Virunga Conservation Area. - The African Encounters

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The great Virunga conservation area is a biodiverse destination found in East Africa stretching in three countries: Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. This area is famous for its conservation of biodiversity and volcanic landscapes while protecting endangered species.

Virunga conservation area is home to diverse wildlife species ranging from mountain gorillas, African elephants, hippos, and a perfect number of bird species and is particularly known for the famous mountain gorilla population.

The area is also composed of several active volcanoes like Mount Nyiragongo and Mountain Nyamuragira which create a unique landscape and contribute greatly to the region’s geological significance. The top-notch activity done in this area is gorilla trekking where you get to encounter the endangered mountain gorillas within their natural habitat.

The great Virunga conservation area is composed of eight volcanoes as explained below,

● Mount. Muhabura.

Mount Muhabura also known as Mount Muhavura is one of the prominent volcanoes within the Virunga mountain ranges situated within the border of Rwanda and Uganda within the Virunga conservation area.

The mountain has an elevation of about 4,127 meters above sea level making it the tallest volcano in the Virunga ranges.

It is a popular destination for hikers and trekkers since it is no longer active, and the road to its summit is challenging but greatly rewarding with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes and Lake Edward.

● Mount. Gahinga.

Mount Gahinga is one of the volcanic peaks within the Virunga mountain ranges on the borders of Rwanda, Uganda and Congo. It has an elevation of about 3,474 meters above sea level.

Mountain Gahinga is a dormant volcano, a popular place for trekkers and hikers relatively accessible by hiking trails that lead to its summit providing opportunities to experience the lush forests and diverse flora and fauna within the region.

The slopes of mountain Gahinga are within Mgahinga National Park a popular destination for the endangered mountain gorillas and other animals like golden monkeys and a good number of bird species.

● Mount. Sabyinyo.

Mount Sabyinyo is a volcano located in the Virunga mountain range at the borders of Rwanda, Uganda and DRC. The mountain starts at an elevation of about 3,669 meters above sea level.

Sabyinyo is also dormant which means it is no longer active and a popular destination for trekkers and hikers whose summit is challenging but rewarding at the end of the day, while standing at the summit of Sabyinyo, it is known that you can touch the three countries of Rwanda, Uganda and DRC at the same time.

● Mount. Mikeno.

Mount Mikeno is also located in the Virunga mountain ranges situated within the Virunga National Park in the DRC having an elevation of about 14,560 feet above sea level. The mountain is located within Virunga National Park which is home to the endangered mountain gorillas and other various wildlife species and bird species.

Hiking and trekking cannot be done on the mountain due to its steep and rugged terrain but it provides gorilla trekking and hikes to the slopes of the volcano.

● Mount. Karisimbi.

Mount Karisimbi is known to be the most prominent volcano within the great Virunga conservation area having an area of about 4,507 meters making it a challenging and rewarding trekking destination.

Karisimbi is located within the borders of Rwanda, Uganda and DRC and it is dormant meaning it can no longer erupt. Hiking and trekking this mountain is a little bit challenging because it can take like two days but the reward is worth every energy invested in.

The slopes of Karisimbi are home to a variety of gorillas, golden monkeys and numerous bird species.

● Mount. Bisoke.

Mountain Bisoke also known as Visoke is a prominent volcano within the great Virunga conservation area having an elevation of about 3,711 meters above sea level. The mountain is located between the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in D.R. Congo.

Bisoke is also regarded as a dormant volcano meaning it can’t erupt and a popular destination for hikes and trekking because it has accessible slopes.

The most challenging but rewarding hike is the one to the crater lake which provides scenic views of the beautiful crater lake at the summit.

● Mount. Nyiragongo.

Mount Nyiragongo is a stratovolcano located in DRC known for its persistent lava lake which makes it unique and fascinating volcanoes in the world.

The volcano has extreme volcanic activity characterized by a constantly churning and sometimes overflowing lava lake within the crater.

The main attraction is the summit crater which contains a large and molten lava lake that has drawn the interest of scientists and tourists alike.

● Mount. Nyamuragira.

Mount Nyamuragira is located in eastern DRC within Virunga National Park and is known to be one of the most active and largest volcanoes.

It is renowned for its frequent eruptions that occur every few years involving the effusion of fluid lava rather than explosive eruptions. This makes Mount Nyamuragira the most active lava-producing volcano in the world.

The mountain is not good for trekking and hiking because it is located near Nyiragongo which is also an active volcano and it is too difficult to monitor their eruption times.