virunga_mountains

musanze, rwanda

The Virunga Mountains, a chain of eight volcanoes spanning Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), are famous for their mountain gorillas, lush rainforests, and dramatic landscapes. The range includes Mount Karisimbi (4,507m, the highest), Mount Nyiragongo (home to an active lava lake), and Mount Bisoke (with a crater lake). These mountains are protected by three national parks: Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda), Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (Uganda), and Virunga National Park (DRC). Activities include gorilla trekking, volcano hiking, golden monkey tracking, and nature walks. The best time to visit is June–September and December–February during the dry seasons. Access points include Kigali (Rwanda), Kisoro (Uganda), and Goma (DRC), with guided tours required for most activities.