Virunga Mountains

This chain of 8 major volcanoes sits, just to the west of the Great Rift Valley, spanning the borders of Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda. The range tops out at 4,507m, with all of the main summits over 3,000m. All but two of the volcanoes are dormant. The mountains have, needless to say, fascinating geology and thrilling landscapes, from lava flows and beautiful crater lakes to strange formations.

The mountains are home to a wonderful range of ecosystems, from thick rainforest on its lower to mid slopes to bamboo to alpine shrubs to tundra and bare rock.

The Virungas' iconic inhabitants are its mountain gorillas, which are critically endangered. Any walk here would have to include a gorilla visit as well. Other forest inhabitants include elephants, chimpanzees and other monkeys, buffalo, a variety of deer and antelope.

As well as climbing the amazing volcanoes, you can make a variety of forest walks, gorillas inspections and other hikes on the lower slopes.

You can approach the mountains from Uganda or Rwanda; the DRC remains too dangerous, other than as a quick dash across the border. Most of them can be walked in a long day, although overnights are advisable or necessary for a couple of them.

Listing the Virungas roughly from north-east to south-west, they are:

Mt Muhabura (4,127m), the third-highest of the Virungas, straddles the border between south-west Uganda and Rwanda, with amazing views north towards the Rwenzori, across the Bwindi impenetrable forest and towards Rwanda's lakes. Its crater is fascinating. This is a long, steep, demanding 8-9 hr day walk. Altitude is very likely to affect you. 

The thickly forested Mt Gahinga (the lowest of the Virungas at a ‘mere’ 3,474m) also lies between south-west Uganda and northern Rwanda, in Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla NP. Its slopes are clad in a variety of forest, you meet volcanic caves on the trail and enjoy superb views, including of the summit crater with its dank floor. Another demanding 6 hour day walk.

Mt Sabyinyo (3,645m), with a jagged summit said to resemble an old man's teeth, is on the border of all three countries, but needs to be climbed from Uganda. It can be climbed in a long 8 hour day. Wonderful views from the top, and a superb variety of vegetation as you made the ascent, including gorilla habitats.

Mt Bisoke (3,711m) also straddles the Rwanda/DRC border. It is densely but interestingly forested, and has a fine crater lake. It is a long day walk.

Remote Mikeno, the second-highest of the Virungas at 4,437m, lies inside the DRC. Both thickly forested and steep, it is said to be the most difficult of all the Virunga mountains to climb. Not currently realistic given the DRC’s instability.

Mt Karisimbi, at 4,507m the highest of all the Virungas, straddles the Rwanda/DRC border. Climb through fine tropical forest before reaching shrub and alpine zones. This is a two day hike, with a night below the summit; on the second day you climb on to summit it, then head back down to base. This is a demanding climb, where altitude will really affect you and for which you need to be well prepared. Best walked in June, July and August.

Mt Nyamuragira (3,058m), further into the DRC, is the most active volcano in Africa. It is not generally visitable.

Mt Nyiragongo (3,470m) sits just inside the DRC from Rwanda, and is a fully active volcano with a famous lava lake in its crater. While it has erupted relatively recently, it is generally safe for walkers. You can climb Nyiragongo in a long day from Rwanda, but spending a night on the rim, to enjoy the lava lake in action in the dark, is very worthwhile.

The Virungas get a lot of rainfall, and their trails are often rocky, muddy and steep. The driest times and the best times to visit are June to August. 

Have a look at the dreaded TripAdvisor so you may get good, current views on this walk.

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