The Virunga Volcanoes form a chain of eight peaks straddling the borders of Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, stretching roughly 80 km and rising to a highest point of 4,507 m at Mount Karisimbi. Most of the range is dormant, but Mount Nyiragongo and Mount Nyamuragira in the DRC remain active, with recent eruptions recorded in 2006, 2010 and 2021.
The range at a glance
- Eight volcanic peaks spanning roughly 80 km across Rwanda, Uganda and the DRC
- Highest point is Mount Karisimbi at 4,507 m
- Mount Nyiragongo and Mount Nyamuragira remain active; the rest are dormant
- Home to the largest population of endangered mountain gorillas in the world
The world’s premier mountain gorilla habitat
The forested slopes of the Virunga Volcanoes hold roughly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, protected across three connected national parks: Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, and Virunga National Park in the DRC. The Karisoke Research Center, founded by primatologist Dian Fossey between Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke, remains an active base for gorilla research and conservation.
A landscape of dormant and active giants
Beyond the gorillas, the range includes climbable dormant peaks such as Bisoke, Sabyinyo and Muhabura, each offering a demanding day hike with crater-lake or three-country summit views, while the DRC’s active volcanoes remain a striking, if less accessible, part of the same chain. Decades of conservation effort across all three countries have helped mountain gorilla numbers recover from a low point of fewer than 300 individuals.
Where to experience the Virunga Volcanoes
- Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
- Gorilla and golden monkey trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda
- Volcano hikes up Bisoke, Sabyinyo or Muhabura
Practical information
- Permits for gorilla trekking are limited and should be booked well in advance
- Cooler highland temperatures call for warm layers even close to the equator
- Best combined across borders, given the shared range spans Rwanda, Uganda and the DRC
The Virunga Volcanoes anchor some of Africa’s most sought-after wildlife experiences. Offmap Safaris can build a gorilla trekking itinerary around them. To start planning, visit Plan My African Safari, message us on WhatsApp at +256 701 243 304, or email [email protected]. See also our notes on health and safety and responsible travel.
