Staying in a safe, accessible, and comfortable accommodation in Virunga National Park is one way of ensuring an enjoyable Congo gorilla safari. Whether you are visiting Congo for gorilla trekking or Nyiragongo hiking adventure, you need reliable accommodation services if you are to have a memorable visit. Virunga National park is part of the greater Virunga Conservation Area covering Cong’s side. The other parks in the Virunga Massif are Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Accommodation in Virunga National park comprises of tents, lodges, hotels, and camps. They are categorized into the budget; midrange and luxury to ensure customers of all categories are served. The best places to stay in Virunga National Park include:
Mikeno Lodge
Established in 2011, Mikeno lodges was the first tourist lodge opened for travelers in Virunga National park. The luxury lodge comprises of 12 private bungalows which contain a bathroom, toilet, lounge corner, fireplace, and separate stone tower. Virunga Energies’ hydroelectric station is the major supplier of electricity to Mikeno Lodge. Staying at Mikeno lodge gives you chance to visit the Senkwekwe Centre where orphaned mountain gorillas live and also the Virunga’s canine anti-poaching unit. Mountain gorilla trekking, Nyiragongo volcano climbing, bird watching, community tours, and forest walks are some of the activities to do while staying at Mikeno Lodge.
Kibumba Tented Camp
Located on the slopes of Mount Mikeno, Kibumba tented camp is the main accommodation for all mountain gorilla safaris in Virunga National Park. The Tented camp also offers you clear views of Mt Karisimbi in Rwanda, and Nyiragongo, and Nyamuragira volcanoes in Virunga National park. Kibumba Tented camp comprises 18 self-contained tents, which are designed in traditional styles. The permanent source of power to this lodge is the Matebe Hydroelectric plant. Travelers staying at Kimumba tented camp can take part in different activities such as gorilla trekking, bird watching, forest walks, golden monkey trekking, and volcano climbing among other adventures.
Tchegera Tented Camp
Located on Tchegera Island in the heart of Lake Kivu, Tchegera Tented camp is one of the best places to stay in Virunga National park. The camp is named after the island on which it is located. Tchegera tented camp comprises 6 tents 2 of which are twin rooms while the other 4 are double rooms. The tents entail flush toilets, en-suite bathrooms, and all are powered by solar panels. Sport fishing, Kayaking, gorilla trekking, volcano climbing, and paddle boarding are among the travel activities to do while staying at Tchegera Tented Camp.
Bukima Tented Camp
Located near Virunga National Park, Bukima Tented camp was the former research station, which later transformed into a major accommodation facility for travelers visiting mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park. There are times when gorillas roam on the camp premises, an interesting encounter for travelers staying there. Near the camp is a lava tunnel, which any traveler must not miss during his/her stay at Bukima Tented Camp.
Lulimbi Tented Camp
Set on the banks of Ishasha River, Lulimbi Tented Camp is a midrange beautiful place to stay on your Congo safari. The Camp consists of ten comfortable Canvas which offer great access to Savannah wildlife. The restaurant and bar offer you both local and international dishes and beverages
Mount Nyiragongo Summit Shelters
For those visiting Congo for the Mount Nyiragongo Volcano experience, the best place to stay is in the Nyiragongo summit shelters. The fact that hiking Nyiragongo entails an overnight on the summit, you need a safe and comfortable place to spend a night. A 3 Days Mount Nyiragongo hike is the best package to experience this active volcano with a boiling Lava Lake.
More about Virunga National park
Virunga National park is the oldest National park n Africa that was established in 1925. The rich diversity of this park makes it a UNESCO world heritage site worth conserving and exploring. The park has a long list of amazing things to see and do rewarding you with a lifetime experience. The top things to do in Virunga National Park include
Mountain Gorilla Trekking
This is the most done travel experience in Virunga National park. There are roughly 200 mountain gorillas, which have been habituated into 8 families. Virunga Park, therefore, shelters roughly a quarter of the world’s total gorilla population. Gorilla groups in Virunga Park are Lulengo, Mapuwa, Rugendo, Nyakamwe, Bageni, Humba, Kabirizi and Munyaga gorilla groups. The park receives fewer travelers compared to other gorilla parks which have kept it natural offering the off-beaten gorilla trekking experience. A permit to see gorillas in Virunga Park costs $450 allowing you to spend an hour with the endangered gorillas.
Nyiragongo Hiking
This is yet another interesting venture done in Virunga National Park. Rising to 4,470 meters above sea level, Mount Nyiragongo is an active strata volcano whose summit shelters the largest lava lake. This active volcano can be hiked in three days including an overnight at the summit.
Forest/Nature walks
Take part in guided nature/forest walks in Virunga National park. Nature walking is the best way to discover the hidden natural gem of this rainforest. The trails in the forest lead you to different spots such as the caves, waterfalls, rivers, swamps, and other key spots within the park. You may encounter various wild animals including gorillas and colobus monkeys during your walk in Virunga National park. You are advised to follow in the footsteps of your guide and avoid scattering in the bush alone.
Chimpanzee Trekking & Habituation Experience
Do not miss the chimpanzee habituation experience on your Congo safari to Virunga National park. The experience started in 1987 by Frankfurt, a zoologist who was conducting his research in the park. The experience gives you chance to take part in training wild chimpanzees in the park.You can also engage in chimpanzee trekking to meet up with man’s close relatives.
In general, Virunga National park is a hidden gem! Enjoy a stay at the luxury and budget lodges in Virunga Park, take part in different activities and enjoy nature at its fullness.
