The Greater Virunga Conservation Area.
Virunga conservation area is a large protected area covering Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The word Virunga was derived from “ibirunga” which means volcanoes and because they are many, they were named Virunga. The area is composed of 8 volcanic mountains which by coincidence occupy three national parks, namely Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Mgahinga National Park in Uganda and Virunga National Park in Congo.
The volcanic slopes are thus home to the few remaining mountain gorillas that attract a quite number of people across the world for gorilla safaris, not only the gorillas but also other wildlife species, including primates. Some of the notable wild animals include jackals, forest elephants, duikers, bush bucks, primates such as the endangered, rare endemics Golden monkeys, red tailed monkeys, de Brazza monkeys, colobus monkeys, bush babies, among others.
Virunga conservation is characterized by different vegetation cover savannah woodland, bamboo trees, moorland, high and low altitude wetlands, craters and lava lakes as a result of volcanic eruption. The same conservation area, specifically in Volcanoes National Park on the slopes of Mount Karisimbi and Bisoke, is where the late Dian Fossey spent most of her time doing her research and implementing conservation techniques until mountain gorillas were brought to international attention.
Before gorilla tourism, the montane forested areas of the Virunga mountains were inhabited by the Batwa pygmies, known as the first people of the forest who lived and depended on the forest for survival through basic needs, which include shelter, food, and medicine they obtained from plants and hunting. The Batwa were later evicted, and the area was gazetted into a different national park. Currently, they settle outside the park in Mgahinga National Park and Volcanoes National Park. After a gorilla safari, there is a n opportunity to take part in the Batwa experience, learning about how they survived in the forest during ancient days.
The greater Virunga Conservation Area consists of 8 volcanoes, and these include;
Mount Karisimbi
Karisimbi straddles the Rwanda-Democratic Republic of Congo border at the highest elevation of 4507 meters above sea level. The Strata volcano is ranked the highest of the eight volcanoes in the Virunga conservation area. Karisimbi Mountain is most time covered with snow, from which it derives its name, Masimbi, meaning snow. At the foothills of the mountain, there are mountain gorillas; therefore, you have a chance to hike as well as trek to see the gorillas. At the same destination, you will visit Dian Fossey’s tomb.
Mount Bisoke
Bisoke is a dormant volcano that is located between Rwanda and Congo with its summit in Rwanda. Bisoke has a record of two eruptions that resulted into two crater lakes at the top. The volcano is covered by equatorial forests, alpines and bamboo trees which the same time host mountain gorillas. It is the same that house the Karisoke research center which was established by the late Dian fossy. Other than daily trek of gorilla families, Bisoke also attracts a number of tourists for mountaineering and hiking to the summit.
Mount Sabyinyo
The most interesting fact is that Mt Sabyinyo straddles between countries of Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The volcano has three peaks, the highest is at 3645 meters above sea level. The Ugandan side is said to be more strenuous; however, ladders have been set up to ease hiking to the summit. Mt Sabyinyo can be accessed in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Volcanoes National Par,k and Virunga National Park. When you hike Sabyinyo, you are therefore present in three countries on a single Visa.
Mount Gahinga
Gahinga is one of the smallest among the 8 volcanoes of Virunga massif. It has a small pile of stones at the top surrounded by a swampy crater lake at 3474 meters above sea level. The slopes of Gahinga are home to mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. Other than the rich ecosystem, Gahinga has lots of bird species and wildlife.
Mount Muhavura
Mount Muhavura partly covers Volcanoes National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. It is the highest of all the volcanoes at 4127 meters above sea level. Muhavura commands stunning views of the other volcanoes, twin lakes, Lake Edward, Rwenzori ranges. It also has a crater lake at the summit. Hiking to the summit requires physical fitness because of the steepness.
Mount Mikeno
Mikeno lies in Virunga National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas, at 4437 meters above sea level. Mikeno is the second highest. At the slopes, it is home of mountain gorillas alongside other wildlife species. Mikeno is accessed through Kigali, across to the Gisenyi border crossing to the Democratic Republic of Congo. Among activities to do in Mikeno are gorilla trekking, birding, and Hiking. Mount Mikeno can be easily accessed through the Bukima patrol post.
Mount Nyirangongo
Nyirangongo is an active volcano that last erupted 19 years ago. After the eruption, earthquakes were felt around Goma city and Gisenyi that leaving destruction of so many buildings. It’s situated north of Goma city and overlooking Lake Kivu. The volcano is the main attraction in Congo, alongside the mountain gorilla, both in Virunga National Park. Nyirangongo is known for its red boiling lava lake, which attracts hiking tours. The depth of the lake is about 600 meters. Nyirangongo is known for its fatal eruptions, destroying and displacing human activities.
Mount Nyamuragira
Nyamuragira is one of the few very active volcanic mountains in Africa almost taking a period of 2 years apart to erupt. It is an active, broad, shield-shaped mountain 3058 meters above sea level. During the recent eruption of 2014 lava lake formed in the caldera, with flowing lava up to Lake Kivu, emitting hot gases and ash. Nyamuragira is situated near Goma city and Virunga National Park, 25 kilometers from Lake Kivu.