Virunga Conservation Area

Also known as the “Virunga Massif,” the Virunga Conservation Area is a trans boundary protected area crowned by a chain of volcanic Mountains. The gorilla region is home to half of the world’s mountain gorillas, shared between Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.  The 450 square kilometers area is the northeastern area of the Albertine Rift between Lakes Kivu and Edward. The gorilla national parks in the Virunga Conservation Area are Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda and the Virunga National Park in Congo.

The other half of the population of mountain gorillas lives in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. The conservation area is named after the Virunga Volcanoes that tower over it. The word Virunga was translated by a local word “Ibirunga” which means Volcanoes. Mountain gorilla trekking and Volcano climbing are the major activities done in the Virunga Conservation Area

Gorilla National Parks

As said earlier, the Virunga Massif comprises 3 National Parks, which house the endangered mountain gorillas.

Volcanoes National Park

Situated in northwestern Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park is Rwanda’s home to the endangered mountain gorillas. The bamboo forest park shelters over 450 mountain gorillas, which is the highest number in the Virunga Conservation Area.  Gorillas in Volcanoes National Park have been habituated into 10 families to ease trekking. Gorilla trekking and conservation in Volcanoes National Park is managed by the Rwanda Development Board in partnership with the African Parks.  Gorilla parks in Volcanoes National Park include Susa A family, Karisimbi Family, Agashya Family, Amahoro family, Hirwa D family, Titus Family, Umubano Family, and Pablo gorilla family

Rwanda Gorilla permits

Each gorilla trekking permit in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda, costs $1500. Each day, 80 gorilla permits are issued to first comers.  Superfine Safaris Limited is your reliable travel operator to book and reserve Rwanda gorilla permits

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

This is Uganda’s smallest National Park, located in Kisoro District in south-western Uganda. The park is home to the Nyakagyezi gorilla family, the only group there. In addition to gorillas, Mgahinga is famous for golden monkey trekking, Gahinga, Muhabura, and Sabyinyo volcanoes, plus the magical Batwa cultural trail. The permit to trek gorillas in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park costs $800

Virunga National Park

Located in eastern Congo, Virunga National Park shares Congo’s part in the Virunga Conservation Area. The park is home to 8 gorilla groups habituated for trekking at $450 per permit. Habituated gorilla families in Virunga National Park are the Bageni family, Humba family, Kabirizi Family, Rugendo family, Munyaga Family, Mapwa family, Lulengo Family, and Nyakamwe family.  Apparently, Virunga National Park is closed for tourism due to insecurity

Virunga Volcanoes

In addition to mountain gorillas, the Virunga Conservation area features 8 Volcanoes, 6 of which are safe for hiking. These volcanoes are shared by the three parks, and they include:

Mount Karisimbi

Standing at 4,507 meters above sea level, Mount Karisimbi is the highest Volcano in the Virunga Massif, situated in Volcanoes National Park on the borders of Rwanda and Congo. The 3-day Volcano hiking tour takes you to the summit of this snow-capped Volcano. Also, the slopes of the Volcano shelter the Karisimbi gorilla family, monkeys, and other animals

Mount Bisoke

Also located in Volcanoes National Park, Mt Bisoke stands at 3,711 meters above sea level and is one of the easiest to hike in the Virunga Massif. The Volcano features a crater Lake at the summit, beautiful for photography.  The 1 Day Mount Bisoke hiking tour, customized and guided by Superfine Safaris Limited, is a deal for short-time hikers

Mount Mikeno

Standing at 4,437 meters above sea level, Mount Mikeno is the second-highest Volcano in the Virunga Conservation Area located in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Volcano is one of the most challenging volcanoes to hike in the whole Massif.

Mount Muhabura

Located in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park on the border of Uganda and Rwanda, Mount Muhabura stands at 4,127 meters above sea level.  The volcano is locally named “Muhabure: which means the guide. The local people used to refer to Mount Muhabura for directions in arrears near the border. Hiking is done on the Uganda side and can be done alongside gorilla trekking and other experiences done in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mount Sabyinyo

Shared between the borders of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mount Sabyinyo is another extinct Volcano shaped in the “old man’s tooth”. Whereas the Volcano is shared by the three countries, Mount Sabyinyo’s summit is located in Uganda, hence hiked from the Ugandan side. Mount Sabyinyo stands at 3,764 meters above sea level

Mount Gahinga

Standing at 3,474 meters above sea level, Mount Gahinga is another easy hike  volcano in the Virunga Massif. The Volcano is located on the borders of Uganda and Rwanda, but hiked from Uganda.

Mount Nyiragongo

Mount Nyiragongo is an active volcano located in Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The volcano stands at 3,470 meters above sea level and is one of the most hiked Volcanoes in the Massif. Travelers spend a night on the slopes of the volcano and get a chance to peep into the boiling lava on the summit of the Volcano. Presently, the volcano is closed for hiking due to the general insecurities in Virunga Natonal Park

Mount Nyamuragira

Also located in Virunga National Park, Mount Nyamuragira is the most active volcano in the Virunga Conservation Area in the Democratic Republic of Congo, standing at 3,058 meters above sea level

Safaris to the Virunga Conservation Area

Superfine Safaris arranges numerous safaris to the Virunga Conservation Area. Go gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo, meet up with the endangered gorillas in their natural habitats, rewarding you with a lifetime experience. Rwanda is famous or luxury gorilla safaris, and Uganda has the highest gorilla population, including the ones in Bwindi Forest National Park. In addition to gorilla trekking, the Virunga Conservation area is a center for volcano, Golden monkey trekking, nature walking, bird watching, and  cultural tours, among others. Contact Superfine Safaris Limited  for a customized safari to the Virunga Massif