The Virunga Mountains
Comprising eight great volcanoes across the boundaries of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda, the Virunga mountains Comprising the western arm of the East African Rift, the mountain ranges are a part of the Albertine Rift Mountains. English speakers translate the Kinyarwanda phrase “Ibirunga,” which denotes volcanoes, “Virunga.”
Between Lakes Edward and Kivu, the Virunga mountains comprise eight volcanic ranges with two of these mountains active. Both Mount Nyiragongo, 3,462 meters, and Mount Nyamuragira, 3,063 meters, active volcanoes of the Virunga mountains lie in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. These volcanoes most recently erupted in 2006 and also in January of 2010.
The oldest of them all is Mount Sabinyo, at 3,634 meters above sea level, and Mount Karisimbi, reaching 4,507 meters.
Mount Bisoke at 3711 meters, Mount Gahinga at 3470 meters, Mount Muhabura at 4127 meters, and Mount Mikeno at 4437 meters comprise Virunga’s remaining mountains. Second highest, after Mount Karisimbi, is Mount Mikeno.
While portions of the Virunga mountains have crater lakes, their surrounds are covered in bamboo forest and mountain forest. Particularly Mount Nyiragongo boasts an incredible lava lake for sight.
There are several things one might engage in visiting the Virunga mountains. While some call for previous planning, others do not and some of these activities are;
Trekking in the Virunga highlands among gorillas
The threatened mountain gorillas of the world naturally find refuge among these high, often cloud-shrouded mountains. After Bwindi Impenetrable National Park took over half of the overall mountain gorilla population, the Virungas by themselves account for the other population of these animals. Particularly home to the mountain gorillas, the Virunga mountains include national parks like Mgahinga Gorilla National Park of Uganda, Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda, and Virunga National Park of the Congo. Many visitors engage in the much sought-after activity of gorilla trekking while visiting any of the national parks in the Virunga mountains since it is quite exciting to be among these gentle giants.
You will climb across steep terrain in pursuit of the gorillas while performing gorilla trekking in Virunga surroundings. The trip can be longer since the activity may be somewhat demanding depending on the location of the gorillas. Mountain gorillas travel great distances as they hardly sleep in the same spot. Once you come across the mountain gorillas, you will be granted one hour only with them; you may decide to just enjoy their presence by filming movies and images.
To be able to go gorilla trekking, though, one requires a gorilla trekking permit. Depending on where you decide to track from, the permit fee might go from $400 to $1,500. Only $700 is needed to be able to trek from Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park; $1,500 is needed to be able to trek from Rwanda’s Volcanoes and $400 is needed to be able to trek from the Congo’s Virunga National Park. To ensure you are visiting the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, travellers are urged to buy these permits much in advance.
Golden monkey trailking
The Virungas national parks of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park of Uganda and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park allow golden monkey tracking. This exercise entails searching their natural habitat for the tiny golden monkeys. Living in big groups of up to 80, these golden monkeys spend much of their time joyously hopping from one tree to another in quest of food. Given their rare occurrence, tracking them is well worth it.
Mountains of Virunga Hiking
Hiking the several mountains of Karisimbi, Sabinyo, Nyiragongo, and the others described above offers an amazing experience. Every one of these mountains will provide you amazing views of the surroundings and obstacles. While ascending Mountain Nyiragongo would have you captivated at the shockingly beautiful lava lake that constantly bursts, hiking Mount Sabinyo will allow you to be in three nations at the same time.
the Virunga Mountains
The Virunga Mountains: Nature hikes
Travelers have the chance to slowly wander throughout the Virunga mountains with these guided nature tours. The many rivers you will cross on the walks, the endemics most of which are bird species, the wildlife and the amazing vegetation cover among others all provide relaxing sort of attractions and a good chance to take postcard-like pictures you would later show family and friends.
Bird observation
A birder’s heaven are the Virunga mountains. Over 700 different bird species abound in the area, many of which are unique to the Albertine Rift Valley. Among many other birds, the Ruwenzori turaco, blue turaco, Miombo wren warbler will be seen; just be sure you have enough time at hand and pack along with your best binoculars.
While in the area, one can engage in other pursuits such cultural interactions, chimp trekking in some Virungas national parks, and others.
Though they have enough to offer a visitor, above all the Virungas assist to preserve the threatened mountain gorillas and other animals that call the Virunga mountains home and natural habitat. Seeing the Virungas would allow you to discover these mountains and learn about their preservation practices among their people.
