Mount Karisimbi
The Highest Volcano in the Virunga Series Of Mountains
Mount Karisimbi is an inactive volcano in the Virunga Mountains situated on the border between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). At 4,507 metres (14,787 ft), Karisimbi is the highest of the eight major mountains of the mountain range, which is a part of Albertine Rift, the western branch of the East African Rift.
It is among the mighty mountains which are viewed while in three countries like Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo thus serves the three countries in terms of tourism. Gorilla trekkers in Uganda’s Mgahinga National Park, DR. Congo’s Virunga National Park and Volcanoes National park of Rwanda – enjoy the great view of Karisimbi Volcano – in other words, the volcano has boosted tourism sector in the three countries.
Mount Karismbi generates relief rain fall – when moist winds /air from the sea rises over a mountain and the air gets cold to form clouds and the rain mostly falls on one side of the mountain. Relief rain fall is commonly received on wind ward side leaving the lee -ward side in rain shadow. When the air sinks on the leeward side of the mountain range, it is usually much drier and warmer than it was to begin with.
Mountain Karisimbi offers a grazing ground for animals like cattle, sheep, and goats among others. The fresh grass at the slopes of the mountain feed the animals well – in other Mount Karisimbi has promoted animals farming.
Mountain karisimbi is used for educational purposes – it serves gives a practical picture of a volcanic mountain. Therefore, field studies are conducted on the Mountain Karisimbi.
Mt. Karisimbi offers fertile soils for proper plant growth. Low lands surrounding Karisimbi Mountain contain fertile soils eroded by running water from the slopes of the mountain – such soils are deposited in low lands.
Mt. Karisimbi harbors wildlife which attracts tourists – therefore Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo benefits through tourism.
Mt. Karisimbi harbors dangerous animals and reptiles which would have cause harm to human beings.
Mountain Karisimbi hosts dangerous insects like tsetse flies, Mosquitoes among others. Such insect transmits germs that cause Sleeping sickness and Malaria to human beings.
Mountain Karisimbi offer building materials like stones.
Mountain Karisimbi is internationally known for being the highest Volcano among the eight Virunga Mountains.
Mountain Karisimbi settles a large number of people – in other words, the mountain offers ground for peoples settlement.
Mountain Karisimbi controls strong winds – in other words, the mountain shelters Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo from strong moving winds.
The slopes of Mt. Karisimbi are covered by vegetation including trees and grasses – such vegetation controls soil erosion.