Virunga Mountains are an interesting physical feature. The ranges are connected and cover three countries: Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The mountains were formed through volcanic activity. There are eight volcanoes, also called the Mufumbiro ranges. The name “Virunga” comes from “Ibirunga,” which means “volcano” in the local language.
These mountains are one of the main tourist zones for visitors to Rwanda, Uganda, and D.R. Congo. They are located in the western arm of the East African Rift Valley.
The rift was also formed through geophysical processes and lies within the Lake Kivu and Edward Gulf region.
The eight mountains are Bisoke, Karisimbi, Nyiragongo, Sabyinyo, Muhabura, Nyamuragira, Gahinga, and Mikeno.
Nyamuragira, Mikeno, and Nyiragongo are mainly in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Sabyinyo is shared by Rwanda, Uganda, and D.R. Congo. Gahinga and Muhabura are shared by Uganda and Rwanda. Bisoke and Karisimbi lie on the border between D.R. Congo and Rwanda.
Of these eight, Sabyinyo is the oldest. It lies at 11,923 feet above sea level, while Karisimbi is the highest.
The heights are:
- Nyamuragira at 10,049 feet
- Karisimbi at 14,787 feet
- Nyiragongo at 11,358 feet
- Gahinga at 11,400 feet
- Bisoke at 12,180 feet
- Mikeno at 14,560 feet
- Muhabura at 13,540 feet
Because of the ecosystem the ranges create, they are home to a wide range of plants and animals. They include national parks that protect these species: Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, Virunga National Park in Congo, and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.
Some volcanic eruptions have occurred in these mountains, though six of them are dormant. Eruptions have happened on Congo’s Nyamuragira and Nyiragongo volcanoes in 2006, 2010, and 2021.
The 2021 eruption, like the earlier ones, caused problems for the local people and wildlife near the volcanoes.
Visitors often hear birds singing in this area. Virunga Mountains have many bird species, which add to the tourism experience.
Because of the high altitudes, the area can be very cold, especially during the wet season, even though it is near the equator.
Heavy clothing is recommended for anyone visiting the ranges.
Culture is an important part of tourist areas around the world. It is the same in the Virunga ranges. The Batwa people, who are pygmies, live in this area and have a culture that many tourists find interesting. In the Muhabura ranges in Uganda, they can be found around Kisoro and Kabale.
What to do and see in the Virunga Ranges
Visitors can see antelopes in the protected areas, as well as warthogs and hippopotamuses near Lake Kivu.
Elephants are also present, although poaching for ivory has been a problem. This caused local governments and the international community to strengthen conservation efforts. Okapis and lions are also found here.
However, the most famous animals in the Virunga Mountains are the mountain gorillas. They live in family groups, found across the three countries.
One of the main activities is mountain climbing. Because of the mountainous landscape, tourists can climb to high elevations.
Visitors should be in good physical condition to enjoy the climbs because fatigue and mild difficulties can happen. Hiking often goes together with gorilla trekking.
Mountain gorilla trekking is another major activity in the Virunga ranges. The mountain gorillas mainly live in the Muhabura ranges.
They are protected in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and Virunga National Park in D.R. Congo.
Tracking these giant primates takes hours, so tourists are advised to carry comfortable trekking boots, hats, sunglasses, binoculars for better viewing, and cameras for photos.
Bird watching is another popular activity. Many bird species live in the Virungas, including pelicans, herons, and sparrows.
Golden monkeys are also common in this area. Many tourists find them exciting to watch because they are rare in other parts of the world.
Visits to the Virunga ranges can be done all year, but it is best to visit during the long dry season to avoid the frequent tropical rains.
