The Virunga volcanoes mountain region, comprises of the most unique and adventurous mountain ranges with magnificent sceneries; extending over 8000 square KM along the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo border, northwest of Rwanda and southwest of Uganda in East – central Africa and part of the Albertine Rift, the western branch of the East African Rift.
Exploring the Virunga Volcanoes in Uganda
The only best way to explore these interesting volcanoes is through taking a safari to Uganda; especially to south western part of Uganda, where the impressing Volcanoes are located. A visit to western part of Uganda offers visitors chance to hike the highest Mount Karisimbi volcano which has an estimated height of 4,507metres and also the chances are expanded to an extent of visiting the oldest Volcano which is mount Sabyinyo with height of 3,634 meters above sea level.
The interesting bit of exploring the Virunga Volcanoes in Uganda while on Uganda safaris, is that tourists will have chance to climb to the top of three conical peaks of the virunga volcanoes; which are located at Mgahinga national park in Uganda. Exploring the Muhavura (4,127m) which is the highest of the peaks in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is an experience which no visitor should miss because the volcano has interesting history and even hiking the extinct Muhabura Volcano, positioned in the direction of the East central Africa, is really rewarding to hikers because it possess challenge to hikers; to prove their physical fitness abilities. While exploring this Muhabura Mountain one can meter the impressing crate lakes formed at the summit of the Volcano and when visitors reach the top, they are rewarded with panoramic views of all the three countries which share the Virunga Volcanoes.
The Virunga region comprises of 8 major volcano ranges located in the area between Lake Edward and Lake Kivu near the great East African rift valley. The 8 volcanic ranges in this region include; Mount Karisimbi the highest at 4,507 metres, followed by Mount Mikeno at 4437 metres, Mount Muhabura at 4,127 metres, Mount Bisoke at 3711 metres, Mount Sabyinyo at 36711 metres, Mount Gahinga at 3470 metres, Mount Nyiragongo at 3470 metres and lastly Nyamurangira at 3,058 metres.
Location of mount Nyiragongo
Mount Nyiragongo is located inside Virunga National Park, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, about 20 km north of the town of Goma and Lake Kivu. It is one of the most active volcanoes in Africa, and one of eight volcanoes in the Virunga Mountains. The main crater is about 2 km wide and usually contains a lava lake which appears in the summit crater.
