Virunga Volcanoes in DR Congo, Uganda & Rwanda

Hiking the Virunga Volcanoes is one of the leading Congo safaris which attracts most travelers who are interested in exploring the wilderness in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Virunga national park is one of the tourist destinations in the eastern parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo and it is also among the oldest tropical rain forest which covers an area of 7,768 square kilometers. Virunga national park is popular in the world for hosting rare mountain gorillas and hosting various Virunga mountains. The famous Virunga Volcanoes are 8 which is found in three neighboring countries that are known as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and Rwanda. Due to the volcanic activity in the past as led to the information of the Virunga mountains in Congo.

Visit the quiet destination of the Democratic Republic of Congo where you will see six Virunga Volcanoes and these include Mount Mikeno, Mount Bisoke, Mount Sabyinyo, Mount Karisimbi including the two active volcanoes known as Mount Nyiragongo and Mount Nyamurangira. This article gives you all information about the Virunga Volcanoes (Volcanoes) sighted in the Virunga national park DR Congo as explained below;

Mount Karisimbi

Mount Karisimbi is among the famous Virunga mountains which are found in the Virunga national park on the border of DR. Congo and Rwanda. This mountain is one with the highest peak among the 8 Virunga volcanoes at an elevation of 4,507 meters and also makes it the 11th highest peak in Africa. The mountain is standing in the western branch of the East African rift which is part of the Albertine Rift. Karisimbi mountain is edged by Mount Bisoke in the east, mount Mikeno in the north, and mount Nyiragongo in the west. The hiking permit is $400 per person and issued from the Rwanda Development Board.

Mount Nyiragongo

Mount Nyiragongo is standing at an elevation of 3,470 meters above sea level. Mount Nyiragongo lies in the Albertine rift and is found just 20 kilometers north of Goma town and in the west of Lake Kivu on the border of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. On its top, there are two cooled lava benches which include the lower one at 2,975 meters and one lava bench is at 3,175 meters. Nyiragongo mountain has erupted 34 times and it last erupted on 22nd May 2012. On your Congo safaris, try hiking this mount and enjoy an unforgettable experience in the world. A hiking permit is sold for $300 per person from the park offices of Virunga national park.

Mountain Nyamuragira

Mountain Nyamuragira is elevated at 3,058 meters above sea level and it is on the list of Virunga Volcanoes in Congo. It is found in Goma town just 13 kilometers northwest of mount Nyiragongo and 25 kilometers north of Lake Kivu. Mount Nyamuragira is also known as an active volcano in Africa, it has erupted like 40 times since 1885 and last erupted on 8th November 2011. These eruptions, it has led to the formation of many smaller volcanoes.

Mount Bisoke

Mount Bisoke is also one of the Virunga mountains in Congo which is stretched on the border of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Mount Bisoke is the fourth peak among the 8 famous Virunga Volcanoes, from Goma town to mount is about 35 kilometers northeast and near Lake Kivu. The mount can be sighted from Virunga national park of Congo and Volcanoes national park of Rwanda. its hike is are popular in Rwanda and rewarding with beautiful views plus the Crater Lake at the top.

Mount Sabyinyo

Unlike other Virunga mountains, Mount Sabyinyo can be sighted in three countries that are Uganda’s Mgahinga national park, DR. Congo’s Virunga national park, and Rwanda’s Volcanoes national park. it stands at an elevation of 3,669 meters above sea level and it is also the oldest Virunga Volcano which is found in the west of Lake Bunyonyi of Uganda and north-east of Lake Kivu. The name Sabyinyo is a local Kinyarwanda word meaning iryinyo which is translated in English as “old man’s teeth. You will see many mountain gorillas on the slopes of Mount Sabyinyo. the hiking permits are issued by the management of Mgahinga national park and goes at $75 per person which includes only hiking fees and guide fees.

Mount Mikeno

On your visit to Virunga national park, you will see mount Mikeno one of the famous Virunga Volcanoes, and is the second-highest peak among them which stands at an elevation of 4,437 meters. This made it to be the 13th highest mountain in Africa. Its hikes are arranged by the management of Virunga national park and it is one of the locations where to find mountain gorillas in the park.

Attractions in Virunga national park.

These are some of the attractions you will see while hiking the Virunga Volcanoes of Congo as briefly explained below.

Bird species.

While hiking the Virunga mountains in Congo, you will see over 700 bird species and some of them are the African Fish Eagle, Miombo wren warbler, Ross’s turaco, Ruwenzori turaco, Narrow-tailed sterling, Chubb’s cisticola, Grey-throated Barbet, and others.

Mountain gorillas.

On your hiking trip in Congo come already to meet many habituated mountain gorilla families because most of them are staying along the slopes of Virunga Volcanoes like mount Bisoke, Mount Mikeno, Mount Sabyinyo, and others, they will all reward you with an amazing experience.

Tchegera Island.

You can also visit Tchegera Island for relaxation after hiking one of the Virunga Volcanoes in Congo like Nyiragongo mountain. There are many designed packages for tourists depending on his/her interests for example the 3 days gorilla trekking, 2 days Nyiragongo hike, and others.

Visit Senkwekwe gorilla orphanage center.

Hikers who book their accommodation with Mikeno lodge also have to visit the orphanage gorilla at Senkwekwe where you will have a chance to spend more time with them at no extra charge.

Where to stay while visiting the Virunga mountains of Congo.

There are accommodation facilities in and outside Virunga national park where one can spend a night and complete his/ her tour into the park, Lodges provide high-quality services through friendly staff, en-suite bathrooms, and beautiful views of the forest to their visitors

They also offer rooms that are family-friendly. Due to safari lodges and hotels, every tourist has a chance to book accommodations where he/she will get a night before or after hiking the Virunga mountains of Congo. Some of the lodges are Kibumba tented camp, Bukima tented camp, Mikeno lodge, Tchegera lodge, Nyiragongo summit shelter, and many more.

When to hike the Virunga mountains of Congo.

Any time of the year you feel like you want to hike one of the Virunga Volcanoes in Congo you are welcomed though the most recommended time is during the driest months that are June-August and December-February when the hiking trails are not slippery which helps you to without disturbance, another reason in the dry season there are clear views in the park. However, you are advised to focus more on your interest than asking for the best time because even in the dry months it can rain since Virunga national park is a tropical rain forest. This is important to note, for those who want to hike during the dry season, you have to book your permits earlier like 3 months back to avoid disappointments.

The wet season is also offering a memorable experience if you come well prepared like improving your fit and bring important hiking items such as good hiking boots, garden gloves, a rain jacket, energy drinks and snacks, light clothes, insect repellent, and others.

Book with Africa Adventure Vacations who are experts in arranging Congo safaris, Uganda safaris, and Rwanda safaris, we also help you to secure gorilla permits once you confirm with us, for more formation about gorilla tours in Africa send an email or contact us.