VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK IN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO.

Why choose Virunga National park as your safari destination.

Are planning to move to Africa and have not chosen your safari destination? The Democratic Republic of Congo has got you covered with Virunga National park. Virunga National park is located in the Albertine rift valley in the Eastern part of the Republic of Congo. The park is among the first protected areas in Africa created in 1925 covering an area of about 8,090square kilometers. Virunga National park consists of two active volcanoes- Mount Nyiragongo and Nyamuragira which have significantly shaped the national park’s wildlife and habitats. The park is a favorable place for a safari destination harboring a variety of different attractions as explained below which will definitely make you have a step back to Congo with either your friends or family members.

Mammals.

Virunga National park is home to about 218 recorded mammal species including the African bush elephant, hippopotamus, African buffalo and the Kob, lions, leopards, waterbuck, buffalos and many others. Enjoy in sighting all these mammals while having a game drive in the park and have a chance to take pictures of these animals.

Primate species.

Virunga National park habitats about 12 primate species including the mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, golden monkeys, red tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, olive baboon, grey-cheeked mangabey and other different others. Visit the park and enjoy staying with these humans like and playful creatures and also take pictures with them.

Bird species

Insight the beautiful and colorful bird species at Virunga National park since it is a home to about 706 bird species including the endemic one like Rwenzori turaco, Rwenzori batis, red-throated alethe, kivu ground thrush, regal sunbird, strange weaver and others and also the non-endemic birds include African hobby, harrier hawk, common buzzard, mountain buzzard and many others. Visit the park and enjoy listening to the song like sounds of these birds which shall surely make you forget about any stress.

Reptile and amphibian species.

Virunga National park is a home to about 106 reptiles and 65 amphibian species which are sighted along the shores of lake Edward, Albert and river Semliki. Reptiles sighted include the Nile crocodiles.

Besides the attractions in Virunga National park, a visitor can also take part in a various activities when at the park which include;

Mountain gorilla trekking.

Despite the large size of the park, Virunga National park does not have so many mountain gorillas but has 6 families that are open for tourism activities with Kabirizi family as the common one to travelers moving to Congo for trekking.

Chimpanzee habituation.

This is the second most popular tourism activity in Virunga National park. Walk into the rainforests and look for the chimpanzee families that are used to human presence. Travelers participating in this activity are given one hour to interact with the chimpanzees and also take some pictures with them.

Nature walks and hikes

Since Virunga National park is mainly a tropical rainforest vegetation, enjoy the guided nature walk through the forest and explore the breathtaking beauty and landscape of the park and view different tree species and also sight a various bird species. Also, enjoy the interesting and health hikes at Nyiragongo volcano. This is an active volcano where volcanic eruption takes place all year round. So engage in this rare experience of hiking to the summit of Nyiragongo and observe the natural geographical force as boiling molten lava gush out of the earth crust.

Accommodation facilities in Virunga National park

The park offers a wide range of accommodations ranging from budget, mid-range and luxury suits.  Some them include; Lulimbi tented camp, Kibumba tented camp, Bukima tented camp, Mikeno lodge, Mt. Nyiragongo summit shelters and others.