Exploring the Albertine rift valley, gorillas, wildlife, fishing & hiking

The Albertine rift valley is the wester arm of east Africa rift valley that extends from Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Burundi to Tanzania. The valley extends from the northern end of Lake Albert to the southern end of Lake Tanganyika.

The valley is known for its rich biodiversity which makes it one of the diversified regions of Africa

The northern rift is compromised of two large mountains range which are: Rwenzori mountains located between Lake Albert and Lake Edward (Lake Rutanzige). Then there is Virunga mountains that stands in between Lake Edward and Lake Kivu. The Virunga mountains form a barrier between Congo basin and Nile basin which facilitate the flow of river water to and from the lakes as we shall see.

For instance, Lake Edward is fed by River Rutshuru and drains through River Semliki into Lake albert.

The Victoria Nile flows from Lake Victoria to Lake albert and drains as White Nile River that flows in Mediterranean ocean South of the Virunga, lake Kivu drains from the south into Lake Tanganyika through the Ruzizi River while Lake Tanganyika flow to the Congo River via Lukuga River. That is the current hydrological system that was created as a result of volcano eruption of Virunga volcanoes

Mountains found in Albertine rift valley region

The mountains found in western part of east African rift valley include Rwenzori mountains, Virunga mountains, Lendu plateau, and Itombwe mountains. Rwenzori mountains is famously known as “Mountains of the moon”. The range covers an area of 7,800 kilometres squared. This area include  Mount Stanley 5,119 m, Mount Speke 4,890 m and Mount Baker 4,843 m.

The Virunga massifs along Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo boarders is made up of 8 volcanic mountains of which 2 of them are still very active. The active v0lcanoes are Nyamuragira and Nyiragongo.

There is other isolated mountains that extends to Burundi and Tanzania. These include  Mount Bururi in southern Burundi, the Kungwe-Mahale Mountains in western Tanzania, and Mount Kabobo and the Marungu Mountains in the DRC on the shores of Lake Tanganyika.

Ecology

The region is transition from lowland forests to montane forests. The intermediary forests are found at the latitude of between 1,000 m (3,300 ft) to 1,750 m. Montane Forest are found at the slope at the between 1,600 m (5,200 ft) to 3,500 m (11,500 ft) above the sea level.

Tourism attractions within the Albertine rift valley

Gorilla trekking

Albertine rift valley rift valley cover Virunga massifs range where you will find three national parks that houses the endangered mountain gorillas. These parks include Virunga national park in DRC, volcanoes national park of Rwanda and Mgahinga gorillas national park of Uganda.

Hiking at mountains in Albertine rift vary

The region is a home to some of the highest peaks in Africa that draws thousands of experienced hikers to challenge their physical strength. Some of these peaks include Margherita peak of mountain Rwenzori range in Uganda and mount Karisimbi of Virunga Mountain range. There are also other peaks for the beginners that can be found in Albertine rift valley region like mount Sabyinyo of Virunga Mountain range found at Uganda Rwanda border. Therefore, anyone interested in hiking this region is good for you.

Wildlife viewing.

For wildlife enthusiast, this region is for you with both land wildlife and aquatic life found in parks and water bodies that make up the area. The region is a home to parks like Rwenzori national park, volcanoes national park, Mgahinga national park, Virunga national park, queen Elizabeth national park to mention but few that do facilitate wildlife activities.

On top of that, the region is home to various water bodies like lake Edward, lake George, kazinga channel that join lake Edward and lake Bunyonyi, Lake Tanganyika, twin lakes and many more water bodies. The presence of protect areas and water body gives life various animals including the big five of lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino and elephant. It also facilitates wildlife like hippos, crocodile and many more.

Boat cruise and sports fishing

With places like Kazinga channel, Lake Tanganyika, Lake Bunyonyi, lake Kivu, Victoria Nile or offering a good ground for boat cruise and swimming. The revellers who wish to spend their time in Albertine rift valley region will be exploited with options. You can proceed with sports fishing that will be guided by the experienced fishing guide.

Conclusion

If you are interested in an African vacation safari holiday, Albertine rift valley region is a place to go to with a numbery of attraction found within that region that will satisfy you. To get the proper feel of this great region, you should plan for a two week vacation safaris.

East African Vacation Safari packages

The 10 Days Rwanda Gorillas, Primates, Culture and wildlife safari starts and ends in Kigali. It takes you to Rwanda’s un-tamed wildlife areas, including the home of 360 Mountain Gorillas; Virunga Volcanoes. Expect tour activities such as Butare and Kigali city tours, Game drives in Akagera National Park, primate trekking Excursions in Nyungwe Forest, Gorilla Tracking adventures in Parc National des Volcans, nature walks and Cultural tours

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This 4 Days Gorilla trip takes you through the scenic view of the Rwanda safari trail. The 4 Days Rwanda Double Gorilla Trekking Tour offers you incredible Gorilla Trekking safari Tours as you explore the prominent Volcanoes National park in Rwanda where you will spot Mountain Gorillas enjoy their natural vegetation habitat to the fullest. Take numerous Photographs to keep for memories and make sure not to forget you Gorilla Trekking Permit. #Costs US $1500 per person.

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This 7 Days Rwanda Safari takes you to the prime safari destinations in Rwanda, the land of a thousand hills. Travel to Akagera National Park, the only savanna national park in Rwanda. Later travel to Nyungwe Forest National Park where you will enjoy chimpanzee tracking and a canopy walk. The trip ends in Volcanoes National Park. The 7 Days Wildlife & Primates Tour takes you to Nyungwe Forest National park

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