The Virunga Mountains are series of eight volcanoes found in the western arm of the rift valley and are shared by three African countries. These three countries are Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo, and lastly Uganda. Three of these Volcanoes are active. These are Mount. Bisoke, Mount. Nyamuragira and Mount. Nyiragongo which is the most active of them all, with the latest eruption in 2021.
The term “Virunga” is an English translation of “Ibirunga” a Kinyarwanda word used to mean volcanoes. They are sometimes referred to as “Mufumbira” mountains especially in Uganda a word that is translated as that which boils in the surrounding local dialects. The Virunga ranges run from Lake Kivu in Rwanda to Lake Edward in Uganda and this makes them one of the best places to visit as the area has beautiful scenery from crystal clear crater lakes, endemic species and so much more to explore on a visit.
A list of mountains found in the Virunga rangers. Karisimbi is the highest with an elevation of 4507 meters and Mount Sabyinyo is the oldest of the pack. The rest are Nyamuragira, Bisoke, Gahinga, Muhabura, Nyiragongo and Mikeno. Most of these get their names based on their general appearance for example Sabyinyo which is “old man’s teeth” looks like the rugged gums of an old man.
ACTIVITIES YOU CAN DO IN THE VIRUNGA MOUNTAINS.
A lot of activities can be done when you visit these famous ranges and we will take a quick look at some of them.
Mountain gorilla trekking.
The Virunga ranges are the only home to the mountain gorillas in the whole world. Listed as critically endangered due to heavy poaching and habitat loss, makes it one of the tourism hotspots in the continent to have an encounter with them before they vanish from the face of the earth.
Mountain hiking.
These ranges offer some of the most envied hikes in the whole of East Africa. With a visit here visitors can choose from visiting the biggest Crater Lake in the world or the largest active lava lake on to the top of Nyiragongo at a close distance. This is the only place in Africa where you can come near an active lava lake.
Golden monkey trekking.
Just like the mountain gorillas, Golden monkeys are endemic to the Virunga ranges and guests can encounter these cheeky fascinating but photogenic small primates in Volcanoes national park in Rwanda or Mgahinga national park in Uganda.
A trip to these ranges automatically offers visitors exhilarating, precious and magical memories of the activities you engage in. These can be mountain gorilla trekking or attractions like Nyiragongo where you experience a boiling lava lake within a few meters or picturesque Sabyinyo where you can be in three countries at the same time.
Best time to visit the Virunga Mountains.
This entirely depends on the visitors’ decision and what activities they are going to participate in. However, it is generally recommended to travel during the dry season from early June through the first weeks of October.
The second short dry season is from Christmas time to February. This is because activities are more comfortable to carry out, fewer numbers of pesky insects and the most favorable weather to be in.
However, visitors are highly advised to endeavor and book earlier a year before their planned visit. This is because bookings can get full during this period due to high numbers of visitors which can force you to miss out on a great opportunity to enjoy your vacation.
With this in mind, visitors are encouraged to include a trip to Virunga Mountains because of the precious African safari memories they can offer like encountering mountain gorillas and the guaranteed re-freshening experience you look for in a vacation.
