Virunga National Park Congo

Virunga National Park in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located on the border of Uganda and Rwanda. Virunga National Park is the oldest national park in Africa and has the biggest population of mammals, birds and reptiles in the African continent. It covers an area 7800Km2 (3000 square miles) (790,000 ha), that includes forests, savannas, lava plains, swamps, erosion valleys, active volcanoes, and the astonishing glaciated peaks of Rwenzori mountains.
The only park in the globe that hosts three taxa of Great Apes, Virunga national park in the Democratic Republic of Congo is most famous for housing up to about a quarter of the world’s critically endangered mountain gorillas, and the other two Great Ape species, the eastern lowland Grauer’s gorillas and chimpanzees. Virunga National park is also home to the Okapi, a threatened species that resembles a zebra but is more closely related to the giraffe. Large colonies of hippopotami, forest and savanna elephants, lions, and numerous rare bird species can also be found in the park.

Attractions in Virunga National Park Congo’s Brave Cake

Virunga National Park in Congo, inhabits the sensational Mountain Gorillas and a number of other animals like chimpanzees-99% human like ape, hippopotami, bird species, forest and Savannah elephants and lions. The park is also notorious for its two remarkable active volcanoes of Mt. Nyiragongo and Mt. Nyamuragira set in the massifs of Rwenzori and Virunga`s mountains. A detailed list of attractions includes;

Mountain Gorillas in Virunga National Park

Mountain Gorillas in Congo-Virunga National park is by far the most attractive ape in the world. Mountain Gorillas in Congo, found in Mikeno sector of the Virunga national park are grouped into families.

Chimpanzees in the Virunga National Park

Habituation of Chimpanzees in Congo-Virunga National Park has provided chimpanzee trackers in Congo with remarkable experience. Chimpanzees are the most related apes to humans (99% similar to human genes).

Wildlife In the Virunga National Park

The Rift Albertine region houses more endemic vertebrate species than any other region on the African continent and Congo-Virunga national park contains several examples of them. About 218 species of animals are recorded.

Volcanic Mountains In the Virunga National Park

Virunga National Park is unique with its active chain of volcanoes afro-montane forest belts to unique afro-alpine vegetation and permanent glaciers and snow on Mount Rwenzori.

Mount Nyiragongo in the Virunga National Park

Nyiragongo is just the second reason after gorilla tracking that Virunga National Park is an active travelers dream.

Mountain Gorillas in Virunga National Park

The Nyiragongo Volcano inhabits a wide of animal species in its lower forested slopes like human relatives- chimpanzees, monkeys.

The largest Lava lake on Mount Nyiragongo

Watch the bubbling cauldron from a safe distance and get a sense of the Earth’s fiery heart as the lava heaves, breathes and pops with hot gases.

The Vegetation In the Virunga National Park

The summit rim of mount Nyiragongo is mostly bear with no vegetation and usually covered with snow.

Tourist activities in Virunga National Park-Democratic Republic of Congo

A number of activities are done in Virunga National Park which includes birding, nature walks, both Gorilla and Chimpanzee trekking, Mt. Nyiragongo hiking and hiking to Senkwekwe orphanage. Tourist activities in Congo’s Virunga National park are detailed as below.

Gorilla Trekking In Virunga National Park

Gorilla tracking in Congo is a life changing experience that will secure you with eternal memory about Gorillas!

Chimpanzees Habituation in the Virunga Park

Chimpanzee tracking in Virunga National Park is made easy! tourists to Congo can do Chimpanzee habituation in Virunga.

Hiking Mount Nyiragongo in Congo-Virunga National Park

Mt. Nyiragongo is a stunning volcano enclosed with vegetation and sometimes is dusted with snow.

Birding in Congo’s Virunga National Park

Watching different species of birds using either your ears or eyes, telescopes, binoculars in their natural habitat is a way of relaxation.

Where to Stay on your Trip To Virunga National Park DR.Congo

Mikeno Lodge in Virunga National Park DR. Congo

The Mikeno Lodge in the Virunga National Park is a 90minute drive from Goma and offers large bungalows and a good restaurant.

Kibumba Tented Camp in Virunga National Park DR.Congo

Kibumba Camp is an excellent choice for those seeking a more affordable way to experience the mountain gorillas in Virunga

Tchegera Island Tented Camp in Virunga National Park DR.Congo

Tchegera Island Camp is good place to escape the hustle and bustle of Goma or to relax after climbing Nyiragongo volcano.

Nyiragongo Volcano Summit Shelters in Virunga NP DR.Congo

Each of the twelve summit shelters contains two single beds on which visitors can put their sleeping bags.