The 8 Virunga Mountains – The 8 volcanoes of the Virunga range are volcanic mountain ranges located across the borders of Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The 8 volcanoes are found within the Virunga Conservation Area, which is shared by the three countries. The volcanoes form part of the Great Rift Valley.
The 8 volcanoes are: Mount Nyiragongo, at 3,470m; Mount Nyamuragira, at 3,057m; Mount Bisoke, at 3,711m; Mount Muhabura, at 4,127m; Mount Gahinga, at 3,470m; Mount Sabyinyo, at 3,671m; Mount Mikeno, at 4,437m; and Mount Karisimbi, at 4,507m above sea level.
Two of the eight volcanoes in Virunga are active, namely Nyiragongo and Nyamuragira, in the DRC. One of the eight is dormant, while the others are extinct.
Uganda is home to three of the 8 volcanoes: Mt. Muhavura, Mt. Gahinga, and Mt. Sabyinyo.
These volcanoes are located in the southwest part of Uganda, along the border between Uganda, Rwanda, and the DRC.
The local people named these volcanoes Mufumbiro, which translates to “mountains that cook,” due to their active nature and past volcanic eruptions.
The three volcanoes in Uganda are extinct. The highest of these is the 4,127m (1,895 ft) cone-shaped volcano known as Mount Muhavura, sometimes called Mount Muhabura.
It takes about 8 hours to ascend the mountain, and you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the other volcanoes in Uganda, Lake George, Lake Edward, Queen Elizabeth National Park, the year-round snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains, and much more.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is home to the incredible mountain, Sabyinyo. The name Sabyinyo translates to ‘old man’s teeth’ and is located at an altitude of 3,645 meters.
Climbing Sabyinyo is quite difficult and requires good physical ability.
Although it is hard to climb, it offers stunning views and gives you the chance to be in Uganda, Rwanda, and the DRC at the same time.
Mount Gahinga is the smallest of the three volcanoes in the Virunga range in Uganda and stands at an altitude of 3,444 meters.
It is located inside Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, and you can climb Mount Gahinga after a gorilla safari.
Combining mountain climbing with trekking gorillas and golden monkey tracking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park gives you the best of both worlds.
Visitors from all over the world flock to the world-famous volcanic region of Virunga, which is home to the largest lava lake in the world at the rim.
Virunga is home to some of the world’s most hiked and climbed volcanoes. Mountain climbing safaris offer some of the most breathtaking views in the world.
As most of them take place in gorilla-dominant destinations such as Mgahinga and Virunga National Parks, mountain climbing safaris are a popular activity to add to your itinerary.
Other activities to consider while on a Virunga mountaineering safari include chimpanzee tracking in Virunga National Park, nature walks, and bird watching.
For example, the golden monkey tracking activity in Mgahinga National Park is a great activity to consider.
Contact reputable and experienced tour operators to help you plan an amazing safari to any of the Virunga volcanoes.
In conclusion, the Virunga Mountains consist of eight volcanoes located across Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, forming part of the Great Rift Valley.
These volcanoes offer a range of activities such as mountain climbing, gorilla trekking, and nature walks, making it a popular destination for visitors seeking adventure and breathtaking views.
