Virunga National Park, also called Albert National Park, was the first national park created in Africa. It was established in 1925 and covers 7,800 square kilometers. The park was started to protect the endangered mountain gorillas during the civil wars in Congo.
Virunga is known for its active volcanoes, Savannah plains, rainforests, erosion valleys, swamps, lava plains, and the Mountains of the Moon. It became a World Heritage Site in 1979.
Most Congo safaris and gorilla trekking tours happen in Virunga National Park.
The park is home to two of the world’s most active volcanoes. At night, the glow from the lava lake at Mount Nyiragongo can be seen from far away. Virunga also has many mammals, primates, birds, and the largest group of hippos in Africa.
Gorilla Trekking in Virunga National Park
Gorilla trekking is the main activity for visitors. About 300 mountain gorillas live in the southern part of the park. There are over eight gorilla families that have been habituated and can be visited. Tourists are allowed to spend one hour with these gorillas.
A gorilla permit in Virunga costs $400 per person. Children under 15 years are not allowed to do gorilla trekking. It is important to follow the rules and guidelines during the trek.
The gorilla families in Virunga include Mapuwa, Rugendo, Kabirizi, Lulengo, Munyaga, Nyakamwe, Bageni, and Humba.
Chimpanzee Trekking and Habituation
Chimpanzee habituation helps chimpanzees get used to people. Only four visitors are allowed per day, and they can spend four hours with a chimpanzee group. This activity began in 2014 and gives tourists a chance to observe chimpanzees in the same way as mountain gorillas.
Wildlife in Virunga National Park
Besides mountain gorillas, Virunga also has eastern lowland gorillas and many other primates. These include chimpanzees, black and white colobus monkeys, olive baboons, blue monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, De Brazza monkeys, vervet monkeys, and bush babies. Other animals found in the park include okapi, zebras, hippos, forest elephants, topis, buffaloes, warthogs, and several types of antelope.
Bird Watching in Virunga
Virunga is a good place for bird watchers. The park has many bird species, including some that are only found in the Albertine region. Birds you may see include the Double-toothed barbet, Grey-throated barbet, Narrow-tailed starling, Madagascar Bee-eater, Rwenzori Batis, African olive pigeon, Mountain illadopsis, Tropical boubou, White-headed wood hoopoe, Handsome francolin, Alpine swift, Thick-billed seed-eater, Chestnut-throated Apalis, Black-headed waxbill, Mackinnon’s shrike, Mountain greenbul, Blue-spotted wood dove, Angolan swallow, Black and white manikin, Barred long-tailed cuckoo, Chubb’s cisticola, Green sandpiper, Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater, Blue-headed sunbird, Strange weaver, African dusky flycatcher, and Harrier hawk, among others.
Climbing Mount Nyiragongo & Mount Nyamuragira
Mount Nyiragongo is one of the most active volcanoes in Africa. It has the world’s largest lava lake. The mountain is 3,470 meters high and has erupted at least 35 times since 1882. No one knows how long it has been active. Tourists can hike to the top for great views. At night, the lava lake glows brightly.
Mount Nyamuragira is also an active volcano. It has erupted at least 40 times since 1885. It erupts from the summit and from the sides, sometimes creating small temporary volcanoes. Some recent eruptions were in January 2010 and November 2011. It can also be hiked and offers views that are even more special than what a camera can capture.
Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage Center
The Senkwekwe center is located near Mikeno Lodge, at the park’s headquarters. It is home to orphaned gorillas. The center was started after two young gorillas were rescued following a deadly attack in 2007. The center is named after Senkwekwe, a gorilla who was killed in the same event. The rescued gorillas now live together in the center and interact closely with humans. Visitors can see how they behave in their new home.
Best Time to Visit Virunga
The best time to visit Virunga National Park is in the dry season. Roads are easier to use, and the trails for hiking and trekking are not muddy or slippery. During this time, it is also easier to see animals because the grass and plants are shorter.
What you pack will depend on what activity you plan to do and the time of year. During the rainy season, it is good to carry hiking boots, gloves, warm clothes, a raincoat, insect repellent, snacks, water, and other useful items.
Porters are available to help carry your backpack.
There are many places to stay while visiting Virunga. These include Mikeno Lodge, Tchegera Tented Camp, Bukima Tented Camp, Nyiragongo Volcano Summit Shelters, and others.
Virunga is easy to reach from Kigali International Airport. Most visitors land in Kigali, then drive about 3 to 4 hours to the border between Congo and Rwanda, at Gisenyi or Goma.
Crossing the border is simple if you have a visa and a yellow fever vaccination card.
