Virunga National Park located in Congo

Many people struggle to decide where to go in African countries since they don’t know enough about the attractions. This is one of the places you will go in Africa that will leave a lasting impression on you. Located in the eastern portion of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in the Albertine Rift Valley, is the Virunga National Park. Established in 1925, the park is among the earliest protected areas in Africa. It varies from 5,109 meters in the Rwenzori Mountains to 680 meters in the Semuliki River Valley.

The 8,090 km2 Virunga National Park is home to two active volcanoes, Mount Nyiragongo and Nyamuragira, which play a major role in forming the park’s ecosystems and fauna. In addition, the park is home to over 3,000 different kinds of birds, animals, reptiles, and flowers, as well as primates. These are some of the fascinating things to do at Virunga National Park:

Why go to Virunga National Park?

Trekking gorillas.

Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga National Park in Uganda, and Virunga National Park in Congo are among the national parks in Africa that are tasked with preserving the last remaining endangered mountain gorillas.

For many tourists, going on a gorilla trekking expedition is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to spend time up close and personal with these critically endangered animals. There are currently six gorilla families in Virunga National Park, with the largest family numbering over 40 individuals, available for trekking. The Kabirizi family is the one that tourists trek the most.

Chimpanzee trekking 

The majority of visitors to the Congo engage in this additional activity. In addition to chimpanzees, the park is home to roughly 22 other primates, including olive baboons, grey-cheeked mangabeys, red-tailed monkeys, and colobus monkeys. Other creatures that live in the park include African buffalo, hippopotamuses, and bush elephants.

Bird watching

Enjoy observing various bird species in Virunga National Park. There are approximately 706 bird species in the park, including endemic species like the Rwenzori turaco, harrier hawk, common buzzard, mountain buzzard, kivu ground thrush, blue headed sunbird, and regal sunbird, as well as non-endemic species like African hobby, black billed turaco, and others. Admire these birds’ various stunning colors as well as their melodic vocalizations.

Acquatic nature

The Semliki River flows through Virunga National Park, giving visitors a great opportunity to see a variety of reptiles, notably the Nile crocodiles.

Nature walks

When on a guided nature walk in Virunga National Park, take in the spectacular beauty of the tropical rainforest. Take in the various tree species and the stunning birdlife found in the rainforests while strolling around.

Hike in Nyiragongo
Nyiragongo is one of the two active volcanoes in Virunga National Park. All travelers should take advantage of this fantastic opportunity to hike to the peak of an active volcano where volcanic eruptions occur and witness the event. It’s also a really adventurous trek.

Where to sleep in Virunga National Park

Virunga National Park provides a variety of lodging options, including luxury suites, mid-range hotels, and affordable options, to meet every traveler’s budget. The lodging options include the Mt. Nyiragongo summit shelters, the Bukima tented camp, the Kibumba tented camp, and the Lulimba tented Camp.

Accessing Virunga National Park

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is to the east of the park. Taking a plane is the most convenient way to get to the park. Flying into Kigali International Airport, visitors connect by road through Gisenyi Town and then by dirt road to Goma. The park headquarters are located in Bukima, and it takes around two hours to get there by car from Gisenyi. Virunga National Park can provide you with the finest route to the park.