The mountain range consists of eight major volcanoes. Most of them are dormant, except Mount Nyiragongo 3462 m and Mount Nyamuragira 3063 m, both in the DRC. Recent eruptions occurred in 2006, 2010 and May 2021. Mount Karisimbi is the highest volcano at 4507 m. The oldest mountain is Mount Sabyinyo, which rises 3634 m above sea level.

The Virunga Mountains are home of the