Explore the Virunga Massif – Gorilla Trekking & Adventures

Virunga Massif, also known as the Virunga Conservation Area, includes three national parks located along the borders of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

These parks are Mgahinga National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

This area is the main home of the endangered mountain gorillas, along with many other wildlife species. It is home to Mount Bisoke, Mount Karisimbi, Mount Gahinga, Mount Sabyinyo, Mount Muhabura, Mount Karisimbi, Mount Mikeno & Mount Nyiragongo.

The area also has many attractions, including primates, the history of Dian Fossey in Volcanoes National Park, mountains, and welcoming communities living near the forests.

Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla trekking is the most popular activity in the Virunga Conservation Area, with about 20 gorilla families visited each day. Trekking usually starts in the morning in each park and can last 3 to 5 hours depending on where the gorillas are located.

Visitors are allowed to spend one hour with the gorillas once they are found. The Virunga Conservation Area has around 600 gorillas, though the number changes with new births and deaths.

The gorilla families available for trekking include one in Mgahinga National Park, eight in Virunga National Park, and eleven in Volcanoes National Park.

Golden Monkey Trekking

Golden monkeys can be seen in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Mgahinga National Park in Uganda. These rare monkeys live in bamboo forests, and visitors can spend one hour with them during the trek.

Golden monkeys live in groups of 20 to 60 and can be easily identified by the golden patches on their backs.

Mountain Hiking

The Virunga Conservation Area has eight volcanic mountains, with two active ones, Mount Nyiragongo and Mount Nyamuragira. Mount Karisimbi is the highest, standing at 4,507 meters above sea level.

Hiking can be done on all eight mountains, providing views of the surrounding areas and opportunities to see primates and birds along the way. Each volcano offers a unique experience.

For example, Mount Sabyinyo offers views of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, while Mount Nyiragongo has the world’s largest permanent lava lake.

Bird Watching

The Virunga Conservation Area is home to over 300 bird species. Birds can be seen during birdwatching tours in any of the three parks.

Some birds found here include the Grey-capped Warbler, Waxbill, Yellow-vented Bulbul, Firefinch, White-naped Raven, Black Kite, and Rwenzori Turaco.

Many of these birds are Rift Valley endemics and can be seen in bamboo forests, grasslands, and alpine areas.

Batwa Trail Experience

The Batwa Trail in Mgahinga National Park in Uganda allows visitors to learn about the lifestyle of the Batwa pygmies who once lived in the forest.

With the help of a park ranger and a Batwa guide, visitors learn about the Batwa’s history, herbal medicines, hunting methods, and the caves found along the trail.

Dian Fossey Research Center

This research center is located between Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke. It was founded by Dian Fossey, a researcher and primatologist who worked to protect mountain gorillas from extinction in the early 1980s.

At that time, gorillas were often poached for sale, cultural practices, and bush-meat. Dian Fossey was killed in 1985 by unknown people at her home in the Karisoke area, and she is buried next to the graves of her beloved gorillas.

Hiking to the research center takes about 3 to 5 hours and offers a rewarding and educational experience.

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