Out of the eight Virunga Mountains ranges, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park holds 3 of them including; Mountain Muhabura, Mount Sabinyo, and Gahinga Volcano. These three Virunga volcanoes offer lovely and amazing scenery for travelers on Uganda gorilla trekking safaris in Mgahinga Park.

The slopes of the Virunga Mountains in Mgahinga National Park are covered in montane vegetation which is habitat for numerous wild animals- the most famous are the endangered Mountain gorillas and Golden monkeys. Other wildlife species include Forest Elephants, Buffalos, Bushbucks, Spotted hyenas, and Duikers, plus numerous bird species and other endangered species. There are no Eastern chimpanzee species in Mgahinga Virunga ranges.

Virunga massif is part of the Virunga Conservation Area which spans national parks; Rwanda Volcanoes National Park, Mgahinga Park as well as Congo Virunga National Park- the former Albert National Park. In Africa, the mentioned game parks are the only destinations for gorilla trekking tours and the other is the nearby Bwindi Impenetrable- a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to over a half of Mountain gorillas on Earth.

Travelers on Uganda safari tours can choose to hike Virunga volcanoes on top of their Mountain gorilla trekking tour in Mgahinga Park. As you come to explore the Virungas, come with hiking boots and a raincoat.

If you book your safari in Uganda with us, we can tailor for you a Uganda wildlife vacation featuring this adventure. Don’t hesitate to email us!

List of the 3 Virunga Volcanoes in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

1. Mount Muhavura

Mount Muhabura is the highest volcano among the Virunga Volcanoes in Mgahinga National Park. This beautiful conical-shaped dormant volcano rises over 4,127 meters above sea level and it’s suggested that this mountain last erupted during the time of Holocene however, the exact date is not clear.

The summit of Muhabura Mountain features a small parasitic crater lake and according to the Smithsonian Institution, this crater was active recently.

Mt Muhabura is partly in Mgahinga Gorilla Park Uganda and partly in Rwanda Volcanoes National Park.

According to the local people, Muhavura Volcano was named due to its great importance in the early days. Muhabura is a Kinyarwanda dialect which translates as the guide! In the past, people used to travel long distances on foot through jungles but, they could use the peak of Mt Muhabura as the guide, thus keeping on track.

2. Hiking Mount Muhabura 

Depending on the hiking pace of the travelers, a hike to Mount Muhabura summit can take about 5-8 hours- round trip. This memorable hike starts early morning with a briefing around 7 am and visitors go through different amazing vegetation zones including montane vegetation, bamboo zone, heather, and moorland. Hikes are done in the accompany of park rangers.

While on the Mountain Muhabura hiking trail, expect to spot some incredible game animals in Mgahinga Park for instance, forest Buffalos, Elephants, Bushbucks, Golden monkey, and many bird species. Mountain gorillas also dwell on its slopes.

When you reach the summit, you’ll witness a stunning crater lake which is around 36m wide, and other chains of Virunga volcano. Also, during clear days, visitors will see park boundaries and beyond as far as Rwanda, Rwenzori Mountains, Bwindi Forest plus various lakes in Kisoro District such as Lake Mutanda, Mulehe, and Chahafi.

3. Mount Sabyinyo

Towering over 3,669 meters above sea level, Mount Sabinyo is the second tallest volcano in Mgahinga Gorilla Park. Sabinyo Mountain is an extinct volcano with three peaks and its highest peak marks the intersection of 3 country borders; Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Rwanda. It’s also shared by Mgahinga park, Volcanoes National Park Rwanda, and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The name Sabinyo (meaning old man’s teeth) is derived from the appearance of its amazing jagged peaks that are dissected by dep gorges & gullies.

According to science, Sabinyo Mountain is one of the oldest among the Virunga ranges.

Mount Sabinyo’s slopes inhabit the endangered Mountain gorillas and even the Golden monkeys among other endangered species.

Hiking Sabinyo Mountain in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

In comparison with Muhabura hiking expeditions, park management officials agree that Mount Sabinyo hikes offer the most challenging hiking experience though worth undertaking. This is due to the fact that the Sabinyo hike holds 3 peaks with various gorges that require ladder climbing,

For Mount Muhabura, hikers only climb ladders at the extreme end of the hike.

During the hike along the Sabinyo Gorge trail, it’s possible to encounter many animal species in Mgahinga Park, for example, forest Buffalos. Distant breathtaking views of Lake Mutanda, Mulehe, and local communities around the park are unmissable.

Sabinyo hiking expeditions can take about 6-8 hours depending on the experience of the hikers.

4. Mount Gahinga

Among the Virunga Mountains in Mgahinga Park, Mount Gahinga is one of the smallest and the shortest. Gahinga Volcano is approximately 3,474 meters above sea level capped with a swamp caldera which is around 180m wide.

The word Gahinga is a local Rufumbira word meaning a pile of stones.

This stunning volcano is also covered in montane vegetation and Baboo dense forests cover most of its slopes.

Hiking Mount Gahinga

Among the Virunga Mountains in Mgahinga Park, Mount Gahinga hiking adventures are the less technical. This rewarding hike can take roughly 6 hours- (round trip) and no previous hiking experience is needed.

Travelers undertaking Mount Gahinga hiking tours also have a chance to encounter animal species such as Forest Elephants, Buffalos, Spotted Hyenas, Jackals, Golden monkeys & Mountain gorillas. A mountain gorilla is one of the endangered great ape species in the world.

This volcano is shared by both Uganda’s Mgahinga Park and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.

Cost for Hiking Virunga Volcanoes in Mgahinga National Park

1. Foreign Non Residents; $100
2. Foreign Residents; $80
3. East African Citizens; UGX 50,000

The above fees for hiking the Virungas in Mgahinga Park include park entrance fees.

Formation of Virunga Mountains in Mgahinga Gorilla Park

The Virunga Mountains in Mgahinga Park were formed as a result of volcanicity. Volcanicity is a geological process by which molten magma from the interior of the earth is ejected onto the Earth’s crust due to incredible pressure within the interior of the earth through a fissure.

In most cases, volcanic activities take place in areas at a low altitude and with some lines of weakness (fissures) for example within the East African Rift Valley.

When molten rocks- (magma) reach the crust of the Earth through a vent, it cools down, piling up to form a mountain. Normally, most of the volcanic mountains feature a conical shape as well as a crater on their summit.

Although all the volcanoes in Mgahinga Park are extinct (dormant volcanoes), some are active. The most active volcanoes of Virunga Mountains include; Mt Sabinyo and Mount Nyamuragira.

Nyiragongo hiking tours to explore the boiling lava lake are possible on your visit in Congo. Mount Nyiragongo is one of the most active volcanic mountains on the African continent.

Other Virunga Mountains Outside Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

1. Nyiragongo Volcano

Mt Nyiragongo 3,470m high in Virunga National Park is a famous stratovolcano in the Democratic Republic of Congo known for its violent volcanic eruptions. Since 1882, Nyiragongo has erupted over 34 times, and the most recent eruptions were in May 2021.

It’s hard for adventure travelers on Mountain gorilla expeditions to miss the Nyiragongo hike to witness the lava boiling lake on its summit.

2. Mount Karisimbi

Also part of the Virungas, Mount Karisimbi (4,507m high) is the highest peak of the Virunga mountains on the border between Rwanda and DR Congo in the Albertine Rift Valley. The name Karisimbi is from a Kinyarwanda word- “Amasimbi” meaning a white shell in reference to its white capped summit seen from a distance.

The slopes of Mount Karisimbi hold a rich diversity of wildlife including Mountain gorillas.

3. Mount Mikeno

Mount Mikeno (4,437m high) is the second highest volcano of the Virunga ranges. This scenic dormant volcano is situated in Congo. The slopes of Mount Mikeno are inhabited by Mountain gorillas as well as other mammal species and birds.

4. Mount Nyamuragira

Found in in the Southern sector of Virunga National Park, Mount Nyamuragira is an active volcano in DR Congo just like Nyiragongo Volcano. This shield volcano in Virunga National Park is 25km in north of Lake Kivu. Congo’s Mt Nyamuragira is among the most active volcanoes on the African continent. Since 1885, this volcano has erupted over 40 times.

5. Mount Bisoke

Mount Bisoke (3,711m high) is an active volcano among the Virunga mountains in the western branch of the East African Rift Valley. This volcano sits on the border between Rwanda and DR Congo however, its summit is in Rwanda. The volcano Mount Bisoke is about 35km north of Goma adjacent to Lake Kivu.

Tourists on the Mt Bisoke hike can encounter some wildlife species along the slopes of Mt Bisoke including Mountain gorillas. At its summit, there is a stunning crater lake. To reach the summit of this volcano with exceptional biodiversity, you’ll go through a beautiful equatorial rainforest & alpine meadows.

Best Time to Hike Virunga Volcanoes in Mgahinga National Park

If you intend to hike Virunga Mountains in Mgahinga Park, it’s important for you to know the best time to take this adventure. Virunga massif hiking trails are usually dry and easy to hike from December-February as well as June-September. During the mentioned months, little rainfall is received in Mgahinga Park and temperatures are warm and friendly to visitors.

The dry months are also ideal for other activities in Mgahinga Park such as gorilla tracking expeditions, golden monkey tracking, nature walks plus bird watching tours.

When you explore the Virunga mountain ranges in March-May, hiking trails can be wet and slippery due to heavy rains in the Virunga ranges of East Central Africa.

Mgahinga National Park Packing List for Visitors Interested in Hiking Virunga Mountain Range

Before you visit Mgahinga Gorilla National Park to explore the Virunga ranges these safari items are important to travel with for a notable hiking adventure.

• Sturdy Hiking Boots

When you are hiking, you’ll go through a challenging terrain of steep slopes therefore, these sturdy hiking boots will help to keep your feet from getting injured by sharp stones and objects. Likewise, they are the only shoes to manage crossing some points that might be slippery and muddy.

• Rain Coat

Within Virungas, it normally rains so, having a raincoat saves you in case rain showers find you during the hike. Also, this garment is essential while on mountain gorilla tracking expeditions in any gorilla park including Mgahinga itself as well as Volcanoes National Park Rwanda, and Virunga National Parks of Congo a world heritage site on the northern shore of Lake Kivu.

• Camera

Along the trail, you’ll find many beautiful features for that case, never leave your camera behind. If possible, move with extra batteries as well.

• Day Pack Bag

Travelers going for a hike normally come with some safari items such as a camera, raincoat, bottled water, energy giving snacks to mention but a few. Having a pack bag will help you to easily manage all the mentioned items very well.

• Long Sleeved Shirts And Trousers

Since the hike to explore any of the Virunga Mountains in Mgahinga National Park takes you through various montane vegetation zones, this outfit will protect your body from cuts while on the hiking adventure.

• Energy Giving Snacks

As you hike any of the Virunga Volcanoes, you will not find any shop to buy some snacks. Therefore, you are advised to pack your simple energy-giving snacks.

• Bottle Water

During the hike, you should come with bottled water to keep your body hydrated as you walk along the steep slopes.

• Garden Gloves

As tourists climb any of the Virunga Mountains in Mgahinga Gorilla Park, garden gloves will protect your arms from injuries. Likewise, these gloves keep you warm when you reach the summit that is normally cold.

• Warm Sweater

Since the Virunga Mountains in Mgahinga Park are at higher altitudes, this area is normally cold. Therefore, your warm sweater will help to keep you warm.

• First Aid Kit

The first aid kit should at least have bandages and painkillers.

FAQs About Virunga Mountains in Mgahinga National Park

1. What Does the Name Virunga Mean? : What Is the Meaning of Virunga?

The word Virunga is a Kinyarwanda dialect (Ibirunga) which means volcanoes. The Virunga Mountains are a chain of active and dormant volcanoes spanning three protected areas in East Africa; Mgahinga Park, Rwanda Volcanoes National Park, and Virunga National Park- a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

2. How Old Are the Virunga Mountains in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park?

According to geography, the volcanic activity in the Virunga massifs began in the early Pleistocene Era and this is about 2,600,000 million years ago. In summary, the Virunga ranges are Pleistocene volcanoes.

3. What Is Virunga Known For?

The Virunga mountain range is a great habitat for Mountain gorillas. Virunga region holds 3 prominent national parks for gorilla trekking safaris in East Africa. These protected areas include Virunga National Park in eastern Congo, Mgahinga in southwestern Uganda as well as Volcanoes National Park in the northwest of Rwanda.

4. How Many Mountain Gorillas Are Left in Virunga Region?

Half of the world population of Mountain gorillas dwells in the Virunga ranges. The Virunga Conservation Area spans 3 national parks; Mgahinga Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park Rwanda, and the Virunga National Park in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo. On the African continent, the other gorilla population is found in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest protected area.

5. Are the Virunga Volcanoes Active?

There are two active volcanoes in the Virunga mountain range. These two volcanoes include Nyiragongo Volcano and Nyamuragira Volcano all found in the Democratic Republic of Congo in Virunga National Park. Mount Nyiragongo in the southern sector of this park is the most popular and hiking tours to explore the boiling lava lake are possible. The hike takes you through steep slopes therefore, come with hiking boots.

6. Which Mountains Form Virunga Ranges in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park?

Eight volcanoes make up the Virunga ranges. Among these volcanoes include Mount Muhabura, Gahinga, Sabinyo, Bisoke, Mount Karisimbi, Mount Mikeno, Mt Nyamuragira, and Mount Nyiragongo- the most active volcano on the African continent. Nyiragongo hiking tours are becoming more popular for tourists on East African safaris in Congo to witness the world’s largest lava lake on its summit.

7. Why Are the Virunga Mountains Important?

Virunga Mountains are important because they create a habitat for the endangered Mountain gorillas. Mountain gorillas dwell on the slopes of Virunga massifs for instance, Mount Muhabura, Mount Gahinga, Sabinyo as well as Mount Karisimbi among others. Also, these ranges act as international boundaries for countries; Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo.

In summary, the hike to Virunga Mountains in Mgahinga Gorilla Park should never be missed by tourists undertaking mountain gorilla trekking expeditions. Mgahinga Park holds 3 of the eight Virunga Volcanoes and a climb to any doesn’t require previous hiking experience. These hikes can be done before or after tracking golden monkeys or Mountain gorilla trekking tours in Mgahinga Park.

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