Virunga National Park
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Virunga National Park DR Congo
Virunga obtained the acknowledgment of the UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979.Thanks to the exceptional natural heritage and the good ecosystems state of conservation integration of mountaineering and trekking adventures and to its role as cross border protected area with Rwenzori national park and Volcanoes National Park.
Size of Virunga National Park DR Congo
The National park is formerly known as “Albert National Park” is known for its magnificent tropical Rain forest, as well as one of Africa’s first National park covers a geographical landscape of 7800 square kilometers about 3000 miles, and is located in the Eastern part of Democratic Republic of Congo stretching from the Virunga mountains in the south to the Rwenzori mountains in the North. The park also borders both Rwenzori and Queen Elizabeth National Parks in Uganda.
Location of Virunga National Park DR Congo
Virunga National Park is located in the center of the Albertine Rift, of the Great Rift Valley East of the Democratic Republic of Congo bordering Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. In the southern part of the Park, tectonic activity due to the extension of the earth’s crust in this region has caused the emergence of the Virunga massif, comprising eight volcanoes, seven of which are located, totally or partially in the Park. Among them, are the two most active volcanoes of Africa -Nyamuragira and nearby Nyiragongo – which between them are responsible for two-fifths of the historic volcanic eruptions on the African continent and which are characterized by the extreme fluidity of the alkaline lava.
How best can you get to Virunga National Park?
By Road
The best way to get to Virunga National Park located East of the Democratic Republic of Congo by Road is via the Rwandan capital Kigali, the 4-hour drive from Kigali to Gisenyi town where you will cross to the Goma town via the Goma border where the national park Headquarters, it’s advised to spend a night in Gisenyi as the Boarder crossing can be a bit slow and it needs time
By Air
Travelers can fly from Kinshasa to Goma airport where they can be picked up by a guide and transfer to the park offices in Goma to make clearance from the tourism services before proceeding to the park.
Activities in Virunga National Park
Mountain gorilla trekking experience
Situated at an adjoining point of the range of the geographical zones, Virunga still offers a great deal of reach biodiversity, Virunga together with Mgahinga and Volcanoes national park features a count of 480 mountain gorillas slightly more than half of the world’s mountain gorillas.
Gorilla trekking is the main tourism activity in Congo and Virunga counts amongst the four national parks with the surviving mountain gorillas. The park consists of eight gorilla families all of which are exposed for trekking with Kabirizi being the largest group with 32 individual gorillas while others include; Rugendo, Manyara, Mapuwa, Lulengo among others.
Trekking gorillas is so interesting that the activity starts in the morning, with the carrying capacity of members per group per family taking a time range of about 30mins to 6 hours each day depending on the location of the group at an affordable rate of $$400 per person.
Chimpanzee habituation experience
Like gorilla trekking, Chimp Habituation is also another thrilling activity in Virunga National park. Although it was introduced by zoologist Frunkfirt, Chimp habituation builds a great bond between humans, and they because they have been trained easily socialize with people within their locality each time they are visited. A little difference with the habituation process is that each group consists of 4 clients per group at an affordable rate of $$100 per permit per person and the experience is worth the value as you will watch chimps do their daily chores right from the time they get out of their nests to when they build their new nests for that night.
Ultimate Active Nyiragongo hike
Not only is Virunga blessed with wildlife adventures, but also hiking the mighty and the most active Nyiragongo volcano that attracts a number of mountaineers all over the world because of its ever boiling lava in the lava lake at the summit. The volcano is liable for about 24 groups per group per day at an affordable rate of $300 per person but it would be better if an additional extra $$100 dollars for the Mikeno package in order to cater to the meals and other extra inclusive packages.
Primate and Nature walks
The dense vegetation, Virunga National park contains several trails leading to different directions and sites within the park which promotes incredible nature walks along which there are great encounters of wildlife though shy these including monkeys, elephants, and buffaloes, kobs, and a large concentration of hippopotamus living in the banks of Lake Edward and other water bodies in within the park.
Attractions in Virunga National Park
Due to its unique Landscape, Virunga National Park becomes the most famous home to two big ape species living in the same territory including mountain gorillas, chimpanzees whilst other wildlife species seen in the national park including Lions, Elephants, Hippos, Buffalos, Antelopes, Kob, waterbucks Topis, among others. This result clearly explains that Virunga National Park is home to 218 mammal species, 109 reptiles, 78 amphibian species, and 22 primates not forgetting 706 bird species.
When to visit Virunga National Park
Volcanoes national park is open all year round but the park’s location east of the country and at the base of the Rwenzori mountains makes is received two massive rain seasons from March-May and September which can make activities in the park a bit tough in terms of hiking however the best time is the two dry seasons from June to September and from December to February.
Where to stay in Virunga National Park
Virunga like many destinations in Africa does not have a variety of accommodation facilities and the few are made comfortable for travelers who intend to visit the park for the ultimate gorilla trekking experience and hiking the Nyiragongo active volcano.
Mikeno lodge
In the jungle of Rumangabo, the brand new Mikeno Lodge is arising which will serve as a comfortable central spot for tourists to start their visit to Virunga National Park. At Mikeno Lodge you can also visit the only four captives (orphaned) mountain gorillas in the world, at the spacious Senkwekwe center.
Ngila lodge
Ngila is a new lodge located at the edge of the forest and the lodge is built beautifully to give clients that much needed relaxation after gorilla trekking in the park.
TChegera island camp
The perfect location for the end of your Virunga National Park experience and to get away from the busy hustle in Goma is without a doubt the TChegera Island Camp. We recommend a stay of two nights; it’s the perfect opportunity to relax for a couple of days after climbing the Nyiragongo volcano or visiting the gorillas.
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