Congo safari in Virunga National Park
Congo safari in Virunga National Park
Virunga National Park is a protected area located in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo lost to the border with Rwanda and Uganda. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its incredible biodiversity and hosting one of the remaining populations of mountain gorillas. Virunga is the oldest national park in Africa gazetted in 1922 and covers an area of about 7800 Square Kilometers. Virunga National Park is one of the best destinations in the world to see Mountain Gorillas it is one of the three national parks that are found in the Virunga ranges, other national parks include Mgahinga Gorilla National Park found in Uganda and Volcanoes National Park found in Rwanda all these national parks are home to the endangered mountain gorillas. The park is home to three volcanoes – Mikeno, Nyamuragira, and Nyiragongo. The park is also known for its incredible number of wildlife species such as rare okapi, chimpanzees, forest elephants, African buffaloes, Ugandan Kobs, hippos, giant forest hogs, waterbucks, warthogs, topi, duikers, lions, colobus monkeys, and blue monkeys. There are 706 species of birds, 65 amphibians and 109 reptiles.
Unique tourist activities to do while on a Congo safari in Virunga National Park
Mountain gorilla trekking
A trip to Virunga National Park isn’t complete without seeing the endangered mountain gorillas. In this beautiful park, there are eight gorilla families that have become accustomed to human presence. The largest and most well-known of these is the Kabirizi family, which boasts 32 members. Mountain gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park normally starts with a briefing early in the morning with the guidelines about the rules and regulations as well as expectations and carry-on items while in the forest. This activity involves on foot trek through the lush forest in search of these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat. After you’ll be allocated a gorilla family and armed Park Rangers who will lead you to the forest to search for these incredible creatures in their natural habitat. during your trek, you will have an added chance to encounter other wildlife that dwells in the forest such as Chimpanzees, Blue Monkeys, Central African Red Colobus, De Brazza’s Monkey, Dent’s Mona Monkeys, Buffalos, African Bush Elephants, African Leopards, Bay Duikers as well as different colorful bird species. The trek takes about one to four hours.
Once you locate the gorilla family, you’re allowed to spend one hour watching them. During this time, you can observe their natural behaviors, including how they feed, groom each other, and care for their young ones. This hour is a unique opportunity to take photographs and immerse yourself in the experience.
Nature walks through the Virunga Forest
Virunga National Park is a treasure trove of different plants and animals. When you join a guided nature walk in the safe parts of the park, you get to enjoy stunning views, including the impressive Nyiragongo volcano. While taking a walk through the park, you can encounter a variety of wildlife, including monkeys, larger mammals, amphibians, and reptiles. While on your nature walks at the Virunga National Park one can also take walks to view the eroded valleys of Sinda and Ishango where you can gaze at the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains in Uganda. Each step in this beautiful landscape reveals something new and exciting, making for an unforgettable experience.
Chimpanzee trekking
Chimpanzee trekking in Virunga National Park is a thrilling adventure for anyone visiting the area, and many people enjoy pairing it with bird watching during their time in Congo. This journey takes you through vibrant rainforests in search of these incredible animals in their natural habitat. The day typically starts early, much like trekking for mountain gorillas, with a briefing that explains what to expect, how to approach the trek, and how to interact respectfully with the chimps.
Once you locate a group of chimpanzees, you have the chance to spend up to an hour watching them as they engage in their everyday activities. This time allows you to gain a deeper understanding of their behavior and social interactions, making for an unforgettable experience in the wild.
Birdwatching
Birdwatching in Virunga National Park is a favorite pastime for many bird lovers visiting Congo. This park is known for its incredible variety of ecosystems, including lush forests, shimmering swamps, and open grasslands. Because of this diverse environment, it is home to more than 500 different species of birds, making it a paradise for anyone who enjoys observing these beautiful creatures. During your birdwatching tour, you’ll have the chance to spot these bird species such as the Angolan swallow, Rwenzori batis, tropical boubou, Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird, Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird, Hairy-breasted Barbet, Spot-flanked Barbet, Double-toothed Barbet, Yellow-billed Barbet, White-fronted Bee-eater, Red-throated Bee-eater, White-throated Bee-eater, Olive Bee-eater, Croaking Cisticola, Short-winged Cisticola, Zitting Cisticola, Rwenzori Turaco, Francolins nobilis, Musaphaga, skimmers, shoebills storks, egrets, grey herons, ibises, grey-throated barbet, Grauer’s swamp warbler, alpine swift, African olive pigeon, white-headed woodhoopoes among others.
Hiking mount Nyirangongo
Hiking Mount Nyiragongo is a thrilling experience that takes you to a remarkable site: the largest active lava lake in the world. Mount Nyiragongo is one of the most active volcanoes in the world. The Mountain has erupted 34 times in recent centuries with the latest being in 2002. Thousands were rendered homeless as liquid lava and ash gushed out of the summit and spread quickly to nearby areas up to the shores of Lake Kivu. Once you reach the summit, you’re rewarded with panoramic vistas of the lush mountains and can even catch a glimpse of the neighboring countries of Uganda and Rwanda. This adventure is a fantastic opportunity to soak in the incredible beauty of the Virunga massif, ensuring that anyone who takes on this hike will have unforgettable memories.
Exploring the Batwa Community and Their Cultural Trail
The Batwa people, also known as pygmies, have called the forests of Virunga, Volcanoes, Bwindi, and Mgahinga National Parks home for thousands of years. Sadly, the march of civilization has brought about significant challenges for them. They have been forced out of their traditional forest homes in both Uganda and Rwanda and now they find themselves living in settlements on the outskirts of these parks. In the Virunga National Park, for example, many are now living along the fringes, in places like Buniga.
Visitors to the Virunga National Park have the opportunity to embark on a journey along the Batwa cultural trail, where members of the Batwa community themselves guide the experience. This trail offers a unique glimpse into their way of life. Guests can witness how the Batwa construct their huts, sample traditional dishes, and participate in lively dances that feature music played on their local instruments.
In addition to enjoying the cultural performances, visitors also get to learn practical skills from the Batwa. Activities may include gathering honey and discovering ancient farming techniques that have been passed down through generations, as well as getting hands-on experience with their traditional tools. The Batwa cultural trail is not just a tour, but a meaningful way to appreciate and understand the rich heritage of this resilient community.
Where to stay while on Congo safari in Virunga National Park.
Accommodations in Virunga National Park range from budget to mid-range to luxury. Some of the accommodation options here include Bukima Tented Camp, Kibumba Tented Camp, Mikeno Lodge, Tchegera Island Camp, and Lulimbi Tented Camp among others.
How to access Virunga National Park, Congo for gorilla trekking?
Virunga National Park is located in the Eastern Part of Congo. First, you’ll fly to Kigali International Airport then connect to Gisenyi town. From there, you’ll need to bead to Gisenyi town, a charming town close to the border. Once you’re in Gisenyi, you’ll cross the border into the democratic republic of Congo and make your way to Goma, a bustling town nearby.
After reaching Goma, it’s about a two-hour drive to the headquarters of Kahuzi Biega National Park, where your gorilla trekking safari adventure will begin. The journey takes you through some stunning scenery, so be sure to enjoy the views along the way.
