Situated in the Albertine Rift Valley, within the Virunga conservation are east of the Democratic Republic of Congo in the central part of Africa; Virunga National park is one of the oldest and largest National parks in Africa. Democratic Republic of Congo is one of the largest countries in Africa; with amazing people, a wide range of biodiversity, breathtaking scenery and a variety of tourist attractions. The park rises to about 680m in the Semuliki river Valley and about 16,762 to the Rwenzori Mountains. It sprawls through 8,090 sq.km of land, covered with great savanna grassland, mountains, forest cover and swamps among others.

Uganda and Rwanda among others make the list of Congo’s neighbors, sharing the vast network of the Virunga Mountains. Virunga National Park is one of the famous UNESCO world heritage sites since 1979 with a variety of wildlife species; notably; the chimpanzees, endangered mountain gorillas, birds, monkeys and plants among others; though once the activities were put to a halt by Congo rebels, activities are up and running, with several visitors arriving from across the world for adventure, fun and relaxation. This is one of the most visited parks in D.R. Congo.

Once called Albert National Park, Virunga National park got its status in April 1925 as the very first conservation area in Africa, to protect and conserve a variety of wildlife species; most especially the primates that include Mountain Gorillas, chimpanzees and monkeys among others. It was first seating on a 500 sqkms; covering Mount. Mikeno and mount Karisimbi. The expansion was made in 1929, and years thereafter. Forward to 1969 two parks were combined and renamed; Virunga National Park. There are over 2,077plant species, 198mammals, 706 bird species, over 70 amphibians, and about 109 reptiles.

It is a perfect destination for honeymoon safari, family retreat, summer holidays and winter breaks among others. It is the greatest gateway destination; the cheapest of all gorilla trekking destinations in the continent of Africa, safe and worth a visit. Gates are open for visitors from across the world all year round; with activities Run by dedicated and knowledgeable park rangers with a wide range of knowledge regarding the park.

There are two active Volcanoes in the park; Mountain Nyiragongo with a blazing lava lake summit and Nyamuragira offering simple amazing mountaineering experiences. Mountain Nyiragongo ranks among the most active mountains in the world, though as well one of the most exciting when it comes to hiking.

Park entrance.

Getting access to Virunga national Park is quite affordable; except for those who are going for Gorilla trekking or chimpanzee trekking and have to present the permit as proof for payments. The park headquarters is at Goma, where you can do the clearance before proceeding to your lodge while waiting for the next day’s activities.

The gorilla trekking permit in Congo costs 400 USD thus the cheapest in comparison with fellow counterparts like Uganda which charges 700 USD and Rwanda – 1500 USD. The Gorilla trekking permit price is non-refundable and the proceeds channeled to conservation and supporting the communities surrounding the park.

Getting to Virunga National Park.

You can get to Virunga National Park by air or road, through Uganda or Rwanda. Most tourists arrive at Kigali International Airport in Rwanda, safer and nearer route; from where they are picked and driven through to Goma and eventually to the park – a 5/6 hours scenic non-stop drive.  Or you may also need to explore more so using a boat cruise from Lake Kivu to Goma is also possible and very rewarding.

From Uganda, the drive starts from Entebbe or Kampala to Kisoro – about 8-9 hours and then proceed through Bunagana border post for thirty minutes to the park.

Activities in Virunga National Park.

Gorilla trekking tours.

Gorilla trekking is the heart and soul of Virunga National park. Only in the continent of Africa do you find the endangered mountain Gorillas in the world in a few countries, notably Uganda, DR Congo, and Rwanda offering amazing gorilla trekking experiences. The species here is the endangered mountain gorillas; shy, social and attractive.

There are about 8 habituated Gorilla families in this vast jungle, namely; Humbe, Lulengo, Munyaga family, Kabirizi family, Rugendo family, Nyakamwe Gorilla family, Bageni Group and Mapuwa family. A maximum of 8 people are permitted to trek each family.

Gorilla trekking is an interesting activity that requires not so many skills but rather the passion and love for the primates. It starts very early in the morning for approximately 6 hours as you have to traverse the jungle in search of these rare creatures wherever they might be relaxing, feeding or playing. The gorilla group is led by a dominant silverback, an Alpha male with the task of leadership, finding new territories and protecting all family members from any attack.

Bukima patrol post is where the briefing session commences before the park rangers lead all trekkers in the trekking exercise. Foreigners pay 400usd and the Congolese citizens 150Usd; per person per day, a few non-refundable or negotiable, catering for park entrance fees, facilitating the ranger guides and boosting conservation efforts.

Mountain Hiking.

This is one of the most rewarding safari activities in Virunga National Park. Hiking the volcanoes is a great opportunity for relaxation; adventure and physical exercises. The park encompasses two magnificent volcanoes in the Virunga network – mount. Nyiragongo and Nyamuragira. Mount. Nyiragongo is one of the most active mountains on earth with a magnificent blazing lava lake at the summit.

It is the most hiked, with visitors enjoying each stop they take to the peak. It is a two-day hike, starting at 10:00 am local time for about 5-6 hours depending on hikers’ pace. The mountain slope offers asylum to variety of birds, plants, mammals, reptiles and primates spotted as you ascend and descend from the mountain.

Chimpanzee Trekking.

Since 2014, Virunga National park opened for the world a great deal of Chimpanzee trekking experiences. Chimpanzees are man’s closest relatives, sharing over 98% Human DNA, not shy of humans and active. They make over 25 interesting sounds, each sending a signal to the rest of the members.

Chimpanzee trekking kick-starts at daybreak to sight them still in their nest, gathering fruits for their young ones and playing. With a valid trekking permit, a maximum of 4 people plus the park ranger and porter are allowed to encounter these relatives at each moment.

Birding Safaris.

With over 170 unique bird species in the wild; Virunga national park is one of the all-time great birding destinations in Congo. To encounter a variety of birds and discover their unique behaviors, it will take a 1-4 hour birding experience deep in the Virunga jungle; starting as early as 05:00hours local time; when the birds are up; calling on different echoes and flying from tree branch to another.

The bird list in Virunga National park is not limited to regal sunbird, paradise fly-catcher, narrow-tailed starling, black kite, dusky turtle dove, white-necked raven, olive thrush, Madagascar Bee-eater, Rwenzori Batis, blue-headed coucal, bronze sunbird, yellow-billed barbet, stray seedeater, Grey-throated Barbet and olive woodpecker.

Guided Nature walks and sightseeing.

The beauty of the landscape keeps your eyes focused on each breathtaking corner of the park. Virunga’s fascinating landscape is composed of lush green forest cover, rolling hills and mountain backdrops. The walk draws you closer to the captivating wildlife and flora. The 1-2 hours’ hike helps a tourist relax, and connect with some primates, birds and unique flowers.

Senkwekwe Orphanage Center.

Located next to Virunga National park headquarters in Rumangabo area, Senkwekwe Sanctuary is home to orphaned gorillas. It was established and named in memory of a famous Silverback Rugendo who was killed in 2007 alongside other three friends.

Subject to changes, this orphanage center has about 4 guerilla groups, namely; Ndeze, Maisha, Matabishi and Ndakasi. Also, there are orphaned eastern lowland Gorillas here and open for game viewing. Visitors are allowed into the place to watch the apes, take photos and feed them. It is a great and unforgettable experience. Though without booking in advance, it is possible to decide and visit this habitat once in the Park.

Accommodation in Virunga National Park.

Accommodation at Virunga national park range from budget to luxury lodges, campsites, and homesteads, with great services, excellent facilities, tasty cuisines and classic beddings. Once a decision is arrived at for spending nights in any of the accommodation properties s in the park, it is wise to book at least three months in advance because the demand is always higher than the available offerings.

Packing list.

Depending on how long you will stay at the park; a proper packing list eliminates disorganization and any form of stress. You should consider these and more; yellow fever vaccination card, Covid-19 negative test form, strong hiking boots, long-sleeved shirts, trousers, camera, binoculars, a hut, passport, a Gorilla trekking permit, insect repellants and some personal items.

Virunga National park is one of the most rewarding safari destinations in the continent of Africa. As you plan a vacation, tick the oldest national park in the continent of Africa as a top destination on your bucket list. It is a perfect option for budget travelers.

Enjoy our specially curated 3 days Gorilla trekking safari in Virunga National Park.