Volcanic/Virunga mountains are among the key attractions in the Virunga Conservation Area. YES, if you are interested in hiking safaris, the Virunga Massif offers you the best mountaineering experiences. The conservation is comprised of both active and inactive volcanoes offering you different hiking experiences. Some of the volcanoes are located between the borders of each country which give you an opportunity to hike from either side. The popular volcanoes in the Virunga Massif include:
Mount Nyiragongo
Located in the heart of Virunga National Park in Eastern Congo, Mount Nyiragongo is one of the most hiked volcanoes in the Virunga Conservation Area. Nyiragongo is an active strata volcano that last erupted in 2021. The active volcano stands at 3,470 meters above sea level overlooking Virunga gorilla park and the neighboring local communities. The volcano has so far erupted 34 times since 1882 when the last eruption took place. The summit of the volcano shelters a 2 kilometers wide lava lake which is the world’s largest lava lake. The glowing flames of magma are easily seen at night, one of the reasons why travelers spend overnight at the summit to experience it. The last eruption (2021) happened when fractures on the rocky slopes of the volcano opened up and lava started flowing. This led to the closure of hiking trips in the park. The lower slopes of the volcano shelter the endangered gorillas and other wild animals that hikers meet at some times. A 3 Days Nyiragongo hiking tour with an overnight on the slopes is the best package to enjoy the beauty of this volcano. Hiking can be combined with gorilla trekking and other wildlife activities in the park to make a complete package.
Mount Karisimbi
This is the tallest and one of the most hiked volcanoes in the Virunga Conservation Area. The stratovolcano stands at 3,705 meters above sea level located on the borders of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. More so, Mt Karisimbi is the 11th highest mountain in Africa and it’s safe for hiking. The 2 Days mount Karsimbi hiking adventure is your suitable package to conquer this tall mountain. The summit of Mt Karsimbi offers you scenic views of the Virunga Volcanoes in the Virunga Massif, gorilla parks, local farms, and cities. Mount Karisimbi hiking is normally done along gorilla trekking, golden monkeys, cultural safaris, and Kigali city among other activities in Rwanda to make a complete package.
Mount Bisoke
Lying on the borders of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mt Bisoke is also called “Visoke” standing at an elevation of 3,696 meters above sea level. The dormant volcano is one of the easy-to-hike volcanoes which can be hiked in one day. The Volcano last erupted in 1957 and this led to the formation of the largest crater lake at the summit. The slopes of the volcano entail Lake Ngezi. Hiking time to the top of mount Bisoke takes between 23-6 hours depending on your hiking speed and physical fitness. Bisoke volcano is suitable for travelers with limited time.
Mount Nyamuragira
This is the most active volcano in the Virunga Conservation Area which is closed for hiking. The active volcano stands at 3,050 meters above sea level. Nyamuragira is located in Virunga National park 25 kilometers north of Lake Kivu. Whereas the volcano has erupted several times, only 40 serious eruptions have been registered.
Mount Mikeno
Standing at 4,437 meters above sea level, Mount Mikeno is yet another extinct volcano located in Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Mikeno is the second-highest volcano in the Virunga mountains and the 13th-highest volcano in Africa. Mikeno is a Kinyarwanda word meaning “poor” referring to the harsh slopes of the volcano. The lower slopes of the volcano shelter the endangered gorillas, birds, and other wild animals
Mount Muhabura
Also known as Mount Muhavura, the dormant volcano is located on the borders of Uganda and Rwanda. The Inactive volcano stands at 4,127 meters above sea level and it’s the third highest volcano in the Virunga Massif after Mount Mikeno (second) and Mt karisimbi( the highest). Muhabura is a local word that means “guide” because many ancient people used it for directions
Mount Gahinga
Also located on the borders of Rwanda and Uganda, Mount Gahinga is another extinct volcano lying between Mount Muhabura and Mount Sabyinyo. The Volcano stands at 3,474 meters above sea level and can be hiked in 6 hours. Gahinga locally means a pile of stones because the slopes of the volcano comprise many piles of stones.
Mount Sabyinyo
Located in the northeast of Laske Kivu, Mount Sabyinyo is the oldest volcano in the Virunga Massif. The volcano stands at 3,339 meters above sea level and its summit is shared by Rwanda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The name sabyinyo is a local word that means “tooth” because the summit of the volcano is in the shape of the old man’s tooth.
