Hiking safaris on the Virunga massif grants travelers stunning experiences. Virunga volcanoes are a chain of 8 volcanic mountains of which 2 are active and the rest are dormant. The Virunga massif is shared by three countries; Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo and others are found on the borders of either country
They are a branch of Albertine Rift valley in the eastern border of the East African rift valley. And all these Virunga volcanoes are located in the hearts of parks that host the rare mountain gorillas, which include; the Volcanoes national park in Rwanda, Mgahinga gorilla national park in Uganda and Virunga national park in Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Virunga massif slopes provide shelter to the endangered mountain gorillas giving visitors an opportunity to meet and interact with these great apes. The summit of every volcano rewards visitors with spectacular views of wildlife, national parks, and the neighboring communities, which is an added advantage to the entire experience.
Mount. Karisimbi is the highest of all the Virunga volcanoes and it reaches up to 4507m above sea level. To hike this mountain doesn’t require any experience but you have to be in good health and physical conditions. It requires two days to finish the entire hiking adventure on Mountain. Karisimbi. The 1st day you hike and set up a camp for an overnight and the last day hike to the top of the mountain and sight the open view of the bubbling Mountain Nyiragongo. And descend on the same day.
Hiking Karisimbi can be enjoyed during the dry season when there is less rainfall and this makes it simpler to hike the mountain. The temperatures in the morning and at night freeze to 0 degrees and hikers are advised to carry warm sweaters that can overcome the coldness.
Mount Mikeno is a dormant mountain and found in D. R. Congo, in the fringes of Virunga national park. It is known to be the most challenging volcano to climb. Mount. Mikeno is the second highest volcano in the Virunga massif reaching up to 4437 meters. Its slopes are covered with a forest that provides shelter to the rare mountain gorillas and other wildlife species plus different birds. To hike this stunning volcano, you have to be physically fit.
The third highest volcano in the Virunga massif is Mount. Muhabura and it is found on the border of Uganda and Rwanda. Climbing to the top of the mount. Muhabura rewards travelers with amazing views of the twin lakes of Bulera and Ruhondo and other Virunga mountains. Some of the attractions on-mountain Muhabura include the Crater Lake that is close to its summit, rare vegetation cover, and mountain gorillas in the nearby Mgahinga gorilla national park.
Hiking this volcano is a bit tough due to its steep slopes and the experience starts at 7 am and lasts for the whole day to complete.
Bisoke Mountain is another magnificent mountain that is worth climbing. Also known as Visoke in D.R. Congo, this volcano is famous for having a crater lake on top. It has the most montane vegetation at varied levels and comes with bamboo forest, bushes among others. It also requires someone to be physically fit in order to hike through it.
Mountain Sabinyo is the only volcano that is found in three countries. It is located at the border of Uganda, Rwanda, and D. R. Congo. It has an indented summit structure that describes its name. It also provides shelter to the mountain gorillas in the nearby Mgahinga gorilla and Volcanoes national parks, one of the gorilla families in Volcanoes national park was named Sabyinyo and it is one of the simplest gorilla groups to track.
Despite Mountain Gahinga being the smallest of all the volcanoes, it provides extraordinary hiking adventures. One day is enough to hike to the top of Mount. Gahinga and hiking it rewards travelers with life-changing experiences like its scenic views. The volcano has caves that one should not miss to explore while hiking. It is dormant and it is found in Uganda.
Mount Nyiragongo is one of the active volcanoes in the Virunga massif, in the outskirts of Virunga national park. It is found in D. R. Congo and it is popular for its powerful lava lake. Hiking this volcano gives travelers a chance to experience its powerful bubbling lava lake. Hiking Mount. Nyiragongo starts around Kibati patrol station in the Democratic Republic of Congo accessing it depends on your speed and physical wellness, and the experience takes up to 2 days.
Mountain Nyamuragira is the most active volcano in the Virunga massif. And its active state discourages travelers from hiking it. It is believed that the volcano erupted over 40 times since 1885 when it first erupted. It reaches up to 3,058 meters above sea level. And its slopes are covered by forests which house different wildlife and birdlife.
All the guests taking part in hiking the Virunga massif should be physically fit and dedicated. And they should remember to carry enough drinking water, wear light hiking boots for easy movement on the loose stones, hand gloves,energy-giving snacks, long pants, among others
Take a hiking safari to the Virunga massif in Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda and get a memorable experience.
