Things to Do in Virunga National Park, République démocratique du

Virunga National Park, Africa's oldest national park established in 1925, is one of the world's most biodiverse protected areas and a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. This extraordinary 7,800-square-kilometer park encompasses an incredible range of ecosystems, from the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains and active volcanoes to dense rainforests, savannas, and the shores of Lake Edward. Despite facing significant conservation challenges due to regional instability, Virunga remains home to approximately one-third of the world's critically endangered mountain gorillas, along with forest elephants, hippos, chimpanzees, and over 700 bird species. The park's dramatic landscape is dominated by the Virunga Massif, a chain of eight volcanoes including the active Nyiragongo with its spectacular lava lake, and Mount Nyamuragira. Virunga represents one of the last great wilderness areas in Africa, offering visitors the rare opportunity to experience pristine ecosystems and encounter some of the planet's most endangered species. The park's dedicated rangers and conservation efforts, supported by tourism revenue, work tirelessly to protect this natural treasure for future generations.

Top Things to Do in Virunga National Park

Mountain Gorilla Trekking

Experience one of wildlife's most profound encounters by tracking endangered mountain gorillas through dense forest slopes of the Virunga Massif. Spend precious time observing these gentle giants in their natural habitat, watching their complex social interactions and behaviors. This life-changing experience supports crucial conservation efforts while providing intimate access to one of our closest relatives in the animal kingdom.

Booking Tip: Permits cost around $400 and must be booked well in advance through Virunga National Park authorities. Best visited during dry seasons (June-September, December-February) when trails are more accessible. Choose operators with strong safety records and experienced guides.

Nyiragongo Volcano Hike

Embark on a challenging but rewarding hike up the active Nyiragongo volcano to witness one of the world's largest lava lakes. The overnight trek involves camping on the crater rim at 3,470 meters altitude, offering spectacular views of the bubbling lava below. This unique geological phenomenon creates an otherworldly experience as the lava lake glows against the night sky.

Booking Tip: Two-day trek costs approximately $300-400 including camping equipment and meals. Requires good physical fitness and proper hiking gear. Book during dry season for safer conditions and clearer views of the lava lake.

Chimpanzee Tracking

Venture into the Tongo Forest to track habituated chimpanzee communities and observe their fascinating behaviors in the wild. These intelligent primates showcase complex social structures, tool use, and communication methods that provide insights into human evolution. The forest trek also offers opportunities to spot other primates and forest birds.

Booking Tip: Permits cost around $100 and tracking sessions typically last 2-4 hours. Best success rates occur early morning when chimps are most active. Book through authorized park operators and combine with gorilla trekking for comprehensive primate experience.

Lake Edward Boat Safari

Explore the pristine waters of Lake Edward on boat safaris that reveal hippo pods, Nile crocodiles, and diverse waterbird species including pelicans, cormorants, and fish eagles. The lake's shoreline provides habitat for buffalo, elephants, and antelope that come to drink, while the surrounding wetlands support incredible biodiversity.

Booking Tip: Half-day boat trips cost $50-80 per person with park rangers as guides. Early morning departures offer best wildlife viewing and calmer waters. Bring sun protection and waterproof bags for equipment.

Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla Orphanage Visit

Visit the world's only facility caring for orphaned mountain gorillas, learning about conservation efforts and the challenges facing these endangered primates. The center provides sanctuary for gorillas whose parents were killed by poachers or conflict, offering educational insights into gorilla behavior and conservation work. Meet the dedicated caregivers and learn about rehabilitation efforts.

Booking Tip: Visits cost around $15 and can be combined with other park activities. Open daily with guided tours explaining conservation programs. Photography permitted with additional fee, and visits directly support gorilla care and conservation efforts.

Getting There

Access to Virunga National Park is primarily through Goma, the nearest major city in North Kivu province. Fly into Goma International Airport via connections through Kinshasa, Kigali (Rwanda), or Entebbe (Uganda), with several regional airlines serving the route. Overland travel from Rwanda through the Goma border crossing is possible but requires proper documentation and security clearance. All visitors must coordinate entry through official Virunga National Park channels and obtain necessary permits and security briefings before accessing park areas.

Getting Around

Transportation within Virunga National Park is arranged exclusively through official park vehicles and guides for security and conservation reasons. 4WD vehicles transport visitors to various trailheads and activity starting points, with some areas requiring hiking or boat transport. Park rangers accompany all activities, providing both guidance and security. Helicopter transfers are occasionally available for certain areas during stable periods, but most transportation is ground-based with experienced local drivers familiar with park conditions.

Where to Stay

Bukima Tented Camp

Tchegera Island Lodge

Kibumba Tented Camp

Goma city hotels

Mikeno Lodge

Community guesthouses

Food & Dining

Dining in Virunga National Park centers around lodge restaurants and camp facilities that serve hearty meals designed for active travelers, featuring local Congolese cuisine alongside international options. Bukima and Kibumba camps provide all meals as part of packages, emphasizing fresh ingredients and substantial portions to fuel trekking activities. In nearby Goma, local restaurants offer Congolese specialties like fufu, grilled tilapia from Lake Kivu, and tropical fruits, while some establishments cater to international tastes with European and East African influences.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Democratic Republic of the Congo

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When to Visit

The optimal time to visit Virunga National Park is during the dry seasons from June to September and December to February, when trails are more accessible and weather conditions are favorable for trekking activities. These periods offer clearer skies for volcano viewing and better road conditions within the park. However, security conditions significantly impact accessibility, so visitors must stay updated on current situations and follow official park advisories. The park's equatorial location means temperatures remain relatively stable year-round, but higher elevations can be quite cold, especially during overnight volcano treks.

Insider Tips

Always check current security conditions and obtain official clearance before traveling, as access can change rapidly due to regional instability

Pack warm clothing for high-altitude activities like Nyiragongo volcano treks, as temperatures can drop significantly at crater rim elevations

Support local conservation efforts by purchasing park merchandise and tipping guides and porters, as tourism revenue directly funds anti-poaching and community programs

Things to Do in Virunga National Park