List of Volcanoes in Rwanda: A Detailed Explanation
List of Volcanoes in Rwanda: A Detailed Explanation – Located in the Musanze district of Rwanda’s northern province, the Five Volcano Mountains are a popular tourist destination. The Five Volcanoes of Rwanda are safeguarded within Volcanoes National Park, well known as the only remaining home of the critically endangered mountain gorilla.
The steep slopes of these five magnificent volcanoes stand at varying heights above sea level within Volcanoes National Park, which is home to a rich biodiversity consisting of verdant and montane ecosystems, bamboo and alpine forests, flat topography of grasslands, mist covered rainforests and thickets, and more.
Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park gets its name from the country’s infamous “Five Volcano Mountains,” all of which are currently dormant and count among the eight volcanoes that make up the Virunga ranges. Mount Muhabura, for example, is partially located in Uganda to the north and is known there as Muhavura. Both countries share this volcano peak.
List of Volcanoes in Rwanda
Mount Muhabura Volcano
At an impressive 4,127 meters above sea level, Mount Muhabura is the third highest peak in the Virunga range of volcanoes. Whether you approach it from Rwanda or Uganda, trekking this volcano will be an exciting and gratifying excursion.
Mount Sabyinyo
Mount Sabyinyo, another dormant volcano in Rwanda, rises an impressive 3,669 meters above sea level; it is the oldest in the range, and its location on the borders of Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Uganda makes it an important geographical landmark. The Sabyinyo volcano is now part of the four national parks protecting rain forests in Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. These parks share a common and popular attraction—the critically endangered mountain gorilla.
Mount Karisimbi
Mount Karisimbi, a dormant stratovolcano and the tallest of Rwanda’s 8 virunga ranges, is your hiking destination. It towers 4,507 meters above sea level.It’s also on the list of Africa’s highest mountains. Mount Karisimbi is located near both the active Mount Nyiragongo and the dormant Mount Mikeno volcanoes in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as well as the dormant Mount Bisoke in Rwanda.
Mount Karisimbi is one of the world’s best and most rewarding hikes, offering spectacular views of the surrounding landscape and many other volcanoes over the course of a two-day ascent that needs prior trekking expertise and a healthy level of physical condition.
After spending the first night at base camp (3,700 meters above sea level), visitors typically climb to the peak and back down the mountain in two days. The region is home to a rich diversity of flora and animals, including several kinds of monkeys and a wealth of bird species that will delight amateur ornithologists.
Mount Bisoke
Mount Bisoke is the highest and most well-known of Rwanda’s Five Volcano Mountains. It is situated on the border between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, rises 3,711 meters above sea level, and features the breathtaking crater lake that is uniquely Rwandan.
Most visitors, even those with no prior hiking experience, make the ascent to Mount Bisoke’s summit for the day because of the relative ease with which they can do so, and are rewarded with stunning views and the opportunity to see wildlife like monkeys, birds, and a variety of flora.
Mount Gahinga
Mount Gahinga, at an elevation of 3,473 meters above sea level, is the country’s fifth and highest volcano. Mgahinga National Park in Uganda is named after this mountain, which is located on the boundary between Rwanda and Uganda, between the volcanoes Muhabura and Sabyinyo.
In addition to ascending Rwanda’s Five Volcanoes, visitors to Volcanoes National Park can also go gorilla trekking or see golden monkeys. Get in touch with us if you want an adventure safari in Rwanda tailored specifically to your needs.
