Why is Virunga National Park Still Popular?
Located in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Virunga National Park is renowned in Africa for its incredible array of species and stunning features, including lakes, rivers, and volcanoes. Situated in the Albertine Rift Valley, the park spans 8,090 sq. km. and extends approximately 300 km from north to south along the Ugandan border.
It is home to Nyiragongo and Nyamuragira, two well-known active volcanoes. Over 3,000 plant and animal species inhabit the park, with diverse ecosystems heavily influenced by the volcanoes. Of these, more than 300 are endemic to the Albertine Rift, such as the golden monkey and the eastern gorilla (Gorilla beringei).
In 1979, Virunga was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List because of its remarkable biodiversity, wide range of habitats, and endemism. Additionally, it is one of three parks in the Virunga Mountains region that protects endangered mountain gorillas. Due to local humanitarian crises and civil unrest, the park was listed as World Heritage in Danger in 1994.
Despite decades of insecurity, including the murder of rangers and kidnapping of visitors by various militia groups operating nearby, Virunga remains a major tourist destination. The park is still currently closed because of the political militia operating in Goma and Eastern Congo, but people still inquire and there is a lot of desire to visit Virunga. We continue to monitor the situation and we will update you when it is reopened so you can visit and enjoy its incredible wildlife and exciting adventures.
The park’s management works tirelessly to collaborate with law enforcement to ensure the safety of visitors, rangers, and animals alike.
Why do tourists keep wanting to visit Virunga National Park?
- Gorilla Trekking: Along with Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Virunga is one of three parks in the Virunga Mountains dedicated to conserving the critically endangered mountain gorilla population.
With hundreds of visitors daily, gorilla trekking is undoubtedly the park’s most popular activity. Eight habituated gorilla groups are available for daily visits, including those in Kabirizi, Humba, Rugendo, Mapuwa, Lulendo, Munyaga, Nyakamwe, and Bageni. The cost of a gorilla trekking permit in Virunga is $400 per person, significantly less than the $1,500 and $800 required in Rwanda and Uganda, respectively.
- Chimpanzee Habituation: One of the top wildlife experiences in Virunga is chimpanzee habituation. Trekkers pay $100 per person to observe these remarkable primates, which share up to 98% of human DNA. The goal of habituation is to enhance tourism by familiarizing chimpanzees with human presence.
Rangers and trackers guide tourists as they follow the chimps through their daily routines—feeding, playing, and climbing in trees.
- Hiking Nyiragongo Volcano: Mount Nyiragongo, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, has erupted several times recently, most notably in May 2021. These eruptions often cause loss of life and significant property damage. Hiking the volcano offers stunning views of the surrounding volcanoes, forests, and the Virunga range, along with the red-hot crater at the summit.
Hikers should bring water to stay energized, and porters can be hired to assist those who may tire before reaching the top and returning safely. Nature Walks. Visitors on nature walks in Virunga are treated to close-up views of iconic wildlife and volcanic landscapes. These walks offer sightings of amphibians, birds, reptiles, and primates.
- Batwa Cultural Tour: The Batwa tribe has lived in the Virunga forests for thousands of years. As an indigenous people, they have maintained their traditional way of life despite others being displaced by civilization. They still reside in forested areas in grass-thatched homes and practice hunting and other customs.
However, displacement has impacted their community, prompting efforts for animal protection and tourism support. The park management organizes cultural visits with the Batwa, allowing visitors to interact with and learn about this extraordinary community. Guests are welcomed with lively traditional songs and dance performances before exploring their livelihoods, including farming, hunting, and tool-making.
The above are the major reasons people plan to visit Virunga, but there is more to a destination than its physical attractions and visible features. Virunga, and Congo in general, is amazing! You should keep it on your list.
Experienced webmaster and copywriter with 16 years of experience in the East African tourism industry. Jerome possess excellent knowledge about gorilla trekking, wildlife safaris, chimpanzee tracking, and accommodations across major destinations in East Africa.
