and animal species that reside in the park. Activities that may be done at Mgahinga include: hiking with gorillas, birding, exploring the surrounding villages and hiking to mention but a few.
Virunga National Park
Virunga National Park is located in the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s eastern region. The park is home to over 300 indigenous vegetation and 3000 animal species, including gorillas and golden monkeys. Among the activities available in Virunga are: hiking, riding a bicycle, hiking with gorillas, birding, and observing the golden monkeys.
Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda
The park is about a two-hour drive from Kigali, Rwanda’s capital city, and it boasts a variety of flora and animals that makes for beautiful landscape. The following are some of the activities available at this park: birding, hiking with gorillas, climbing a mountain, 2022 Facts about the Virunga Mountains.
Other activities available in the Virunga Mountains include the following, which are listed in order of importance:
Observing the Golden Monkeys
On a guided trip, you can easily see the golden monkeys, and the local tour guides will teach you everything you need to know about this primate. The golden monkey is indigenous to the Virunga region and may be found in both Uganda’s Mgahinga National Park and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.
Dian Fossey’s Memorial
Diana Fossey was an American naturalist who fought for forest protection in order to conserve mountain gorillas. The mountain gorillas have become an endangered species as a result of the regular poaching by residents in the region.
She lived on the slopes of the Bisoke volcano in 1967 and began researching the gorillas’ way of life, which she did for almost 18 years. She drew the attention of the entire world to mountain gorillas by guarding them from poachers day and night until she was killed in cold blood by poachers.
She was buried in the Virungas, and you may visit her tomb to pay your respects to the lady who risked her life to save the gorillas.
Batwa Pygmies
When visiting the Virunga, you will be able to witness the Batwa people, who are pygmies who have lived in the Virunga area for almost 300 years. You will be able to learn about the Batwa culture and their way of life, as well as their history.
The Virunga Mountains are spectacular, and if you’re coming from Uganda, you can view them from the Kanaba gap on the Kabale-Kisoro route. You may see these gorgeous volcanic mountains from any of the three nations and participate in the above-mentioned activities, which are especially appealing to individuals who enjoy adventure.
In conclusion; Nyiragongo and Nyamuragira volcanoes are both active volcanic mountains in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Mount Sabinyo, Mount Mikeno, Mount Karisimbi with the highest peak, Mount Muhabura, and Mount Gahinga are among the six dormant volcanoes that are evenly spread over the three nations.
