The Virunga mountains are a range of volcanic mountains found across Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The slopes of all these mountains are home to the endangered mountain gorillas, eastern lowland gorillas, golden monkeys and other wildlife.
Mount Karisimbi
mount Karisimbi is the highest of the Virunga range volcanoes at an elevation of 4507 meters above sea level, it’s the 11the highest mountain in Africa and derives it’s name from the word “Amasimbi” translated to mean “snow” in the local language due to its ever snow peaked summit even during the dry seasons.
Mount Mikeno
Mount Mikeno comes second after mount Karasimbi with an elevation of 4437 meters above sea level. Mikeno is totally found in Congo and it’s the hardest to climb of the Virunga volcanoes. The word Mikeno is derived from a local word to mean “poor” this is because of its harsh slopes that don’t favor human settlements.
Mount Nyamuragira
Mount Nyamuragira is one of the two most active of the Virunga range volcanoes, it’s erupted at least 40 times since 1885 with the last eruption having occurred in 2018. Mount Nyamuragira is responsible for the largest amount of sulfur oxide released by volcanoes.
Mount Muhabura
Mount Muhabura is the third highest of the Virunga massif and it’s found in Rwanda and Uganda. The name Muhabura provides beautiful views of a crater at the summit, twin lakes and three of the Virunga range range volcanoes. The name Muhabura is translated to mean “guide” in the local language because it’s seen in many parts of both Uganda and Rwanda.
Mount Nyiragongo
Mount Nyiragongo is one of the two most active volcanoes in the Virunga mountains and Africa. The last eruption occurred in May 2021. The label lake at Nyiragongo is said to be the most voluminous leave in history.
Mount Sabinyo
Mount Sabinyo is located within the intercession Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda but can only be climbed from the Ugandan side due to its rugged nature from the Rwandan side. It stands on an elevation of 3667 Meyers above sea level
Mount Gahinga
Mount Gahinga also known as mount Mgahinga can be climbed from both Uganda and Rwanda standing on an elevation of 3474 meters above sea level. The name Gahinga is derived from a local word to mean “piles of stones”, the top of Mount Gahinga has a beautiful caldera with spectacular views of Mount Sabinyo and mount Muhabura.
Mount Bisoke
Mount Bisoke is found within the boarders of Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo although the summit is found in the Rwandan side. The name Bisoke is translated to mean “soaked with water” in the local languages because the summit of the mountain has got two calderas.
