The 8 Virunga Volcano Mountains: Virunga is just a chain of 8 volcanic mountains that are found in East Africa and are shared between the 2 East African Countries that is Rwanda, Uganda and DR Congo. These mountains are seen as part of the Great Rift Valley.

The word Virunga is known in English but it is Kinyarwanda word meaning “iburunga” which means to Meat Mountains.

The Virunga region is made up of 8 major volcano ranges that are found in between Lake Kivu and Lake Edward which are close the great East African Rift Vallley.

The 8 volcanic ranges in the region include Mount Karisimbi which is the highest with 4,507 metres, Mount Mikeno follows with 4437 metres, Mount Muhabura is the next with about 4,127 metres, Mount Bisoke at 3711 metres, Mount Sabyinyo at 36711 metres, Mount Gahinga at 3470 metres, and Mount Nyiragongo at 3470 metres and finally Nyamurangira at 3,058 meters.

Among the 8 Volcanoes, there are 3 which are still active and the remaining ones are extinct. The one that is the tallest is known as Karisimbi and it is at around 4,507 meters.

Most the mountains are usually surrounded by mountain forest covers and bamboo. Mount Nyamurangira is the shortest among the 8 volcanoes which is at around 3,058 meters.

Usually the mountains get their names from the geographical appearances and characteristics. For instance Mountain Sabinyo is a word meaning Old man’s teeth in English. It depicts the name from the physical appearance of the mountain which is looking like the old man’s tooth.

There is a point in Uganda known as Kanaba gap which is on Kabale – Kisoro road and you will be able to watch the 5 of 8 volcanoes. It is such an exciting experience.

As you are thinking of gorilla tracking in the DR Congo, you should also start thinking of hiking one of these wonderful mountains. The scenery is amazing and you will even be able to reach the peak of the tallest Karisimbi Mountain and this will really blow your mind. Come and have an amazing adventure at the 8 Virunga volcanoes.