Virunga Mountains Tours: History, Gorilla trekking, Climb Volcanoes
Virunga Mountains Tours: The Virunga Mountains are a volcanic range north of Lake Kivu in east-central Africa, ranging roughly 50 miles (80 kilometers) along the borders of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda. The range flows east-west, perpendicular to the rift valley that contains Lakes Kivu and Edward. The highest of its eight major volcanic peaks is Karisimbi, which stands at 14,787 feet (4,507 meters). The term Virunga “Volcanoes,” which is likely of Swahili origin, has supplanted the previous Mufumbiro “That Which Cooks,” which is still used in Uganda. Individual volcanoes have Rwandan descriptive names such as Sabinio (Sabinyo; “Old Man with Large Teeth”) and Muhavura, “Landmark,” or “Guide.”
All six volcanoes in the center and east are inactive. Mikeno and Sabinio are the oldest, dating back to the early Pleistocene Epoch (which began around 2,600,000 years ago and lasted until around 11,700 years ago); their craters have vanished, and erosion has left a jagged relief. Later in the Pleistocene (900,000 to 130,000 years ago), Karisimbi, Visoke, Mgahinga, and Muhavura emerged, with all maintaining Karisimbi having a crater top. The Muhavura crater contains a tiny lake. Nyiragongo and Nyamulagira appeared at the western end of the chain less than 20,000 years ago, each having large craters. Nyiragongo’s main crater is approximately three-quarters of a mile (1.2 kilometers) in diameter and features a liquid lava pool.
The lava field that surrounds each of these volcanoes remains active, with significant eruptions in 1912, 1938, 1948, the 1970s, and 2002. Many times, a lava torrent touched Lake Kivu’s beach. The 2002 Nyiragongo eruption damaged part of the nearby city of Goma, Congo, displacing thousands. Many smaller cones border the larger volcanoes.
In 1861, John Hanning Speke, a British explorer, viewed the Virunga Mountains from a distance; in 1876, British explorer Sir Henry Morton Stanley had a clear but distant view of the three eastern volcanoes; and in 1894, German adventurer Count Adolf von Götzen examined the two western volcanoes. The first maps were created during Adolf Friedrich, Duke of Mecklenburg’s great expedition in 1907–08. The western volcanoes are accessible today via Goma and Gisenyi (Rwanda); the remaining mountains are located along the roads that connect Goma and Rutshuru (Congo), Kisoro (Uganda), and Ruhengeri and Gisenyi (Rwanda).
The Virunga Mountains rise from densely populated plateaus occupied primarily by Rwandan farmers and, in certain regions, cattle herders. The southern region of Congo’s Virunga National Park features the mountains within Congo; the southern flanks of the central and eastern ranges include Volcanoes National Park in northern Rwanda; and Gorilla National Park includes the Ugandan slopes of Mgahinga. Conservation efforts protect the mountain’s alpine vegetation as well as animals such as the golden monkey and mountain gorilla.
Virunga Mountains, Uganda, with Steve McCurry
Virunga Mountains Tours: Discover Africa’s Hidden Gem
Virunga National Park is an ecological treasure in East Africa, spanning 790,000 hectares of breathtaking landscapes. From swamps and steppes to snow-capped peaks in the Rwenzori Mountains reaching over 5,000 meters, the park’s diverse habitats captivate adventurers and nature enthusiasts. Whether you’re trekking among majestic mountain gorillas, exploring volcanic terrains, or marveling at the abundance of wildlife, Virunga Mountains Tours offer an unforgettable adventure.
The Mountain Gorillas of Virunga National Park
Home to more than a third of the world’s endangered mountain gorilla population, Virunga National Park is a key destination for gorilla trekking tours. These majestic creatures thrive in the lush montane forests of the Virunga Massif, which spans parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda. In 2022, the park celebrated six newborn gorillas, a testament to ongoing conservation efforts.
Embarking on a Virunga Mountains Tour gives travelers the rare opportunity to observe these gentle giants in their natural habitat. Gorilla trekking is not just an exhilarating experience—it also supports sustainable tourism and conservation efforts, ensuring a future for this critically endangered species.
Unique Wildlife Encounters in Virunga National Park
Virunga National Park is the only place on Earth where all three taxa of great ape coexist: mountain gorillas, eastern lowland gorillas, and eastern chimpanzees. Alongside these remarkable primates, the park is home to over 20,000 hippopotamuses, diverse bird species—including migratory Siberian birds—and countless other wildlife species.
A Virunga Mountains Tour isn’t complete without exploring the park’s rich biodiversity. From spotting wildlife on a safari to enjoying ecotourism activities that support conservation, there are endless ways to experience the natural beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Adventure Awaits: Volcano Safaris and Beyond
For thrill-seekers, a volcano safari is a highlight of any Virunga Mountains Tour. The park features two active volcanoes: Mount Nyiragongo and Mount Nyamuragira. Scaling Nyiragongo’s summit rewards adventurers with views of the world’s largest lava lake, a bucket-list experience for many.
Sustainable Tourism in the Virunga Mountains
By choosing Virunga Mountains Tours, travelers contribute to the park’s critical conservation and community projects. From protecting endangered species to fostering sustainable livelihoods, these tours provide an impactful way to explore the wonders of Virunga National Park while giving back to its communities.
Plan Your Visit
Whether you’re planning a gorilla trekking expedition, a wildlife safari, or a climb up the slopes of an active volcano, knowing the best time to visit and arranging Virunga National Park tour packages are essential for a seamless trip. With options ranging from budget-friendly accommodations to premium lodges, there’s something for every traveler.
Start your journey with a comprehensive Virunga Mountains Tours guide to make the most of your time in this extraordinary region.
