Also known as the “Mufumbira Ranges”, the Virunga Mountains/Volcanoes are among the top attractions, a common interest for travelers to the Virunga Conservation Area. The Virunga Volcanoes is a chain of eight volcanoes shared among the three gorilla parks in the Virunga Massif. These parks are Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Virunga Volcanoes are part of the Albertine Rift Valley located between Lake Edward and Lake Kivu. Six of the eight Volcanoes are dormant while two (Nyiragongo and Nyamuragira) are active. All Volcanoes can be hiked except for Nyamuragira which is very active and not safe for hiking
The slopes of the Virunga Volcanoes shelter the endangered mountain gorillas, other primates, and birds. On good days, hikers can meet with the endangered primates an exciting moment which makes the whole experience amazing. Volcano hiking is mostly done as a complement to gorilla trekking and other wildlife experiences in East and Central Africa
Eight Virunga Volcanoes
Mount Karisimbi
Located in the borders of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mount Karisimbi is one of the most hiked Volcanoes in the Virunga Massif. The Volcano stands at 4507 meters above sea level and it’s the highest Volcano among the eight Volcanoes and the 11th highest Volcano in Africa. The Volcano is named after the white snow” Amasimbi” seen at its peak, especially in the dry season (July, July, and August).
The peak of Mount Karisimbi comprise of two crater lakes and a caldera Blanca. The permit to hike Mount Karisimbi costs $400 issued by the Rwanda Development Board. The 2 days Mount Karisimbi Hiking tour is a perfect package to conquer this iconic Volcano. The nearby Volcanoes to Mount Karisimbi include Mount Bisoke and Mount Mikeno. The Karisimbi gorilla family lives on the slopes of Mount Karisimbi and is normally encountered by travelers hiking to the summit of the tall Volcano.
Mount Mikeno
Located in Virunga National Park, Mount Mikeno is an extinct Volcano franked by Mount Nyiragongo, Nyamuragira, Bisoke, and Karisimbi. Mount Mikeno stands at 4437 meters above sea level which make it the second-highest volcano in the Virunga Conservation Area after Mount Karisimbi. Mikeno is the 13th tallest Volcano in Africa. The volcano derives its name from the harsh slops “Mikeno” which could not allow human habitation. The forested lower slopes of Mount Mikeno is home to primates and birds
Mount Bisoke
Mount Bisoke is yet another active strata volcano located on the borders of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo but with its summit in Rwanda. Mount Bisoke is the commonly hiked Volcano in the Virunga Conservation Area. The Volcano stands at 3,711 meters above sea level and can be hiked in one day. Our customized 1 Day Bisoke hike is best for short time hikers. Mount Bisoke is preferred by travelers who are on Rwanda gorilla safaris in Volcanoes National Park. The permit to hike Mount Bisoke is $75. Superfine Safaris can help you book and reserve your permit to hike Mount Bsioke
Mount Nyirigongo
Mount Nyiragongo is an active stratovolcano located in the heart of Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo which last erupted in 2021. The Volcano stands at 3470 meters above sea level and its peak contains the largest lava lake of 3250 meters. The 3 days Nyiragongo Volcano hiking tour offers you the chance to spend a night on the slopes of the Volcano. In the night, travelers get chance to peep into the lave lake with boiling Magma. A hike to the summit of Nyiragongo has been reviewed as one of the most satisfying experiences in Africa.
Nyiragongo hiking is done alongside other experiences on your Congo safaris. The cost of hiking Nyiragongo is $300 exclusive of meals and porters. Due to insecurities in Virunga National Park, Nyragongo is closed for hiking as well as the Congo gorilla safaris in Virunga Park. Superfine Safaris will keep you posted when the park is reopened for Congo gorilla trekking and hiking experiences.
Mount Nyamuragira
Located in Virunga National Park, Mount Nyamuragira is the most active Volcano in the Virunga Conservation Area and Africa as a whole. The Volcano is said to have erupted 40 times since 1885 when the first eruption happened. Mount Nyamuragira is located roughly 25 kilometers north of Lake Kivu and it is closed for hiking due to its activeness.
Mount Sabyinyo
Mount Sabyinyo is an extinct located in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park but sharing borders with Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Volcano stands at 3669 meters above sea level east of Lake Kivu and west of Lake Bunyonyi. The volcano is locally translated as the “old man’s tooth” due to its peak that looks like the tooth of an old man perched in the gum. Whereas the peak of Mount Sabyinyo is shared by the three countries, hiking is done from the Uganda side. Mount Sabyinyo is the oldest Volcano in the Virunga Conservation area and its slopes are home to the endangered mountain gorillas and other wild animals
Mount Gahinga
Mount Gahinga stands at 3474 meters above sea level and it is the shortest Volcano in the Virunga Massif located in Mgahinga National Park on the borders of Uganda and Rwanda. Mount Gahinga is named after the local word “Gahinga” which means a small pile of stones. The slopes of Mount Gahinga comprise many stones piled together. The dormant Volcano is located between Mount Muhabura and Mount Sabyinyo and it’s the smallest of the three. The peak of Mount Gahinga contains a swampy crater lake.
Mount Muhabura
Also known as Mount Muhavura, the volcano stands at 4127 meters above sea level located on the borders of Rwanda and Uganda. The Volcano is within the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, home to the endangered Nyakagyezi gorilla family and golden monkeys. Mount Muhabura is the third tallest volcano in the Virunga Massif and its locally translates at “Guide” because people used to refer to it for directions
To book hiking safaris to any of the Virunga Volcanoes, contact Superfine Safaris and speak to the travel experts!
