A Kinyarwanda word “Ibirunga” meaning Volcanoes turned Virunga and now in the maps, search engines and a top safari destination in Africa; with unique tree species, primates such as the sought after rare mountain gorillas and golden monkeys, as well as amazing mountains for hiking. Now is the time to have a hint on what the Virunga chain of mountains is made of; its attractions and locations. Virunga Mountains is a chain of volcanoes in East Africa, shared by the Republic of Rwanda (land of A thousand Hills), Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Mountains that make up the Virunga massif.
Karisimbi Mountain.
Mount Karisimbi is the highest and the most scenic volcano in the Virunga mountain network. The name is derived from a local Kinyarwanda word “Amasimbi” meaning snow; which can be only found during the dry months of June to September. It is a dormant stratovolcano, lying at the border between Rwanda and the democratic republic of Congo. It towers at approximately 4,507 meters, part of the Albertine rift at the western flank of the East African Rift. Surrounding Mount. Karisimbi are; Mount. Mikeno at the north, Nyiragongo to the west and Bisoke to the west.
Mount. Karisimbi also ranks as the 11th highest mountain in the continent of Africa. The last Eruption happened in about 8050 BC. Situated in the area between Mount Karisimbi and Bisoke is Karisoke Research Centre, established by the late primate researcher; Dian Fossey who sacrificed her entire life for the sake of protecting and habituating gorillas.
Mount. Mikeno.
Mount Mikeno the second highest volcanic mountain in the Virunga chain; at 4,437, and 13th highest in the continent of Africa, seating at the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is side by side with mount. Nyamuragira, Mount Bisoke, Nyiragongo, and Mount Karisimbi. The name Mikeno in a local dialect means “poor”, due to its harsh slopes which never favored the local population. Gorillas can be found at its slopes, with the trekking commencing at the Bukima petrol station.
Mount. Muhabura.
Spanning across the Republic of Rwanda and Uganda; this is the third highest mountain of the eight major mountains in Virunga massif. It towers 4,127 meters above sea level, at the western flank of the East African Rift. The largest portion of the mountain is at Mgahinga national park, whereas the other at Volcanoes in Rwanda. The name was derived from a local Kinyarwanda word meaning “The Guide”.
Mount. Bisoke.
Last erupted in 1957, mountain Bisoke counts as the fourth highest summit of the Virunga ranges. Mount Bisoke is a dormant volcano, located at the western side of the East African Rift and sprawling through the East African Rift; about 35 km northeast of Goma town and close to Lake Kivu.
Mount. Sabyinyo.
Mount Sabyinyo name’s translates to a “Tooth” in local Kifumbira dialect “iryinyo”. It is the oldest mountain range northeast of Lake Kivu in Rwanda and west of Lake Bunyonyi in Uganda. The peak is 3,669 meters above sea level and shared by Rwanda and the democratic republic of Congo. A portion of the Mountain can be found in Volcanoes national park in Rwanda; Virunga national park in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mgahinga national park in Uganda.
Mount. Gahinga.
This is an extinct mountain on the border between Rwanda and Congo; right between Sabyinyo and Muhabura mountains. Locals call it Mountain Rufumbira, meaning “small pile of stones”. The park has a tiny swampy caldera at 180 meters wide. The mountain rises at 3,473 meters above sea level.
Mount. Nyiragongo.
Regarded by many as “General Nyiragongo” the Nyiragongo mountain is by far one of the most renowned Mountains in the Virunga chain. It is one of the most active mountains in the world. The summit has a mark of a blazing lava lake, of which reaching it needs about 5-6 hours. The mountain rises at 3470, about 20 meters north of Goma town.
Mount. Nyamuragira.
The smallest of all the 8 major mountains at Virunga chain of Mountains; Mount Nyamuragira is located about 25kilometres north of Lake Kivu in the Democratic Republic of Congo and regarded as the most active mountain in Africa, with the most recent eruption occurring in April 2018. No offense in calling it Mount. Nyamuragira. The name means “herd of cows” derived from a verb; Kurangira Ngavu from Kifuru and Kishi languages.
Other attractions in the Virunga conservation area.
A true unique primate hub in the world. The endangered mountain gorillas are the prime attractions at the heart of the vast Virunga Chain of mountains. They live at the foothills, engulfed by lush forest cover with which the weather suits them. Only here do you find about 1060 Mountain Gorillas globally. The apes, which are our relatives with over 95% human DNA can be tracked in the different national parks spread in different countries; Virunga national park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Volcanoes national park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Bwindi impenetrable and Mgahinga national park on the Republic of Rwanda.
Other attractions include the Golden monkeys only found in Volcanoes and Mgahinga national parks in Rwanda, Birds, forest mammals, chimpanzees; though not open for trekking, and the Local Batwa communities residing outside the park.
Tourist activities in the park include among others; Gorilla trekking, Birdwatching, cave exploration, mountain hiking, guided nature walk, Golden monkey trekking and Cultural adventures.
It is now satisfactory that you know what it means to mention the word; Virunga chain of mountains; a chain with unique attractions, ranging from endangered mountain gorillas, bamboo trees and the cheerful golden monkeys.
