The stunning Rwenzori Mountains, often called the ‘Mountains of the Moon,’
showcasing their snow-capped peaks
Virunga National Park: mount Gorilla Trekking, Wildlife and Volcano Adventures in Congo
Why is Mountain Rwenzori Called the Mountains of the Moon?
The Rwenzori Mountains shared by Uganda and DR Congo are commonly known as the “Mountains of the Moon,”. A term that stretches back to ancient times. In 150 AD, Greek geographer Claudius Ptolemy reported snow-capped mountains in Africa he believed fed NileRiver. According to merchant and travel reports, Ptolemy referred to this mystery range as the “Lunae Montes” (Moon Mountains). The snow and glaciers on the summits were believed to be the source of the Nile’s tremendous streams.
Though contemporary science has determined that Lake Victoria is the Nile’s primary source, the moniker has endured, reflecting the Rwenzori’s magical attraction.
Additionally, the mist and cloud cover that often shroud these peaks. And gives them a dreamlike, almost lunar appearance, adding to the myth of the “Mountains of the Moon.”
The Fascinating History of the Rwenzori Mountains
Firstly, the Rwenzori Mountains have a rich history, dating back to their discovery by the ancient explorer Diogenes, who claimed to have found the source of the Nile River during his travels to East Africa. Also, this discovery was so captivating that the geographer Ptolemy reported it in AD 150. The renowned explorer Henry Stanley later placed these majestic mountains on the map on May 24, 1888, further cementing their place in history.
What is the Meaning of Virunga?
“Virunga” is derived from the indigenous Kinyarwanda word “Ibirunga,” which means “volcanoes.” This name recalls the region’s volcanic origins, including a chain of amazing, wooded volcanic mountains which include Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Virunga Mountains are part of the Albertine Rift Valley and are popular for their volcanic activity and diverse wildlife.
The Virunga area is a live example of the might of Earth’s tectonic forces, as the African and Arabian plates meet to form these famous vistas.
How Were the Virunga Mountains Formed?
The Virunga Mountains are the result of volcanic activity on the Albertine Rift, which is part of the wider East African Rift. This rift is a geological zone formed by the separation of the African and Arabian plates. Over millions of years, the shifting of these plates caused magma to rise to the surface, resulting in the construction of volcanos.
The Virunga Mountains are stratovolcanoes formed from layers of hardened lava, ash, and other volcanic debris. Additionally, the Virunga mountain range is an active volcanic zone due to continuous tectonic activities. Mount Nyiragongo and Mount Nyamuragira are among the world’s most active volcanoes, adding to the region’s dramatic geology.
Facts About the Virunga Mountains National Park
- Geographic Location: The Virunga Mountains connect Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo in eastern Central Africa. The mountains in question are part of the Great Rift Valley system, covering an area of about 8,000 square kilometers.
- Volcanic Activity: The Virunga mountains range has eight volcanoes, with Mount Nyiragongo and Nyamuragira being the most active. In addition, Nyiragongo is famed for its lava lake, which is one of the largest in the world. Nyamuragira has erupted more than 40 times in the last century, sculpting the surrounding terrain.
- Endangered Wildlife: The Virunga Mountains are home to severely endangered mountain gorillas that live in the foggy forested slopes. Conservation initiatives in Virunga National Park and other reserves have helped to maintain and even increase the mountain gorilla population which is a great arraction for mountain gorilla trekking in the Virunga nountains.
- Climate and Ecosystem Diversity: The Virunga Mountains include diverse habitats, from tropical rainforests to alpine meadows. This biological diversity supports a large number of animals, including golden monkeys, forest elephants, and over 1,000 plant species.
- Mount Karisimbi: Standing at 4,507 meters (14,787 feet), Mount Karisimbi is the highest of the Virunga mountain volcanoes. It’s a popular destination for climbers and adventurers seeking to experience the region’s spectacular views.
Why is it Called Virunga National Park?
Virunga National Park is Africa’s oldest national park, having been established in 1925. It was initially named Albert National Park in honor of King Albert I of Belgium, as the park was established under Belgium’s colonial reign in the Congo.
It was then dubbed “Virunga” to symbolize the volcanic mountain range that it covers.
The park was built largely to safeguard the unique mountain gorillas that live there and this has been a top attraction for any people around the world to come and do mountain gorilla trekking in Virunga mountains in Congo. It currently occupies over 7,800 square kilometers and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Virunga National Park protects not only gorillas, but also elephants, lions, hippos, and other wildlife. Its breathtaking scenery includes savannas, forests, volcanoes, and lakes.
Exploring the Rwenzori Mountains from Congo: Virunga National Park
The Democratic Republic of Congo, one of Africa’s largest countries, is known for its rich biodiversity and established national parks. Among these is Virunga National Park, the closest park to the Rwenzori Mountains. There are other closest game parks from the side of Uganda. Virunga offers travelers a unique opportunity to trek through the park’s diverse natural habitats while accessing the highest peaks of the Rwenzori range, including Mount Stanley (5,109 meters), Mount Speke (4,890 meters), Mount Baker (4,843 meters), Mount Emin (4,798 meters), Mount Gessi (4,715 meters), and Mount Luigi di Savoia (4,627 meters).
Virunga National Park: A Biodiversity Hotspot
Established in 1925 by King Albert I of Belgium, Virunga National Park is the oldest national park in Africa. Originally known as Albert National Park, it was created to protect the endangered mountain gorillas that inhabit the region. Despite facing challenges after Congo’s independence in the 1960s, the park was revitalized in the 1970s by Congo’s president and renamed Virunga National Park. Today, it is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, thanks to its diverse habitats and natural ecosystems.
Virunga National Park, located in the Albertine Rift Valley, covers an estimated area of 7,800 square kilometers. It extends from the Virunga Mountains in the south to the Rwenzori Mountains in the north. The park is home to a variety of rare species, including forest elephants, Ugandan kobs, giant forest hogs, lions, and colobus monkeys, making it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts.
Accessing Virunga National Park in Congo
Travelers can access Virunga National Park from various points. Those based in Congo can take a 32-kilometer road trip from Goma town, a popular meeting point for tourists from neighboring countries like Rwanda and Burundi. While road travel to Goma can be challenging, the park also offers private transport options for those who prefer to fly. Tourists from Uganda can cross over at the Bunagana border post in Kisoro town, followed by a one-hour drive to Bukima, the starting point for mountain gorilla treks. Alternatively, visitors can fly to Kigali International Airport in Rwanda and take a 3-4 hour ride to the Rwanda-Congo border at Gisenyi.
Activities at Virunga National Park
Virunga National Park is renowned for its gorilla trekking safari tour experiences, offering visitors the chance to observe the only habitat for mountain gorillas, including the famous Kabirizi family, the largest gorilla family known to tourists. In addition to gorilla trekking tours, the park offers chimpanzee tracking and habituation experiences, where travelers can interact with chimpanzee families for a limited time. Nature walks provide an opportunity to explore the park’s hidden paths, leading to breathtaking landscapes and encounters with rare mammals.
Hiking enthusiasts can challenge themselves by trekking along mount Rwenzori or summiting Nyiragongo, one of the park’s volcanoes. Other activities include landscape viewing of the various volcanoes, rift valleys, rainforests, and craters, as well as bird watching, with species like the Rwenzori turaco, grey-throated barbet, and African fish eagle frequently spotted in the park.
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