About Visoke
Visoke is a stratovolcano rising to 3,696 meters (12,127 feet) in DR Congo-Rwanda's Eastern Africa Volcanic Regions. No historical eruptions have been recorded, though the volcano is classified based on geological evidence of past activity.
Geography & Climate
Visoke is located in DR Congo-Rwanda, within the Albertine Rift Volcanic Province of the broader Eastern Africa Volcanic Regions. Situated at 1.46° S, 29.48° E in the Southern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a tropical climate zone. Standing at 3,696 meters above sea level, Visoke towers above the alpine zone, where vegetation gives way to bare rock, snow, and ice for much of the year. The high elevation means the upper slopes experience significantly colder temperatures than surrounding lowlands. The volcanic landform is characterized as a composite, which describes the physical shape and structure of the volcanic edifice as observed from the surface.
GVP Reference Summary
Visoke is the NE edifice of a cluster of three large stratovolcanoes at the southern end of the Virunga Range on the border of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda. The trachyandesitic stratovolcano contains a 450-m-wide lake in its summit crater.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
0 Recorded Eruptions
No eruption records available for Visoke.
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Visoke
Is Visoke an active volcano?+
Visoke is not currently classified as active. Its activity evidence is listed as "unknown." No recorded eruptions have been documented. However, no volcano is ever considered permanently extinct.
How high is Visoke?+
Visoke has a summit elevation of 3,696 meters (12,127 feet) above sea level. At 3,696 meters, it is comparable in height to many significant mountain peaks and stands well above the tree line.
What type of volcano is Visoke?+
Visoke is classified as a Stratovolcano. Stratovolcanoes (also called composite volcanoes) are steep, conical volcanoes built up by many layers of hardened lava, tephra, and volcanic ash. They are among the most common and dangerous types, known for explosive eruptions.
Where is Visoke located?+
Visoke is located in DR Congo-Rwanda, in the Eastern Africa Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Albertine Rift Volcanic Province. Its exact coordinates are -1.458° latitude, 29.485° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Visoke?+
Visoke can generally be visited, but as with any volcano, visitors should check local conditions and any advisory notices before traveling. DR Congo-Rwanda may have specific regulations for accessing volcanic areas. Guided tours are often the safest and most informative way to experience a volcano.
