Into the Virunga: 5 Must-Visit Destinations

The Virunga Region is one of the conservation gems on Africa’s conservation crown. The region has one of the most inspirational conservation success stories amidst unrest and political instability that has marred the region for decades.

The region encompasses; Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This region, rich in biodiversity and history, offers a remarkable range of attractions. Here are the top five destinations within the Virunga Region that no traveler should miss.

Volcanoes National Park

Situated in the heart of Central Africa, Volcanoes National Park Rwanda is a jewel of the Virunga Region. Located in northwestern Rwanda, this park is home to a segment of the majestic Virunga Volcanoes. It is one of the places in Rwanda that offer amazing hiking experiences.

For those interested in primate safaris, the Volcanoes national park is one of the few places on earth where you can encounter the endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys in their natural habitat.

Established in 1925, Volcanoes National Park is one of Africa’s oldest national parks, encompassing 160 square kilometers of lush terrain. The park is named after the chain of dormant volcanoes that form the Great Virunga Massif, including Karisimbi, the highest at 4,507 meters, and others like Gahinga, Muhabura, and Sabyinyo.

Volcanoes National Park is a haven for wildlife, boasting over 200 bird species, as well as a variety of mammals and flora. Visitors can encounter elephants, spotted hyenas, golden monkeys, and, of course, the endangered mountain gorillas.

Besides hiking, gorilla trekking and golden monkey tracking, the park is also popular for the Dian Fossey tomb hike as well as the opportunities it offers for those interested in bird watching.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Located in southwestern Uganda, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a compact yet incredibly diverse sanctuary. Established in 1991, it is Uganda’s smallest national park, covering just 33.7 square kilometers.

Despite its size, Mgahinga National Park is teeming with wildlife, including 39 species of mammals and 115 bird species. The park also shelters three of the Virunga volcanoes: Gahinga, Sabyinyo, and Muhabura.

Mgahinga is a paradise for nature lovers. Bird enthusiasts can spot species such as the scarlet tufted malachite, regal sunbird, and Rwenzori batis. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including golden monkey tracking, gorilla trekking, birdwatching, volcano hiking, and exploring the cultural Batwa Trail. The most popular activities in this park are mountain gorilla trekking and golden monkey tracking.

Virunga National Park

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the oldest national park in Africa, Virunga National Park is a vast wilderness in eastern Congo. Established in 1925, it covers an impressive 7,800 square kilometers, making it the largest habitat for mountain gorillas. The park is also home to the second-largest tropical rainforest on the planet, as well as savannas, volcanic plains.

Virunga National Park is renowned for its rich biodiversity, including 218 species of mammals, 109 reptiles, 706 bird species, and 78 amphibians. Notable wildlife includes African bush elephants, hippos, and red river hogs.

The park’s proximity to Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park adds to its ecological diversity. Popular activities in Virunga include gorilla trekking, the thrilling Nyiragongo volcano hike, birdwatching, and visits to the Senkwekwe gorilla orphanage.

Mount Nyiragongo

Mount Nyiragongo, one of the eight Virunga volcanoes, is an active stratovolcano standing 3,470 meters tall. Located within Virunga National Park in Congo, just 12 kilometers north of Goma town and near Lake Kivu, this volcano is famous for its dramatic crater, which contains one of the world’s few permanent lava lakes. The crater’s two cooled lava benches are at altitudes of 3,175 meters and 2,975 meters, respectively.

A trek up Mount Nyiragongo is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, offering adventurers the chance to witness the mesmerizing sight of the bubbling lava lake at night. This challenging hike typically requires three days and provides stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.

Karisimbi Volcano

Straddling the border between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mount Karisimbi is a dormant volcano with an imposing presence. At 4,507 meters, it is the highest peak in the Virunga Mountain Range.

Karisimbi is a popular destination for hikers in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, with the trek requiring at least two days.

In conclusion, the must visit destinations in the Virunga conservation area are Mgahinga gorilla national park, Volcanoes national park, Virunga national park, Mount Nyiragongo and Karisimbi Volcano.