Guide to visiting Virunga National Park : Virunga National Park is located in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo in Goma district, bordering Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Mgahinga national park in Uganda, the park is one of the oldest national park in Africa which as gazetted in 1925 purposely to protect the wildlife from the increased poaching Congo . Virunga National Park covers an area of about 8,090 square kilometers, holding third of the remaining world’s population of mountain gorillas. Virunga National Park is the only national park in the Democratic Republic of Congo housing a huge number of diverse biodiversity and flora.
The park is a home of the most captivating mountains such as Mount Nyiragongo, Mount Nyamuragira and Mount Mikeno with Mount Nyiragongo being the most magnificent volcano holding the world’s largest larva. Virunga National Park is a home to 8 habituated gorilla group such as Kabirizi group, Humba group, Rugendo group, Mapuwa group, Lulengo group, Munyanga group and Bageni group. , the park also boast stunning vegetation types, animal species such as Congo buffaloes, African elephants, giant forest hogs, hyenas, duckers, bush backs, conngo giraffes among others . This article presents to you the guide of vesting Virunga National Park; this article present to the guide of what you should know before visiting Virunga National Park.
Gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park is the main and famous activity conducted in the park, mountain gorillas are prized creatures in every Congo safaris in the Democratic Republic of Congo, this fascinating primates can only be found and trekked in only three countries in Africa such as in Mgahinga National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda, volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and in Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo itself. Trekking this thrilling primates give a life-long experience because it involves walking in the foot through the jungles of the dense forest in search for mountain gorillas in their natural dwell. Virunga National Park is a home to over 400 mountain gorillas of over1000 individuals remaining in the wild, mountain gorillas in Virunga national Park live in habituation groups of 8 gorilla family such as Nyakamwe gorilla family, Bageni gorilla family, Mapuwa gorilla family, Humba gorilla family, Kabirizi gorilla family, Munyanga gorilla family, Rugendo gorilla family and Lulengo gorilla family. Visitors while on a Congo gorilla trekking will get an opportunity to encounter with other wildlife species that reside in the forest such as the eastern chimpanzees, congo giraffes, buffaloes, elephant, topis, impalas, giant forest hogs, warthogs among others as well as different kinds of birds, and stuning vegetation cover.
Visitors should note that trekking mountain gorilla in the Virunga National Park only allowed to person above 15 years and with a maximum number of 8 persons, once the gorilla are found you will be allowed to be in theirs presence for only one hour interaction observing how they carry out their daily activities search as feeding, breastfeeding, playing among others, taking pictures and videos to take to the home people.
Besides the mountain gorilla trekking, the park also offers number of thrilling activities to visitors while on a Congo wildlife safari such as;
Chimpanzee trekking
Virunga National Park is home to a huge population of chimpanzees, our closest living relatives in the animal kingdom. These intelligent and social primates inhabit the dense forests and montane habitats of the park. Chimpanzee trekking in Virunga National Park offers a rare opportunity to observe these fascinating primates in their natural habitat, during the lush forests and diverse ecosystems of the average Chimpanzee trekking in Virunga National Park normally involves hiking through dense forests in search of habituated chimpanzee groups. Chimpanzee trekking in Virunga National Park is a guided thrilling adventure that takes visitors deep into the heart of the forest in search of habituated chimpanzee groups. Visitors during the hike will get a chance to encounter with the forest wildlife creatures including monkeys, birds, and small mammal. The chance to observe these animals in their natural habitat adds to the richness of the experience, offering sights into the complex nature experience that lasts for long. Upon encountering with this fascinating apes visitors will enjoy listening to all sounds and signs of chimpanzees in the wild while observing their humanized behaviors like carrying and breastfeeding their babies, playing , and fighting among others.
Hiking to the top of Mount Nyiragongo
Hiking to the summit of Mount Nyiragongo is one of the highlight to any safari in the Eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo, mount Nyiragongo is one of the 8 volcanos that make up the Virunga conservation region and the active volcanoes in the democratic republic of Congo. Hiking to the summit of Mount Nyiragongo is an exhilarating experience that takes you through lush forests, volcanic terrain, and actually containing one of the world’s largest and most active lava lakes. The hike normally begins from the park headquarters in Kibati. Where you will meet your guides, receive a briefing, and you remarkable start the trekking. During the hiking, visitors will be fascinated with the breathtaking scenery and the panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including neighboring peaks, valleys, and the Virunga National Park as well as wildlife such as monkeys, birds, and other forest creatures among others.
Cost of seeing the mountain gorillas in Congo
Mountain gorillas is one of the world’s primates which offers an unforgettable nature adventure once visited, seeing mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park in the democratic republic of Congo is not as much expensive as compared to the gorilla trekking in Rwanda or Uganda. The permit fee for gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park in Congo was $400 USD per person for non-nationals.
Essentials to pack for gorilla trekking safaris tours
While planning to have a Congo safari to the Virunga National Park, it is recommended for every visitors to move with the right gear and essentials to ensure your comfort, safety, and enjoyment during the adventure such as Long-Sleeved Shirts and Pants, Lightweight Waterproof Jacket or Poncho, Sturdy Hiking Boots, terrain, Hat with a brim or cap, Water Bottle or Hydration Bladder, Insect Repellent, Sunscreen, Camera or Smartphone, Gloves, Headlamp or Flashlight, Binoculars among others.
Best time to have a Congo wildlife safari in Virunga National Park
The best time to visit Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo is during the dry season, which usually runs from June to September, is often considered the best time for gorilla trekking. During this period, the trails are normally drier and more accessible, making it easier to navigate through the dense forests. More so, wildlife sightings are usually more frequent during the dry season.
While the dry season is favorite, some tourists also visit during the rainy season from October to May. During this time, the landscapes are lush and vibrant, and gorilla permits may be more readily available. However, trekking conditions can be more challenging due to muddy trails and heavier rainfall.
Accommodations facilities in Virunga National Park
Visitors planning to have Congo safaris in the Virunga National Park, a home to the third of the remaining mountain gorillas in the wild shouldn’t worry about where to stay in. well , Virunga National Park is strategically located in the Eastern part of the democratic republic of Congo . The park offers a range of accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets such as Mikeno lodge, Tchegera Island camp, Bukima Tented Camp, Kibumba Tented Camp, Nyiragongo Summit Shelters among others.
