Located in Albertine Rift Valley in the Eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo is the oldest national park in Africa, Virunga National park. In 1925, the park was created among the first protected areas in Africa. Its altitude ranges from 2,230 ft in the Semliki River valley to16, 762ft in the Rwenzori Mountains. Looking at its borders from north to south, it extends about 300 km (190 mi), largely along the international borders with Uganda and Rwanda in the east. This Historical Park covers an area of 8,090 km2 (3,120 sq mi) and is listed in the List of World Heritage in Danger since 1994.
Virunga National park has two active volcanoes namely, Mount Nyiragongo and Nyamuragira which offer excellent hiking experiences to all tourists who visit the destination. While at the top of these two mountains, your eyes are fed with beautiful scenic views of plantations, water bodies and hills.
Virunga nation park possesses diverse habitats and wildlife, there are over 3,000 faunal and floral species recorded, of which more than 300 are endemic to the Albertine Rift such as the eastern gorilla (Gorilla beringei) and golden monkey (Cercopithecus Kandi).
Though this park has been for long threatened by political tension and insecurity that led to its closure time memorial, the situation has changed and the operations of the park are going on normally. The park is open for discoveries and adventure, with very qualified security guards taking charge of the destination.
It has a wide range of products for all its tourists ranging from, a very pleasant warm weather and mild shower, several bird species, mammals and primates such as chimpanzees, gorillas, baboons, and others.
Mountain gorillas are the prime attractions in this wonderful park, it’s amazing that even the gorilla permits are sold at a relatively cheaper price as compared to its counterparts Uganda and Rwanda.
Virunga national park gives its visitors a chance of getting involved in several activities such as Mountain Gorilla Trekking and full day habituation while visiting the Kabirizi family which is the most popular in the park, carrying out chimpanzee trekking and Habituation, landscape Viewing, Nyiragongo hike, Birding, Research, and others.
Gorilla trekking.
This is an activity that has been embraced by many visitors from all over the world, as compared to other countries that offer Gorilla trekking experience, Virunga national park offers it at a much more reduced price. You will start the activity with a pre-trekking briefing as you enjoy the cup of coffee that has been served for you. Thereafter, the park rangers will take you through the dos and don’ts while at the jungle with these relatives’; the trek takes from one to 4hours depending on how fit you are and the directions the gorillas have taken.
Hiking Mount Nyiragongo.
Sincerely speaking, hiking mount Nyiragongo is a very rewarding activity that know person should miss, this mountain is the most active mountain in Africa and the entire world, the number of times it has erupted can’t be derived at.
Hiking it starts at 10am local time lasting for approximately 5hours depending on how fit you are, upon reaching the summit, you get an opportunity of having a clear view of the entire Virunga national park as well as three countries at once, namely, Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo.
How to get to Virunga national park?
Accessing Virunga national park is very possible; the park is situated in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Though traveling by road might be quite challenging except when using the Goma route which is 32km close. One can choose to fly to Kigali international Airport then connect by road through Gisenyi town crossing to Goma.
The total journey time is a proximately two hour’s drive to reach the park’s Headquarters at Bukima. However, in case a traveler is connecting from Uganda, he or she will cross at Bunagana border post in Kisoro district. It is an hour’s drive to Bukima, one of the endangered mountain Gorillas trekking starting point.
Accommodation in Virunga national park.
The Park located in the Democratic Republic of Congo offers a wide range of accommodation to its guests ranging from luxury, midrange, and budget. Even though they are classified that way, all this accommodation offers professional services and care to their clients no matter where they come from.
For those who love camping, the destination also has space designated for those who love camping and its related activities. No matter your demands, The Park has got you and covered will ensure that all guests are happily attended to.
Virunga national park is now very open and receiving and an influx of guests each day, Why not think of being one of those visiting the oldest national park in Africa?, Let rumors of diseases, Cholera, or even political instability not stop you from reaching one of the richest parks in the world.
