Virunga National Park – Parc National des Virunga is without a doubt Congo’s premier mountain gorilla trekking destination. This park comes with a pack of thrilling experiences, and it is one of the best destinations tourists can explore with no worries of congestion. Virunga National Park is a recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it lies within the Albertine Rift Valley, Eastern D.R. Congo. This park was established in 1925 and it falls on the list of the oldest protected areas in Africa. Virunga Game Park occupies a land area of over 7800sq.kms, consisting of 3 sectors; the Northern, Central and Southern.
There is no better national park that offers irresistible African true beauty than the Virunga National Park. This park lies close to Uganda to the west, stretching to cover the Semliki River basin and due to its geographical location, some of its sectors feature swamps, woodland, wetlands, alpine, montane forests and savanna grassland.
Virunga Game Park also lies near Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Volcanoes National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Rwenzori Mountains National Park. Virunga N.P boasts of its biodiversity, yet remains one of the least visited game parks in Africa.
Wildlife
Virunga National Park is home to over 218 mammal species, 108 reptile species, 706 species of birds, 22 primate species, 67 amphibians, and 2077 plants which include 264 tree species, 230 grass, shrubs, and several Albertine rift endemic species. The wild animals to keep an eye on while on Congo safari include African leopard, buffaloes, day duikers, Boehm’s bush squirrels, Emin’s pouched rat, blue duikers, elephants, giant forest hogs, and aardvarks. Others include red river hogs, lord derby’s scaly tailed squirrel, bushbucks, porcupines, marsh mongoose, tree pangolins, Nile crocodiles, Monitor lizard, okapi, bongo, topis, Kobs, yellow-backed duikers, etc.
Primates
Over 22 primate species make Virunga Game Park Africa’s most outstanding primate safari destination. They include the world’s most sought primates such as the rare mountain gorillas, Dent’s Mona monkeys, chimpanzees, Central African red colobus, Mantled Guereza, Hamlyn’s monkeys, golden monkeys, olive baboon, De Brazza monkeys, Grey-cheeked mangabey, Blue monkeys, Black and white colobus monkeys.
Birds
Over 706 bird species are all inhabited within the different habitats of the Virunga National Park. They can be spotted in marshes, open grassland, tropical rainforest, mountains, waterbodies, and valleys. The Virunga National Park bird species include Madagascar bee-eaters, Grey-throated barbets, Ruwenzori turacos, Narrow-tailed starling, Double-toothed barbet, Stripe breasted tit, White-headed wood hoopoes, Red-throated alethe, Black billed turacos, Black thirsted wattle-eye, Thick-billed seed-eaters, Olive sunbird, African goshawk, Black sawing, strange weaver, and more.
The people
Adjacent to the Virunga National Park is the Tutsi, Mbuti, Batwa, and Hutu communities. The local residents in these communities are part of the beneficiaries for the tourism activities that are conducted in the park. They showcase their rich cultures and heritage to Congo safari visitors.
Top Activities to do at Virunga National Park
Gorilla trekking
Gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park is, without a doubt, the only option to immerse yourself in Congo’s rainforest to encounter the massive mountain gorillas. Trekking with Virunga Mountain gorillas starts early morning at Bukima patrol post with a briefing about guidelines for gorilla trekking. There are 8 fully habituated gorilla families to be visited while at Virunga N/Park and these include the Lulengo gorilla group, Nyakamwe group, Munyanga, Rugendo, Mapuwa family, Humba, Kabirizi and Bageni family.
Tracking mountain gorillas in the Virunga Game Park takes 2-6 hours, and it is entirely done with a lead of an experienced park guide. Congo gorilla permits cost USD400 per person and your tour operator is still in a position to book a gorilla permit for you.
Birding
A birding expedition in Congo’s Virunga Park allows you to enjoy the sight of several Albertine rift endemic species and forest dwellers. These include the grey-throated barbets, Red-throated alethe, Narrow-tailed starling, white-headed wood hoopoe, olive sunbird, black-billed turacos, black thirsted wattle eye, thick billed seed-eaters, black saw-wing, Rwenzori turacos, Madagascar bee-eaters, and many others.
Nyiragongo hiking
Nyiragongo hiking is a lifetime adventure, an opportunity to conquer the summits of Mount Nyiragongo, the world’s active volcano. Rising up to 3470m, Mt. Nyiragongo has had multiple eruptions, with the current one experienced right 2021. A hike to this volcano’s summits may take about 6 hours depending on your physical preparedness.
Chimpanzee habituation
Chimpanzee habituation in Virunga began in 1987 by Frankfurt, a zoologist and this primate experience is conducted with a lead of researchers, rangers, and other conservationists. Chimpanzees are special creatures, with over 98% of their DNA similar to that of humans, which makes them our closest relatives. Unlike normal chimpanzee treks, habituation provides primate lovers unlimited time to interact, and explore more about chimpanzees and their daily behaviors.
Nature walks
Nature walks at Virunga introduce visitors to its hidden treasures. It is one great opportunity to enjoy close interaction with nature. Get to explore Virunga National Park’s floral and faunal species on foot with a lead of an experienced guide. Also, expect to enjoy breathtaking views of the eroded valleys of Ishango and Sinda, or view the Rwenzori Mountain ranges on the Ugandan side.
When to visit Virunga National Park in Congo?
Tourist activities in Virunga Game Park can be carried out at any time of the year, although the favorite time is during the dry season. The drier months of the year to consider marking on your travel calendar run between July and September, December to February. There are also 2 wet or rainy seasons although these come with heavy rains making it a bit challenging to embark on activities like gorilla trekking or volcano hiking. The wetter months of the year; are March to early June, and October to November.
Where to stay
The top places at Virunga National Park for tourist overnight stays include Lulimbi Tented Camp, Mikeno Lodge, Tchegera Island Camp, Bukima Tented Camp, Kibumbi Tented Camp, Mount Nyiragongo Summit Shelters, Lac Kivu Lodge and more.
Getting there
Rwanda to Virunga National Park on Congo safari; drive from Kigali to Congo border through Gisenyi town, about 4-5 hours’ drive. Essentials for the border crossing to Congo; visas, passports, and yellow fever vaccination certificate.
Uganda to Congo Virunga N/Park, fly to Entebbe Airport, then drive for 8-10 hours’ drive or fly to Kisoro airstrip and connect through Bunagana border. From Bunagana border to Virunga National Park takes about half an hour to drive.
By water transportation, you can spend about 3 hours on a boat ride on Lake Kivu and cross to Congo. However, before you consider undertaking a Congo safari to Virunga N/Park, stay up-to-date with current safety and security. This is why it is important to plan your Congo tour to Virunga with an informed tour operator on the ground with first-hand information about the area.
