Experience the Incomparable Virunga Region
Welcome to Virunga Guide, the complete guide for visitors looking to exploring the Virunga Massif of Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Virunga Guide is the #1 guide to visiting the Virunga parks; the Virunga National Park of DR Congo, Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and Uganda’s Mgahinga National Park.
Let this guide help you plan your adventure to one of these amazing places on planet earth. Find out the best things to do, must see attractions, where to stay including safari lodges and exclusive tips to guide you in planning a gorilla trek in the park. Would you like to explore the park on an organized tour? We have listed the best tour operators and travel agents to book with a gorilla safari to Congo.
Plan your safari to the Virungas with extensive information on booking gorilla permits, planning gorilla tours, booking hotels and safari lodges in the Virunga Mountains. We offer extensive information on visiting the Virunga including best time to go, maps, guides, travel tips and much more. Whether you are a seasoned traveller or a first time visitor, you are in exactly the right place.
The aim of the Virunga Guide is to Inform, Inspire, Excite and Equip you as you plan your next big adventure to the Virunga Region. Whether you are looking to mountain gorilla trekking, volcano hiking or any other adventure, our resourceful information will help you in planning a memorable safari!
The Virunga Massif
Location: on the borders of DR Congo, Uganda, and Rwanda (510 km from Kampala, 113 km from Kigali)
Size: 444 kilometers squared
Famous for: mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, dormant and active volcanoes
The “Virunga” is a Kinyarwanda word for boiling pots, a reference to the defining volcanic origins of these unique mountains. At least one of the seven volcanoes in the range – Mount Nyiragongo – is active. In 2001, there was a dramatic eruption on the Congolese side of the range. The Virunga Massif is located in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and spans across Uganda, Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and part of DR Congo’s Virunga National Park.
The Virunga Region holds an exceptional place in global conservation efforts due to its remarkable ecosystems and cultural significance. At its core is Virunga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This park houses critically endangered species, such as mountain gorillas and forest elephants.
The region’s history of conflict and ongoing challenges, such as wildlife poaching and political instability in some areas, have given rise to understandable apprehension. However, safety measures, particularly in Rwanda, have advanced significantly. Thanks to its strong governance, adequate security measures, and commitment to promoting tourism responsibly,
Rwanda is widely recognized as one of the safest countries in Africa. As a result, the Rwandan portion of the Virunga Region offers visitors an opportunity to explore its wonders with a reassuring sense of security.
This article provides an in-depth look at the Virunga Region, offering insights into safety, key attractions, and what tourists can expect when visiting this fascinating part of Africa.
Things to See in the Virunga
The Virunga Massif is internationally recognized for its great attractions and biological diversity. The park is internationally recognized for its great attractions and biological diversity. The 7,800-square-kilometre park contains rare species of animals including the critically endangered mountain gorillas only found in three countries in the world.
The Volcanoes of the Virunga Massif
Mgahinga National Park in Uganda features three extinct volcanoes: Mount Muhavura (4,127 meters), Mount Sabyinyo (3,645 meters) and Mount Gahinga (3,475 meters), which has a swampy caldera on its peak. The park name was derived from Gahinga, described in Kinyarwanda/Rufumbira dialect as “a small pile of stones”. There are two volcanoes in Rwanda, Bisoke (3,711 meters) and Kalisimbi (4,507 meters). The tallest, Mikeno (4,437 meters) and Mount Nyiragongo (3,470 meters) is an active volcano, which are both situated in DR Congo.
Flora
The vegetation of the Virunga Massif ranges from tropical rain forests up to the afro-montane vegetation zones. Many local herbs grow in the park, including a giant tree-sized relative of the herb St. Johns Wort. The national park is comprised of the great diversity of habitats, ranging from swamps and steppes to the snowfields I that its range contains an amalgamation of steppes, savannas and plains, marshlands, low altitude and afro-montane forest belts to unique afro-alpine vegetation.
Fauna
The Mgahinga Gorilla National Park supports some 40 recorded mammal species, although some believe there are even more. Of the larger mammals, there are the mountain gorilla, buffalo and forest elephant. The endangered golden monkey, a subspecies of the blue monkey, can be found only in the bamboo forests of the Park. Leopards and several other small feline species can also be found here. 294 bird species have been recorded in the Virunga region, among which are the handsome Francolin, Rwenzori Turaco and Side-Breasted Tit. Twenty of these species are endemic to the Albertine Rift Valley.
Mountain Gorillas
The Virunga Massif contains the largest population of the endangered mountain gorillas, great apes that can only be found in three countries in the world.The remnant population lives in a separate location in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest of Uganda. The mountain gorillas in the south are the celebrity attraction that brings most visitors to the Virunga Parks; Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park of Uganda and the Virunga National Park of DR Congo.
Wildlife
Though the Virunga National Park is most famous for hosting the endangered mountain gorillas. It is rich in wildlife. The reclusive endangered Okapi giraffe lives in the northern section of the park, the elephants occupy the eastern areas of the park and the chimpanzees in the South. There are also other animals in the park like chimpanzee, elephants, leopard, monkeys, and many others as well as several bird species.
Volcanoes
The chain of active volcanoes together with the permanent glaciers and snow on Mount Rwenzori whose peaks culminate in 5000 m height make the national park the best of all Africa’s national parks. Virunga national park has a total of eight volcanoes two of which are so much active and eruptions do take place after some few years. These active ones include the Nyamulagira volcano and the Nyiragongo volcano, which last erupted in 2002. The two volcanic peaks are responsible for two-fifths of the historic volcanic eruptions on the African continent and which are characterized by the extreme fluidity of the alkaline lava.
Explore the Virunga Region
Straddling the borders of Uganda, Rwanda and the DR Congo, the Virungas are not a mountain range as such, but a chain of isolated freestanding volcanic cones strung along a fault line associated with the same geological process that formed the Rift Valley.
What Does Virunga Mean?
The name “Virunga” is an English version of the Kinyarwanda word ibirunga. Ibirunga means “volcanoes” in the native Rwandan language.
Why Visit the Virunga
Spending a holiday in the Virunga can be a magical time. For well-prepared visitors, traveling to the Virunga will get you treated to a whole new set of discoveries. A gorilla safari into the Virunga Massif is one of the most popular adventures that you should not miss.
Things to See
The Virunga Region embraces one of the world’s most outstanding concentrations of mountain gorillas, mountains and valleys, wild plants and animals. The Region also harbors a rich collection of human stories – from the Batwa and Bambuti, pygmoid tribes in Africa to interesting conservation stories. Therefore, the Virunga Mountains are an extraordinary place to visit. There are lots of things to see in the Virungas and these include;
Virunga Mountains
The Virunga region has a chain of eight major volcanoes. These ranges are located along the northern border of Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Uganda. These include the Nyiragongo Volcano, Karisimbi, Sabinyo, Muhavura, Bisoke, and more.
Mountain Gorillas
The Mountain Gorillas of the Virunga Volcanoes inhabit an area that is shared between three countries, the DRC, Rwanda and Uganda. The mountain gorillas in these parks keep on migrating from one park to another in search of fruiting trees and leaves. Read More
Popular Things to Do in the Virunga Region
From the popular gorilla treks to rock climbing to river rafting, the Virunga is filled with outdoor adventures. But you’ve got to know where to go — and when to go. Whether you’re looking for a cold-weather adventure, a warm fireplace, or a little of both, Yosemite is a magical place in fall and winter! The popular activities in the Virunga include mountain gorilla trekking in the Volcanoes National Park, Mgahinga National Park and Virunga National Park, golden monkey tracking in the Volcanoes National Park and Mgahinga National Park, Virunga Massif day trekking, bird-watching excursions and guided nature walks are available, as well. in DR Congo etc. Tour Operators offer overnight hikes to the summit of Mount Nyiragongo, the active volcano. Nyiragongo has the largest permanent lava lake in the world.
Gorilla Trekking
Take a tour to the Virunga and enjoy a one-of-a-kind gorilla trekking experience. There are few experiences in the world more memorable than coming face to face with a wild eastern mountain gorilla. You will get to see the great apes in the wild on a gorilla trek in Uganda, Rwanda or the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Sightseeing
Enjoy spectacular views of the Virunga Volcanoes, a string of eight mountains that span the borders of Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo.
Nyiragongo Volcano
Perhaps the Democratic Republic of Congo’s most magnificent single sight, The trek to the top is an absolutely unmissable experience that you will enjoy!
Chimpanzee Tracking
Unlike gorillas, chimpanzees are fast moving, love to climb high into the canopy and are more wary of humans. You will see the chimps in the Virunga National Park.
Mount Ruwenzori
Africa’s third highest mountain, located amongst the world-renowned Mountains of the Moon whose glaciers are a source of the Nile.
Popular Places to Visit in the Virunga
The Virunga Region boasts of an extensive and comprehensive park system, with three national parks of great importance that are distributed in three African countries. These national parks protect some of the Africa’s most stunning natural areas and unique wildlife including the endangered mountain gorillas.
All these three national parks host incredible wildlife including the mountain gorillas a rare specie only endemic to three countries in the world. These parks are;
- Volcanoes National park in Rwanda,
- Virunga National park in DR Congo and
- Mgahinga National park in Uganda
These three parks are located in the Virunga ranges which cover the three countries.
Plan the Perfect Trip with our Informative Resource
Here are some important or essentials tips to save you time and money.
- Best Times to Visit the Mountain Gorillas
- Best Times to Visit the Virungas
- The Virunga’s Best Hikes Rated
Volcanoes National Park
In Rwanda’s northwestern region, Volcanoes National Park is one of the world’s most celebrated ecological havens. Established in 1925, Africa’s first national park was founded to protect the endangered mountain gorilla. Today, Volcanoes National Park spans over 160 square kilometers of mist-covered mountains, dense rain forests, and volcanic landscapes, offering some of the most awe-inspiring encounters with nature.
Unmissable Activities:
- Gorilla Trekking: The star attraction of Volcanoes National Park is gorilla trekking, a life-changing experience for those who participate. Visitors embark on guided treks through lush, mountainous terrain, often climbing steep paths to reach gorilla families. Only a few permits are issued daily to ensure minimal disruption to these critically endangered creatures. Spending an hour with a gorilla family provides an intimate glimpse into their world, observing social interactions, playful young ones, and the commanding silverback gorillas. This encounter brings tourists face-to-face with one of the world’s most extraordinary species. It contributes to conservation efforts, as most of the permit fees support habitat preservation and local communities.
- Dian Fossey Tomb and Research Center: Volcanoes National Park is also home to the Dian Fossey Tomb and Research Center, a historical site dedicated to the renowned primatologist and conservationist Dian Fossey. Fossey, who conducted groundbreaking research on mountain gorillas, lived and worked in the park for almost two decades. Her commitment to gorilla conservation inspired worldwide efforts to protect the species and established the foundation for modern conservation practices in Rwanda. Visitors can trek to the site of Fossey’s original research camp, located between Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke, where her tomb rests alongside that of several gorillas she protected. The trek to her research site is challenging, but it provides an insightful look into the life and work of one of wildlife conservation’s most influential figures. The site is a tribute to Fossey’s dedication and a reminder of the vital work that continues in her honor.
- Golden Monkey Trekking: Another wildlife encounter awaits with the vibrant golden monkeys unique to the Virunga mountains. Known for their distinctive golden-orange fur, these endangered primates move gracefully through the bamboo forests. Golden monkey trekking offers a shorter, more accessible alternative to gorilla trekking, typically at lower altitudes. Visitors can watch them leap through the trees, forage for food, and interact playfully within their troop, making it a perfect experience for wildlife enthusiasts.
- Mount Bisoke Hike: For adventurous travelers, hiking Mount Bisoke, a dormant volcano, is an exciting option. Standing at 3,711 meters, Mount Bisoke is known for its challenging trail that takes approximately six hours round-trip. The reward at the summit is a stunning crater lake surrounded by mist and panoramic views of the Virunga Mountains, extending into neighboring Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The journey through varied terrains, from bamboo forests to alpine meadows, adds to the thrill and showcases Rwanda’s natural beauty.