The Senkwekwe Center: A Sanctuary of Hope in Virunga

Mountain gorillas are one of the most magnificent creatures. They fetch thousands of tourists from all over the world for a face to face encounter. Tourists meet these mighty apes in their natural habitats.

It is the most exclusive wildlife experience in Africa. It’s only done is three countries of Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Though these mountain gorillas are all the same, different destinations offer different experiences. Trekking the gorillas in Uganda’s Bwindi impenetrable forest is totally different. In contrast, the gorilla trekking experience in Rwanda’s Volcanoes national park is unique.

Travelers who trek gorillas in Virunga national park in Congo also get a unique package. Fortunately, it includes the Senkwekwe gorilla orphanage.

The Legacy of Senkwekwe

Senkwekwe Centre is positioned near Mikeno lodge at the headquarters of Virunga national park. The center got its name from a dominant silverback gorilla “Senkwenkwe” who was killed by rebels in 2007. He was the head of the Rugendo gorilla family and was killed together with three other members of the family.

This massacre left two orphaned gorillas, Ndeze and Ndakasi who were forced to live in a small compound in Goma town, an environment that wasn’t safe for these little gorillas. This was the major motivation for the construction of the center.

In 2009, the Senkwekwe center was built. By the end of 2010, two more orphan gorillas, Maisha and Koboko from Rwanda, were transferred to the center. The four gorillas fitted in very well. However, unfortunately, these two passed away still due to healthy issues.

This orphanage center is still a rehabilitation center for the eastern lowland gorillas that are secured from the animal traffickers. After rehabilitation, the eastern gorillas are then transferred to the Gorilla Rehabilitation and Conservation Education (GRACE) facility in eastern Congo.

Being powerful and large animals, it’s not an easy task to care for them, but thanks to the team that monitors the daily routine of these amazing apes.

Waking up usually starts at 6 am, when gorillas are seen playing and receiving breakfast in the morning. Then they are let out to the garden. They spend the entire day there. In fact, since they are now grown up, they no longer need a lot of attention. This is unlike the time when they were young.

Returning to the enclosure is usually at 4pm, obviously bribed with more food. These orphaned gorillas are fed with porridge and probiotics at 5pm for dinner and then put to bed with fresh leaves that help them build their nests as well as feeding.

It presents stunning opportunities for primate lovers to contribute to the conservation of these great giants of the forest. The mountain gorillas closely interact with humans at the center. This is an encounter that almost all world travelers are looking up to.

The gorilla sanctuary is now a home to over four orphaned mountain gorillas. Once retained at the center, the gorillas stay here for the rest of their lives. They just form a new gorilla family. Additionally, they become so used to living with human beings and the comfort in the enclosure.

Meet the Residents of Senkwekwe

While the center has faced challenges, including the passing of the iconic Ndakasi in late 2021, it continues to provide a permanent home for several survivors:

1. Ndeze: One of the original orphans from the 2007 Rugendo family massacre.

2. Matabishi: A young male who was rescued in 2010 after being found abandoned in a cornfield.

3. Yalala: A female who was secured from poachers after suffering a severe foot injury from a snare.

Note for 2026 Travelers: Because these gorillas have become habituated to human care and the security of the enclosure, they are not candidates for reintroduction into the wild. Instead, they form a unique “surrogate” family that acts as a powerful symbol of Congo’s conservation efforts.

Planning Your Visit to Virunga

Visiting the Senkwekwe Center is a highlight for many on a Congo safari.

• Accessibility: Travelers staying at Mikeno Lodge are typically granted complimentary access to the center.

• Conservation Impact: Visitors are encouraged to contribute to the sanctuary, as these funds directly support the high costs of specialized veterinary care and feeding.

• The Full Experience: Most itineraries combine a visit to the orphanage with Mount Nyiragongo hiking or traditional trekking in the Mikeno sector.