Virunga National Park is a protected area located in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Established in 1925, it is Africa’s oldest national park and is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna, including the critically endangered mountain gorillas. The park is also home to chimpanzees, forest elephants, and a wide variety of bird species. Additionally, it boasts three of the world’s most active volcanoes, making for some stunning landscapes.
Despite its beauty, the park has faced significant challenges over the years, including poaching, political instability, and armed conflict. However, efforts to protect the park and its inhabitants have persisted, and today, it remains a popular destination for tourists seeking to explore the natural wonders of Central Africa.
More about Virunga National Park
Visitors interested in experiencing Virunga National Park can plan their trip well in advance, as the park is only open during certain months of the year. Travelers can explore the park by trekking to see the gorillas, hiking the volcanic mountains, and visiting the various villages that surround the park.
Virunga National Park is a remarkable destination for those who seek adventure and want to experience the beauty of Africa’s wildlife and landscapes. It’s a place where visitors can get up close with gorillas in their natural habitat and witness the power of some of the world’s most active volcanoes. As one of the world’s most important natural habitats, Virunga National Park is a must-see for any traveler looking to experience the raw, unfiltered beauty of Central Africa.
Virunga is the oldest wildlife protected area on the African soil created in 1925 by Frankfurt Zoological to protect and conserve the unique wildlife species therein, for science and research purposes and protecting an indigenous threatened fruit-gathering community; the Twa. The Virunga wildlife conservancy is the joint where the West African rainforests meet with the East African savanna grasslands and runs more than 300 km (190 mi) along the Albertine rift that splits the African continent from north to south.
Top Activities to do/see at Virunga National Park
Gorilla Trekking
Gorilla trekking is one of the most exciting activities that you can undertake while visiting the Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The park is home to several families of the endangered mountain gorillas, and gorilla trekking is an excellent way to observe them in their natural habitat.
Gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park is carried out under the supervision of experienced guides and trackers who will take you through the dense forest to locate the gorilla families. Once you find the gorilla family, you will spend up to an hour in their presence, observing them as they go about their daily activities such as feeding, playing, and interacting with one another.
Gorilla trekking requires a moderate level of fitness as the hike can take several hours, and the terrain can be challenging. However, the experience of being close to the gorillas in their natural habitat is a truly memorable one that is worth the effort.
Volcano Hiking
Volcano hiking is another popular activity in Virunga National Park, especially for those who are looking for a thrilling adventure. The park is home to several active volcanoes, including the Nyiragongo and Nyamuragira volcanoes, which offer some of the most spectacular hiking experiences in the world.
Nyiragongo volcano is one of the most famous volcanoes in Africa, and it is known for its impressive lava lake. Hiking to the summit of the volcano takes about six hours, and the trek is challenging, requiring a good level of fitness. The hike starts from the park headquarters in Rumangabo and passes through the lush forest before reaching the barren terrain at the summit. The view of the bubbling lava lake is truly awe-inspiring and is well worth the effort.
Nyamuragira volcano is also an active volcano that offers a unique hiking experience. The trek to the summit takes about four hours and passes through a beautiful landscape of dense forest and savanna. The view from the summit offers a panoramic view of the surrounding area and the stunning lava flows.
Chimpanzee Trekking
Chimpanzee trekking is another exciting activity that visitors can enjoy in Virunga National Park. The park is home to several habituated chimpanzee families, which can be tracked with the help of an experienced guide.
The chimpanzee trekking experience is similar to gorilla trekking, and visitors will need to obtain permits before setting out on the trek. The trek takes visitors through dense forest and along winding paths, where they will have the opportunity to see other wildlife such as forest elephants, monkeys, and a variety of bird species.
As visitors get closer to the chimpanzees, they will be able to observe their natural behavior, such as grooming, feeding, and playing. The chimpanzees in Virunga National Park are known for their active and playful nature, which makes the experience all the more memorable.
Bird Watching
Virunga National Park is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 700 bird species recorded in the park. The park’s diverse habitats, which range from dense forests to savannas, make it an ideal location for birdwatching enthusiasts.
Birdwatchers can look forward to seeing a wide range of species, including African Grey Parrots, Great Blue Turacos, Bar-tailed Trogon, Mountain Buzzard, and African Green Broadbill. Other common sightings include African Pitta, Red-throated Alethe, and the beautiful Rwenzori Turaco.
The best time for birdwatching in the park is during the dry season, from June to September, when the weather is favorable and the birds are most active. However, birdwatching can be done all year round, and the park’s expert guides are available to assist visitors in spotting the various species. visitors can also participate in bird ringing, which is a scientific method of studying bird populations. This activity involves trapping and tagging birds for identification and tracking purposes.
Nature Walks
Nature walks in Virunga National Park offer a unique opportunity to explore the park’s beautiful landscapes and diverse wildlife on foot. The park has a network of nature trails that range from easy to challenging, making it accessible to visitors of all ages and fitness levels.
During a nature walk, visitors can expect to see a wide range of wildlife, including primates, antelopes, and various bird species. The park’s expert guides are available to lead visitors on the trails and provide insightful information on the park’s ecosystem and its inhabitants.
One of the most popular nature walks in the park is the Bukima Nature Trail, which offers stunning views of the park’s lush forest and the Nyiragongo volcano. The trail is also home to several species of primates, including chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, and baboons.
Another popular nature walk is the Tongo Nature Trail, which offers visitors a chance to see various species of antelopes, including bushbucks and forest duikers. The trail is also home to several bird species, including the African Green Broadbill and the Rwenzori Turaco.
Visitors can also take part in night walks, which offer a unique opportunity to see the park’s nocturnal wildlife. During a night walk, visitors can expect to see various species of primates, including the elusive bushbaby and the pottas.