The Virunga Mountains, also known as the Mufumbiro ranges, are a chain of volcanic mountains in East Africa. They stretch across the Albertine arm of the Great East African Rift and are shared by the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and Rwanda.
There are eight volcanoes in this range: Mount Bisoke, Mount Nyamuragira, Mount Sabyinyo, Mount Nyiragongo, Mount Muhabura, Mount Karisimbi, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Mikeno.
The name “Virunga” comes from the Kinyarwanda word ibirunga, meaning “volcanoes.” The mountains form an important conservation area for mountain gorillas and other primates.
Mount Karisimbi
At 14,787 feet, Karisimbi is the highest of the Virunga volcanoes and the 11th highest mountain in Africa. It sits on the border of Congo and Rwanda near the Albertine Rift Valley. Snow sometimes covers its summit between June and August, giving the mountain its name from the Kinyarwanda word amasimbi, meaning “snow.” Karisimbi, together with Bisoke, inspired the name “Karisoke,” later used for the research center founded by Dian Fossey for gorilla conservation.
Mount Bisoke
Also called Visoke, this dormant volcano rises on the Congo–Rwanda border, with its summit in Rwanda. Its last eruption was in 1957, which formed two cones on its northern slopes. Bisoke is known for its large crater lake at the summit and another smaller lake. It lies inside Volcanoes National Park, which is also home to mountain gorillas.
Mount Sabyinyo
This dormant volcano lies at the meeting point of Congo, Uganda, and Rwanda. It stands 12,037 feet high. Its jagged summit gives it the name Sabyinyo, meaning “old man’s tooth.” The mountain is home to gorillas, forest antelopes, and elephants. Hiking is only possible from the Uganda side due to its rugged terrain.
Mount Gahinga
This dormant volcano lies between Muhabura and Sabyinyo on the Uganda–Rwanda border. It is the smallest of the three and takes its name from a Kinyarwanda word meaning “small pile of stones.” At the summit is a swampy caldera about 591 feet wide. The mountain rises 11,394 feet above sea level and is part of Mgahinga National Park in Uganda. Its bamboo forests provide food and shelter for mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, and many bird species.
Mount Muhabura
Also called Muhavura, this dormant volcano stands 13,540 feet high and is the third tallest in the Virunga chain. It has a small crater lake at its peak. The name Muhabura means “guide” in reference to how travelers once used it as a landmark. It straddles the Uganda–Rwanda border and is bordered by Mgahinga and Volcanoes National Parks.
Mount Nyiragongo
This active stratovolcano is 11,385 feet high and located near Goma town and Lake Kivu in Congo. Its most striking feature is a crater lake filled with molten lava. Along with Nyamuragira, it accounts for nearly 40% of Africa’s historic volcanic eruptions.
Mount Nyamuragira
Also known as Nyamulagira, this volcano is about 16 miles from Lake Kivu in Congo. It is often described as the most active volcano in Africa, with about 40 eruptions recorded since the late 1800s. The name comes from a Bantu word meaning “to herd animals.”
Mount Mikeno
This extinct volcano rises 14,557 feet and is the second highest in the Virunga range after Karisimbi. It is located fully inside Congo’s Virunga National Park. Its steep slopes earned it the name Mikeno, meaning “poor.” The mountain is a major gorilla habitat and is also home to the rare yellow-crested helmetshrike (Prionops alberti).
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