Located in Eastern Congo, Virunga National Park is one of the popular travel destinations in Africa. A combination of Lakes, rain forests, woodlands, craters, grasslands, albertine rift valley, swamps and active volcanoes make it an exceptional place to visit. Virunga Park was garzetted in 1925 making it Africa’s oldest National Park, which spreads over 7,800 square kilometers of land. Over years, general tourism in Virunga National Park has been highly hindered by civil conflicts claiming lives of park rangers and even clients at times. However, thanks to the Government and tourism police who have worked tirelessly to restore peace in the area ensuring the safety of travelers, rangers and the endangered mountain gorillas. The fewer visits to this park has kept it natural offering off beaten gorilla tours and adventure experiences to travelers. The park covers Congo’s share of the Virunga Conservation Area bordered by Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Due to its diverse ecosystem, UNESCO listed Virunga National Park as one of its heritage sites. Explore all about Virunga National Park with African Apes Tours & Travel!
Things to see & do in Virunga National Park
There is a lot to see and do for all travelers to Virunga National Park! Travelers are assured of memorable experiences in this national park. Among the top attractions and activities in Virunga National Park include:
Mountain Gorilla Trekking
Congo gorilla tours rank top in the memorable travel experiences to do in Congo. YES, gorilla trekking is the most done travel activity by most travelers visiting Congo. Virunga National Park is one of the four national parks in the world where these endangered gorillas are seen in their natural habitat. The park is home to over 300 mountain gorillas habituated into 8 families, which are Munyaga, Kabirizi, Nyakamwe, Lulengo, Mapuwa, Humba, Rugendo and Bageni hence 64 gorilla permits. A Congo permit costs $450 far cheaper compared to $1500 in Rwanda and $700 in Uganda. Congo is therefore a best destination for budget gorilla safaris. Due to insecurities in the park, armed park ranges guide all gorilla trekking tours. Travelers are picked up from their hotels/loges by park management and dropped back after the trek. Primate tours are therefore not allowed in the park for security purposes. African Apes Tours Helps you book and secure a Congo gorilla permit and offering customized Congo gorilla packages.
Volcano climbing
Virunga National Park is home to two active volcanoes hence a best spot for mountain climbing in Africa. Enjoy a hike to the summit of Nyiragongo volcano and get chance to peep into the world’s largest lava lake with boiling lava. The 3 Days Nyiragongo volcano hike offers you chance to conquer this active volcano. Travelers who have extended time in Volcanoes National park can do a 5 Days Congo gorillas & Nyiragongo volcano hiking combining both adventures. The other Volcano in Virunga National Park is Nyamuragira that is the most active and hiking is not allowed for the safety of travelers. African Apes Tours & Travel helps you book and reserve mountain gorillas and Nyiragongo volcano climbing experiences. The permit to hike Nyiragongo costs $300 while a gorilla permit in Congo costs $450 including park entrance fees.
Nature/Forest Walks
Enjoy guided nature/forest walking in Virunga National Park for a magical experience. Explore the hidden gem in this forest on foot; hike up to the waterfalls, caves and other attractions in this park. Forest walking gives you chance to see small ground insects, medicinal herbs and flowers. Nature walks also is a chance to enjoy the w sweet melodies of birds which sing from up in the trees. Remember to bring a walking stick, hiking boots and gardening gloves for easy hiking. Dry season is the best time for nature/forest walk in Virunga National park is
Chimpanzee Habituation Experience
Be part of the experimental chimpanzee habituation experience in Virunga National Park. The experience is officially introduced in the park in 2014 as one way of diversifying tourism products in this park. In this experience, travelers are given chance to take part in training wild chimpanzees making them familiar with people. The experience costs $100 inclusive of park entrance fees, conservation and ranger guide fees. You will be allowed to spend half day with these endangered primates, which share over 99% of human genes. Chimpanzees habituation experience is all about searching and following the movements of chimpanzees to imitate and learn their special behaviors.
Bird watching
Bird watching is another interesting experience you should not miss out on your Congo safari to Virunga National park. The park is home to over 710 birds some of which are not found elsewhere in the world. Among the birds to see in Virunga National park include Olive Sunbird, Rwenzori Batis, Black Sunbird, Double toothed Barbet, African Goshawk, Black Bishop, Cormorants, Herons, Ibises, Ospreys, Geese and double toothed Barbet among others. Birding in Virunga National Park and be done all year round.
Batwa community tours
Go for batwa community visits to learn on their indigenous traditions, norms and customs. Batwa are forest people who lived for thousands of years in the forest with wild gorillas and other primates. Apparently, batwa have been evicted to the boundaries of Virunga forest. Other places to see batwa include Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Mgahinga and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Parks in Uganda. These forest people will take you through their initial forest life, traditions, norms and what makes them unique from other tribes in the whole world.
Packing List to Virunga National Park
Your packing list to Virunga National park should comprise of right attires and other essentials for your wellbeing and enjoyable wildlife experience. Among the things you should carry for your gorilla trek and their wildlife experience in Congo. These include:
• Hiking boots/shoes to ease your trekking & hiking experience
• Bush hat
• Sunglasses to keep your eyes safe
• Gardening gloves
• Rain jackets to deal with the unpredictable forest weather
• First aid kit for any emergencies
• Scarf and sweaters
• Long pants
• Long sleeved shirts to protect your arms
Best time to visit Virunga National park
Dry/peak season is the best time to visit Virunga National park. This season is mainly dry which make it easier to trek through the dense forest. Both experiences (gorillas, Nyiragongo hiking & nature walks) are all best done in Virunga National park. However, the forest can be visited all year round. Gorilla trekking in the rainy season is more strenuous but and adventurous for those who want a more challenging experience.
Accommodation in Virunga National Park
Virunga National Park ha a variety of budget, midrange and luxury lodges/hotels which provide excellent food and sleeping service at affordable prices. The popular accommodation facilities in Virunga Park include Mikeno Lodge, Orchid’s Safari Club, Lakeside Hotel Bukavu, Ngila Lodge, Mount Kahuzi Hotel, Tchegera Island Camp, Kibumba Tented Camp, Bukima Tented Camp and Lodge Coco among others. All lodges/hotels/camps are safe and comfortable for travelers.
How to book a Congo safari to Virunga National park?
African Apes Tours is your trusted ground agency to book and reserve Congo safaris. Contact us for tailored Congo gorilla safaris, Nyiragongo volcano hiking and other wildlife safaris in the Democratic Republic of Congo.