Virunga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site founded in April 1925, is arguably the best national park to visit for those seeking to experience Africa’s true natural beauty. Despite occasional security challenges in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo, many tourists still desire to explore this remarkable park.
Covering 7800 square kilometers of land, Virunga is the oldest game park in Congo. It lies along the Great Albertine Rift to the east of DR Congo, bordering Uganda to the west. The park is divided into three sectors: northern, southern, and central.
The climate in Virunga National Park, influenced by Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone movements and southern El Niño oscillation, experiences both rainy and dry seasons. Rainfall occurs between March and mid-May and again between September and November. The abundant vegetation and favorable climate contribute to the park’s rich biodiversity.
Fauna in the park includes:
Local tribes, including the Batwa, Mbuti, Hutu, and Tutsi, live within the park. They benefit from tourism activities by working as porters and local tour guides. These tribes also showcase their rich cultures, heritage, songs, traditional dances, languages, and food to tourists.
The Congolese Institute of National Conservation (ICCN) manages the park. However, challenges persist due to the volatile situation in Eastern DR Congo. Over the last decade, approximately 175 park staff members have lost their lives to rebel elements and poachers. The park was most recently closed in May 2018 after three tourists were kidnapped; it reopened when deemed safe for visitors
Despite the volatile conditions in Eastern DR Congo and occasional park closures, the remarkable biodiversity of Virunga National Park continues to attract tourists. There are numerous activities to enjoy within the park, and while we won’t delve into all the details, here are some prominent ones:
For more details, explore our 2-day Nyiragongo hike package. Enjoy your adventure in Virunga National Park!
Feel free to ask if you need more information or have any other questions! In the comments below.
Uganda-Congo Route: Upon arriving at Entebbe International Airport, visitors have two options to reach the border between Uganda and Congo. The first is by road, which takes approximately 8 hours from Entebbe to the border. Public buses operated by companies like Horizon, Jaguar, Bismarkan, and Post offer this service, charging between $15 and $20 to reach Kisoro, the closest town to the Congo border at Bunagana.
For those who prefer not to endure the long road journey, chartered flights from Kajjansi Flying School (located between Kampala and Entebbe) to Kisoro are available. The flight takes just 30 minutes, allowing travelers to reach Virunga National Park from the Bunangana border swiftly.
Water Transport: Travelers seeking adventure and natural beauty can opt for a 3-hour boat cruise along Lake Kivu. This scenic cruise provides stunning views of Rwanda’s rolling hills, covered with green terraced plantations, and distant glimpses of the volcanoes in the Virunga region. We recommend using public boats for safety reasons.
Booking and Organizing: International visitors may find independently booking and organizing a trip to Virunga National Park complicated and time-consuming. To simplify this process, consider using our services as a reputable tour operator. Gorilla Trek Safaris can arrange accommodation, transport, and permits on your behalf, ensuring a comfortable and secure safari experience. Their standby guide/driver will assist you throughout the journey.
Packing List for Virunga National Park:
Essential Items for Your Safari in Virunga National Park: While some items are optional, they can easily become essential during your safari in Virunga National Park. These include allergy medicines, antibiotics, electric adapters, flashlights, hair shampoo, hand sanitizers, insect repellents, lip balm, pain killers, and vitamins.
Accommodations in Virunga National Park: Accommodation options are readily available within and around Virunga National Park, catering to different budgets. The hotels and lodges are categorized into three types: Budget, Mid-range, and Luxury. All categories offer good-quality services, although some extra amenities may not be available in budget rooms. To secure the best accommodations, consider booking in advance either independently or through a tour operator. Let’s explore a few notable options:
Feel free to explore these options and choose the one that best suits your preferences!
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