CHAPTER VI 
IN THE VOLCANIC REGION 
The Virunga volcanic group rises up like a mighty barrier 
4,500 metres above sea-level, from the bottom of the great 
Central African rift-valley, that vast depression which stretches 
from the southern end of Lake Tanganjika over Lakes Kiwu 
and Albert Edward to Albert Nyanza. There are eight gigantic 
volcanoes, or earth upheavals, which bear testimony to the mighty 
subterranean forces concealed in the womb of the earth. Daunt- 
lessly their colossal forms tower up to the skies, and not 
infrequently one sees the dazzling snow on their highest peaks 
gleaming under a tropical sun. 
The summit line of the volcanoes forms the natural northern 
boundary of the German province of Ruanda, and it is to be 
hoped that before long, and definitely, it will also mark the 
political boundary between this part of German East Africa 
and the neighbouring Congo State. German enterprise and 
German exploration work have opened it up to the civilised 
world. It was for the sake of the Virunga volcanoes that Count 
Gotzen undertook his expedition right across Africa in 
and this journey led, as mentioned in the previous chapter, to 
the discovery of Lake Kiwu, and also brought us the first 
accurate information concerning the volcanic area in its northern 
section. Our knowledge of this part of the country has since been 
increased and supplemented by the work of the German Congo 
Boundary Expedition (in which undertaking Captain Herrmann 
represented Germany’s interests), by Dr. Kandt’s meritorious 
exploring work, and by the journeys of investigation made by 
German officers like Bethe, von Beringe, yon Parisch, and others. 
