Virunga Volcanoes
Active volcanoes in the Virunga region
Two of the volcanoes are located in Congo, one of which last erupted over thirty years ago. Streaming lava flows from the crater when the volcano erupts. People living at the foot of the volcano are constantly at risk due to the danger of eruption. If a volcano in this region becomes active, residents must flee to the nearest countries. The structure of the riverbanks in the surrounding area also changes due to the lava flows. The Virunga volcanoes are only partially active. The largest of the Virunga volcanoes is Karisimbi, which stands at 4500 meters tall. All volcanoes in the region are covered with mountain rainforest, which serves as protection for the mountain gorillas. Here you can still find this rare species of animal living freely. Other species of gorillas can be found in Bwindi National Park in Uganda. Mikeno and Visoke are also very large volcanoes in the African region.
Gorilla research
The Virunga volcanoes consist of a total of eight volcanoes. The largest are Nyiragongo and Nyiamuragira. Both are active volcanoes and this can be seen even from the distant town of Kisenyi. Many locals believe that when a volcano erupts, it is the wrath of God or the souls of sinners burning in the volcano’s fire. The Virunga volcanoes are popular tourist destinations and expeditions in this area are particularly popular with scientists and researchers. You can also study the unique climate change there and get to know the mountain gorillas more closely. Trekking tours are also no longer uncommon in the region, where you can admire rare animal species from a distance. In the wild, you can experience many rare animals. During the favorable seasons of July or August, you can also climb the volcanoes and traverse the different vegetation levels. But December and January are also good times to climb the Virunga volcanoes.
Regions around volcanoes
The Virunga volcanoes are not only surrounded by East Africa and the African Rift Valley, but also by numerous other neighbors. The Virunga volcanoes also extend into Rwanda and Uganda. Part of Central Africa is also included, and Kenya is also partially included, with Tanzania or Kigali not to be missed. From the Virunga volcanoes, you can get anywhere, but you have to endure a hard hike. Some of the paths are very confusing, as they lead through a jungle where mountain gorillas live. The thicket is dense and difficult to penetrate. The mountains themselves are rich in moisture, so there is very lush vegetation here. The Virunga volcanoes should definitely be visited as you can gain a very impressive insight into nature and wildlife there.
