Facts About Virunga Mountains | Mount Nyiragongo | Volcanoes Park According to a 2010 report by the United Nations Security Council, 80% of the charcoal consumed by the city of Goma is sourced from the park, representing an annual value of US$2830 million. Both state security services and such groups also resort to armed robberies and kidnapping for income. However, another creature is arguably Virungas (and Africas) most peculiar offering. The, However, this is no idle volcano. [25], Land laws were reformed in the 1960s after Belgian Congo became independent as the Republic of the Congo, and the land declared property of the state, much to the disadvantage of local people. The connection between man and gorilla can be further explored at the Senkwekwe Centre, the only mountain gorilla orphanage in the world. Of the population, 12,000 reside in South Africa and 18,000 in East Africa. [14] Virunga Mountains Tree heath (Erica arborea), heather and mosses cover humid slopes up to 3,700m (12,100ft) elevation. Virunga Mountains, Virunga also spelled Birunga, also called Mufumbiro Mountains, volcanic range north of Lake Kivu in east-central Africa, extending about 50 miles (80 km) along the borders of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda. Not more than 20,000 years ago Nyiragongo and Nyamulagira emerged at the western end of the chain, both with extensive craters. It conserves a diversity of habitats that surpasses any other park on the continent and is tucked along the eastern boundary of the Democratic Republic of Congo, protecting the eastward extremity of the Congo Basin. The okapi is the closest known relative to the giraffe and looks very much as though someone crossed a zebra, antelope, and giraffe. The volcanos forested lower slopes are home to a variety of animals, including chimpanzees, monkeys, and bushbuck. Chimpanzees are an endangered species and one of the four species of great apes. The past 14 years have been far from plain sailing, and the park has suffered its fair share of losses, particularly of the brave rangers dedicated to protecting the park. They are situated in the same region at the borders of the three countries. To mark Congolese independence from colonialism, Parc Albert is renamed Virunga National Park. These ranges consist of eight major volcanoes in Uganda, Congo with five of them located in Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park. East African mountains | mountains, East Africa | Britannica Lake Edward, one of the most fertile lakes in Africa, is home to numerous bird, fish, and mammal species. Okapis are endangered, and there are probably only a few thousand remaining. In this near-forgotten corner of Africa, adventurers, soul-seekers, and naturalists will find an electrifying celebration of life at its most raw a kaleidoscope of natures wonders and a living history of human and wild resilience. March to mid May and September to November are the main rainy seasons. Omissions? Naturally, the park authorities are aware of this, and they take the safety of their guests extremely seriously. Approximately one-third of the worlds population is found in Virunga National Park (the remainder is divided between Volcanoes, Mgahinga and Bwindi Impenetrable national parks in neighbouring Rwanda and Uganda). Notable species include the prehistoric-looking shoebills, dashing Rwenzori turacos, mind-blowingly cryptic African green broadbills, and bizarre red-collared mountain babblers whose closest relative forages the slopes of Mt Jupe in Cameroon. Fortunately, stalwart sightseers can rest assured that the volcanos moods are carefully monitored lest it decides to let loose its fury of molten lava. As anyone who has ever spent time with gorillas will tell you, it is an experience that defies words and borders on sacred. Lions are carnivores that consume a wide variety of prey, from wildebeest, impala, zebra, giraffe, buffalo and wild hogs to the occasional rhino, hippo, or elephant when food is scarce. The range runs east-west, perpendicular to the rift valley in which lie Lakes Kivu and Edward. [50], The Semliki River provides habitat for Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus). app@africageographic.com Virunga National Park | Overview, Location, History, & Facts Which mountain in Uganda has snow? - 2023 Virunga National Park, formerly Albert National Park, park in northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (Kinshasa). Virunga Mountain ranges consists of Unique and finest wildlife attractions of Africa which ranges from the; north Western Rwanda covering Volcanoes National park, Eastern side is Congo covering a fraction of Virunga National Park, and South Western Uganda covering Mgahinga National park. The mountain range is a branch of the Albertine Rift Mountains, which border the western branch of the East African Rift. Virunga National Park (covering an area of 790,000 ha) comprises an outstanding diversity of habitats, ranging from swamps and steppes to the snowfields of Rwenzori at an altitude of over 5,000 m, and from lava plains to the savannahs on the slopes of volcanoes. Virunga Mountains in Congo were formed as a result of volcanic activity from the past. The okapi is the closest known relative to the giraffe and looks very much as though someone crossed a zebra, antelope, and giraffe. Virunga National Park is one of the five UNESCO protected areas that fall under the jurisdiction of the ICCN. Illegal hunting inside protected areas increased. Every morning, rangers set out at the crack of dawn to track down and monitor their charges, and by the time guests have stirred and downed their first coffee, many families have already been located. Here dedicated keepers have raised the young survivors of anthropogenic cruelty (poaching and snaring), as well as rehabilitating eastern lowland gorillas. The park is periodically closed when they feel that the situation on the ground is such that security cannot be guaranteed. In 2007, the mass killing of the Rugendo family of gorillas catapulted the parks plight onto the world stage, and the global attention spurned increased funding and conservation measures. HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF AFRICA GEOGRAPHIC: We're the Africa Geographic editorial team a diverse set of writers, editors, designers and social media natives, all united by our passion for this addictive continent. Most visitors access the park via Rwanda and pass through the border at Goma. [43], Virunga National Park is located in the Congo Nile watershed area. [27][28][29][30], By 2016, four hydropower dams were constructed that provide electricity to small businesses and benefit more than 200,000 rural people. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. At 14,557 feet (4,437 meters) Mount Mikeno is the second highest peak in the Virunga mountains and the 13th highest mountain of Africa. Updates? The region's glaciers, waterfalls and lakes make it one of Africa's most beautiful alpine areas. The mountain gorillas have increased from fewer than 70 to over 300 in ten years and hippos from 300 to over 2,000, while elephant and lion sightings are now a fairly regular occurrence. Elevations, climates, and habitats vary notably in Virunga National Park. As a consequence, the park remained closed to visitors from June 2018[38] until February 2019. The connection between man and gorilla can be further explored at the Senkwekwe Centre, the only mountain gorilla orphanage in the world. The mountain range is said to be a part of the Albertine Rift located in the Great Rift Valley. Farther north are the Rutshuru Falls and the Mai ya Moto sulfur springs. (UK) +44 (23) 9387-7464 The local community has developed negative feeling towards park personnel and the military. The Virunga Mountains is located in the East Africa with a chain of volcanoes that are within the borders of the countries Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and Rwanda.The mountain range is said to be a part of the Albertine Rift located in the Great Rift Valley. This innovative, community focussed approach to conservation is working to reduce the pressures currently faced by the Parks Rangers from armed groups, illegal poaching, and land encroachment. Both the highest and lowest recorded rainfalls in the republic occur within the parks boundaries: while annual rainfall at Lake Edward is some 20 inches (500 mm), the west slope of Mount Ruwenzori, less than 47 miles (75 km) away, receives more than 118 inches (3,000 mm). The Virunga Mountains: 8 Related Volcanoes - Uganda Safaris Baumas love for his primate family endeared him to the audiences of the Oscar-nominated film, Virunga. The largest herd of elephants over 500 - since the 1980's are observed in the Ishasha corridor of Virunga. The First and Second Congo Wars further destabilised the region. Tourism facilities were developed and improved, and a trickle of intrepid visitors gradually turned into a steady stream of people looking to experience one of Africas most incredible destinations. [37] In May 2018, a ranger was killed when defending two tourists who were kidnapped. Mount Nyiragongo in Virunga National Park is one . However, taking one taxing step at a time has paid off. The M23 Rebellion erupts in and around the Park. Photo Galleries, Photographer of the Year, TRAVEL & CONSERVATION COMPANY The Virunga Mountains cover three countries of Africa that includes the south Western part of Uganda which covers the Mgahinga National park, the Eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo covering the Virunga National park and the North Western part of Rwanda which covers the Volcanoes National park. This variation is determined by a number of factors such as the soil type, soil depth, animals and invertebrates in the area, and minerals within the soil. Virunga Mountain Hiking The range runs east-west, perpendicular to the rift valley in which lie Lakes Kivu and Edward. The world population of mountain gorillas is currently estimated to be at around 1000 individuals. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. Chattering troops of flamboyant eastern b, There are four recognised subspecies of the African buffalo in Africa and two of these the Cape and forest are found in Virunga. The 8 Virunga Volcano Mountains/Virunga Massif in Africa Senecio and Lobelia species grow on vast clearings and attain heights of up to 8m (26ft). [2], In 2011, the British company Soco International was granted a concession for extracting crude oil in the surroundings of and in large parts of the national park. Virunga staff are caught in the fighting, but maintain their presence and eventually negotiate Park access to protect the mountain gorillas. Two major African rivers, the Nile and the. Corrections? Many lesser cones flank the major volcanoes. Virunga Mountains, Virunga also spelled Birunga, also called Mufumbiro Mountains, volcanic range north of Lake Kivu in east-central Africa, extending about 50 miles (80 km) along the borders of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. Anti-poaching patrols inside the park were obstructed, and park personnel and wildlife were killed. Adult African fish eagles have mostly brown bodies with a white head and yellow face and large, powerful, black wings. Virunga National Park is one of the five UNESCO protected areas that fall under the jurisdiction of the ICCN. Approximately one-third of the worlds population is found in Virunga National Park (the remainder is divided between Volcanoes, Mgahinga and Bwindi Impenetrable national parks in neighbouring Rwanda and Uganda). Of these, nine gorilla families have been carefully habituated over the last thirty years. As is inevitable, this tableau of human suffering has spilt over into the conservation of the countrys natural resources, and Virunga has found itself in the middle of countless conflicts. To find lodges, search for our ready-made packages or get in touch with our travel team, scroll down to after this story. Park protection efforts were militarised in the following years to deter armed rebel groups and poachers from operating inside the park. A narrow corridor of 35km (1.93.1mi) width along the lake's western bank connects the northern and southern sectors of the national park. [32] In 1994, Virunga National Park was entered into the List of World Heritage in Danger. The Virunga Mountains are home of the critically endangered mountain gorilla, listed on the IUCN Red List of Endangered Species due to habitat loss, poaching, disease, and war (Butynski et al. The great volcanoes of this range, clothed in cloud forests, include the dormant Mikeno, Karisimbi, Visoke, and Sabinio (Sabinyo), as well as the active Nyiragongo and Nyamulagira. This picturesque part of the park adjoins the Rwenzori Mountains and Semuliki National Parks in neighbouring Uganda. Mass killings of nearly 400 hippos are orchestrated by local militia who are suspected of eating and selling the meat and removing teeth for ivory. It was created in 1925. However, wet seasons are a good option for those with a pair of solid, waterproof boots looking to take advantage of the low-season discounts. [4] Today, they are probably the parks most famous residents. Corrections? Carefully selected conservation projects one-stop, seamless, transparent donations APP subscribers only. Flora/Vegatation in Virunga national park; Virunga's strategic location at the frontier between various biogeographic zones offers it an upper hand to protect both tropical rainforest and eastern steppe species and its range of altitudes adds to the habitat variety.The diversity in flora includes: bamboo and Hagenia forest on the mountains; equatorial forest along the Semiliki; wooded . It includes the Rwindi plains and the Ishasha River valley, and is contiguous with Ugandas Queen Elizabeth National Park to the east. Hiking the Sabyinyo volcano takes approximately 7 to 9 hours. Virunga National Park is one such park, still tumbling in the currents of war, political instability, poverty, and disease. VN QUC GIA CONGO Ting anh l g - trong Ting anh Dch Regional conflict spills over and an estimated 5.6 million Congolese die from the fighting. The Viringa Mountains are composed of up to 8 Volcanic summits including two active volcanoes of Nyiragongo and Nyamuragira located in DRC in Virunga National Park. The 8 Virunga Volcano Mountains: The Virunga is a chain of Volcanic Mountains in East Africa that's shared between Uganda, Rwanda and DRC. Photo credit: Greg Homel/Natural Encounters Birding, Photo credit: Brad Clement/Spindrift Adventures, Virungas Rangers are awarded National Geographic Explorer of the Year, The mountain gorilla population is no longer critically endangered, All militia groups removed from Central Sector. The latter organisation is responsible for park management since 2010; about 80% of management costs are subsidised by the EC. Virunga National Park was founded in 1925 as Albert National Park. It is an extraordinary park steeped in a history of tragedy and heroism: primordial and viscerally wild. In the course of increasing tensions, the park's chief warden, Emmanuel de Mrode, was assailed in April 2014. Mount Mikeno is an extinct volcano located in the Virunga Mountains. It is also a vital elephant habitat, as evidenced by the unexpected migration of, nearly 600 elephants from neighbouring Queen Elizabeth. Though there are innumerable reasons to want to visit Virunga National Park, the potential insecurity in the region is of concern to many prospective visitors. Communities around Lake Edward are fearful of the impact of potential oil activity on their livelihoods. In April, in an effort to end the war, a peace agreement is signed by government and rebel forces. Though valiant efforts were made to protect the park, the end of the 20th century saw much of the parks wildlife massacred almost to the point of extinction. (US) +1 (786) 655-4040, *Call costs: Local rates apply from South Africa, UK and US otherwise international rates apply, newsletter@africageographic.com The best way to establish the state of affairs and what activities are on offer is to chat to the Africa Geographic travel team, who are in constant communication with Virungas park authorities and regularly send intrepid travelers to the area when it is safe to do so. It was the first national park to be established on the continent of Africa, primarily to protect the mountain gorillas living in the forests of the Virunga Massif. Naturally, the park authorities are aware of this, and they take the safety of their guests extremely seriously. Virunga owes its existence, at least in part, to the presence of the endangered (once critically endangered) mountain gorillas. [47] The southern sector borders Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park. 400,000 people are evacuated and 147 are killed in the eruption. The ICCN and Virunga Foundation enter into a long term management agreement. A conflict between rebel and army forces results in the untimely death of the silverback of the Rugendo family. The Virunga Mountain in Rwanda, Congo and Uganda The Virunga volcanoes /mountains also locally known as Mufumbiro are located in three countries Uganda, Rwanda and DRCongo. [5], In 1979, the National Park was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its rich diversity of habitats, exceptional biodiversity and endemism, and its protection of rare mountain gorilla habitat. Individual volcanoes bear Rwandan descriptive names, such as Sabinio (Sabinyo; Old Man with Large Teeth) and Muhavura (Landmark, or Guide). Where Are The Virunga Mountains Located - 2022 [46] The mountain range consists of eight major volcanoes. Explore one of the most biodiverse protected areas in the world. This helps to increase understanding of mountain gorilla behaviour, as well as allowing veterinary teams to intervene if gorillas are injured or showing signs of ill health. The name Virunga comes from the Kinyarwanda word ibirunga, which means volcanoes. The UK oil company Soco announces that it will not renew its claim to an oil concession in Virunga National Park. It is an extraordinary park steeped in a history of tragedy and heroism: primordial and viscerally wild. In the national park's northern sector, African leopard (P. pardus pardus), marsh mongoose (Atilax paludinosus), giant pangolin (Smutsia gigantea), tree pangolin (Phataginus tricuspis), crested porcupine (Hystrix cristata), Lord Derby's scaly-tailed squirrel (Anomalurus derbianus), Boehm's bush squirrel (Paraxerus boehmi), western tree hyrax (Dendrohyrax dorsalis), Emin's pouched rat (Cricetomys emini) and checkered elephant shrew (Rhynchocyon cirnei) were recorded during surveys in 2008. Oil exploration threatens the Park, sparking deep concerns from the international community. The increased human population contributed to deforestation and poaching, and some natural animal migration patterns have been seriously disrupted. Recent eruptions occurred in 2006, 2010 and May 2021. He even attended the Oscars ceremony in Los Angeles. Virunga Mountains | National Park | Gorillas | Rwanda | Uganda In 1926, Derscheid headed the first Belgian mission to map Albert National Park, which encompassed an area of 500km2 (190sqmi) around the extinct volcanoes Mount Karisimbi and Mount Mikeno. The most recent eruption occurred in 2021 and had catastrophic consequences for the human residents of the city of Goma. Alongside this essential conservation work, the Park is committed to supporting local communities. In addition to buffalo, the plains support several ungulates, including topi, Ugandan kob, waterbuck, warthog, and red river and giant forest hog. Nyamuragira volcano, situated around 15 miles (25 kilometers) north of Lake Kivu, has been described as one of Africas most active volcanoes. Oil exploration by an English company only added to threats facing the already beleaguered park. Here dedicated keepers have raised the young survivors of anthropogenic cruelty (poaching and snaring), as well as rehabilitating eastern lowland gorillas. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Virunga Mountains | Location, Description, & Facts chat to the Africa Geographic travel team, Photographer of the Year 2023 Weekly Selection: Week 11. This partnership initiated a comprehensive reform program and planted the seed for what would become the Virunga Alliance an innovative development programme to address the root causes of poverty and conflict, with the aim of eradicating illegal and destructive resource extraction in the region. [12] Local and global groups, such as Greenpeace, are warning about the social and ecological impact of devastating the forest for oil production. They have significantly shaped the national park's diverse habitats and wildlife. [13], In the early 1920s, several proponents of the European conservation movement championed the idea of creating a protected area in northeastern Belgian Congo, among them Victor van Straelen, Jean Massart and Jean-Marie Derscheid. The mountain gorilla is taken off the IUCN critically endangered species list, marking a victory for Congolese, Rwandan and Ugandan National Parks. Virunga is the continent's most biologically diverse protected area and a national park embarking on an ambitious development programme known as the "Virunga Alliance". And last, but not least, the heart-stopping, utterly gorgeous and mysterious Shelleys Crimsonwing, which has never been photographed other than when netted during biodiversity surveys. In 1969, following the countrys independence from Belgium in 1960, the Park was renamed Virunga National Park. Eastern Congo is one of the most economically disadvantaged places on earth, and competition for the Parks rich natural resources has always been fierce. The northern sector is characterised by the dramatic Rwenzori Mountains, with sharp peaks and plunging valleys that descend to the Semuliki River valley. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Ethnic groups living in and around Virunga National Park include: The documentary Virunga documents the work of Virunga National Park rangers and the activities of British oil company Soco International within the park. Flora/Vegatation in Virunga national park - Gorilla Safari Tours Nyiragongo has erupted over thirty times since the end of the 19th century. Virunga National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Though the full history of the park (and the DRC) is beyond the scope of this celebration of Virunga, no coverage would be complete without mention of both the challenges and efforts involved in keeping it safe. The camps of various armed factions are dismantled in the Central Sector of the Park. Virunga National Park - Africa Geographic This savannah-like section offers the best chance to spot the more traditional safari animals, including elephant, lion, and buffalo. The 300km-long park is divided into three primary sectors: northern, central, and southern, which together combine to protect an astonishing array of landscapes from alpine vegetation and montane forests to lava plains and wetlands. The mountain gorillas have increased from fewer than 70 to over 300 in ten years and hippos from 300 to over 2,000, while elephant and lion sightings are now a fairly regular occurrence. [41][42], On 22 February 2021, Italy's ambassador to the DRC who was travelling with the World Food Programme about 15km north of Goma, Luca Attanasio, as well as Italian military police officer Vittorio Iacovacci and Congolese driver Moustapha Milambo, were killed in the gunfire when a militia that had kidnapped their convoy, and had brought them into the park, was met by park rangers who managed to free four people. and wallow in the various rivers, and bongo antelope have been spotted in the parks northern reaches. Mount Karisimbi is the highest volcano at 4,507 metres (14,787ft). The Rwenzori Mountains National Park covers nearly 100,000 ha in western Uganda and comprises the main part of the Rwenzori mountain chain, which includes Africa's third highest peak (Mount Margherita: 5,109 m). There are melodic Kivu ground thrushes, mythical Grauers cuckooshrikes and yellow-crested helmetshrikes, mysterious Albertine owlets and ghostly Congo Bay owls, dazzling purple-breasted and Rockefeller sunbirds, raucous white-headed woodhoopoes, dainty Rwenzori batises, data deficient and endangered Itombwe nightjars, Prigogines greenbuls, Kungwe apalises, Grauers swamp warbler and golden-naped weavers. The Karisoke Research Center, founded by Dian Fossey to observe gorillas in their native habitat, is located between Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke. The Virunga Mountains (also known as Mufumbiro [1]) are a chain of volcanoes in East Africa, along the northern border of Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and Uganda. Virunga Mountains - Virunga Volcanoes, Virunga Mountain Ranges [56], Of the Albertine Rift's endemic birds, Rwenzori turaco, Rwenzori batis, Archer's ground robin, red-throated alethe, Kivu ground thrush, collared apalis, mountain masked apalis, dusky crimson-wing, Shelley's crimsonwing, red-faced woodland warbler, stripe-breasted tit, blue-headed sunbird, regal sunbird, Rwenzori double-collared sunbird, handsome spurfowl and strange weaver were recorded in Virunga National Park's southern sector during surveys in 2004. This article was most recently revised and updated by, https://www.britannica.com/place/Virunga-National-Park, UNESCO World Heritage Centre - Virunga National Park, Democratic Republic of the Congo (Kinshasa). Discounts at Africas best lodges and on our hand-made packages subscribers only, STORIES & DISCUSSIONS The Virunga chained Mountains cover three African countries, including the southwestern of Uganda, which covers Mgahinga Gorilla National Park; the Democratic Republic of Congo in the east, covering the Virunga national park, and Rwanda covering the Volcanoes National park. The local community has no where else to turn for security, and relies on the protection of armed groups, for which fees are levied off the prohibited activities. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors.
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