Established in 1925 by Albert 1 the king of Belgium, Virunga National Park is the oldest protected area in Africa.
The reason for its establishment was mainly to provide home to diverse Wildlife species in the Eastern region of Democratic Republic of Congo.
In 1970s when the country’s president got an interest in conserving Wildlife, this Park was restored from the deteriorating state that resulted after Independence in 1960. It is now a great place for holidays in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
It occupies a total area of 7800 square kilometers stretching from the Virunga mountains in the South to the Ruwenzori Mountains in the North. It is made up of crater lakes, Albertine rift, woodlands, grasslands, Wetlands, swampy areas and Volcanic Mountains.
The park’s diverse fauna consists of mammals, reptiles and bird species. The main highlights here are Mountain Gorillas, Chimpanzees, Wild animals like buffaloes and more.
In 1979, UNESCO declared it a World heritage site and later listed amongst the Heritage site under danger in 1994. This was due to constant civil wars including the 1990 war period in Rwanda.
Virunga’s average temperature vary between 16 -24 degrees Celsius at higher altitudes and 23-28 degrees Celsius in the Lowlands. It receives heavy rainfall in the months of May, March, September and November.
These favorable conditions are a reason to the high growth of luxuriant plants approximated to 2077 plant species including 230 species of grasses, 264 trees and more.
Moreover, Virunga National Parks is home to 22 primates, 109 reptiles, 65 amphibians, 706 bird species and 218 mammals.
Getting there.
Travelling to Virunga is so challenging but when you arrange with the Virunga foundation it’s a journey without hustle.
By use of a local tour operator you can book with Virunga foundation for all transportation services from Goma border up to Virunga National Park. Travelers often fly to Kigali international Airport in Rwanda, this is the safest and comfortable option.
Then from Kigali airport you will connect to Goma border by road through Gisenyi town. The transportation from Kigali to Goma border is by the driver guide allocated by your local tour operator in Rwanda or Uganda.
Driving in a suitable safari jeep, it takes two hours from Goma up to Bukima, the exact location for Virunga Park headquarters.
Documentations like a Tourist Visa, yellow fever vaccination card and a valid passport are required at Goma border for entry permission. You must apply for a Visa in advance before the travelling dates.
Tourists from Uganda to DR Congo have an option to cross via Bunagana border from Kisoro. From the border it takes about one or two hours to drive up to Bukima.
Top Activities in the Park
Gorilla Trekking.
With certainty, Gorilla trekking is the main motive for most Safaris to the great Virunga National Park. It is everyone’s dream to meet face to face with the species of Mountain Gorillas in the dense Jungles of the Park.
Gorilla trekking expeditions are arranged daily and grant travelers majestic opportunities to watch the Mountain Gorillas at a close range as there are carrying out different day to day activities like feeding, playing, laughing, constructing temporary huts and more.
Time taken in the Jungle and distance moved depends on where these apes spent their last night. After locating them, you are allowed to be in their presence for only one hour.
You are free to take lots of photos and videos for these creatures but remember that cameras with flush light are not allowed for use – a reason being, you may scare these apes and tempt them to attack you. This excursion requires a permit which costs $400 USD per person.
Chimpanzee Habituation.
This is the other appealing activity to enjoy in Virunga National Park. Chimpanzees are the closet primates to human features. With their catching features and behaviors, these primates are worth to visit while in Virunga.
If you intend to this, then you should be part of the Chimpanzee habituation experience in Tango forest.
It starts early in the morning after briefing and only four tourists are allowed per session. You will spend some time in the Jungles with these primates while following their movements.
While in the Jungle, you are exposed to other wildlife species like monkeys, baboons, birds, insects and more.
Nyiragongo Hiking.
For those who are after adventure, Virunga has a perfect treat for you and this is the breathtaking Nyiragongo hike. Nyiragongo is an active volcano in Virunga. It stirs travelers with its burning lava lakes and sweeping views from the top.
Hiking expeditions to and from the top takes two full days with a night stay at the top. It is strenuous but rewarding once you make it to the top.
