VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK

Overview

Virunga National Park is one of Africa’s most spectacular wildlife destinations and one of the last refuges for the critically endangered mountain gorilla. Located in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, it is nestled within the Virunga Massif, a chain of eight volcanoes that straddle the country’s borders with Rwanda and Uganda.

Covering about 7,800 square kilometres, Virunga is Africa’s oldest national park, established in 1925. The park’s landscapes range from mist-covered volcanic slopes and dense montane forests to open savannahs and the shores of Lake Edward. Mountain gorilla trekking is the main attraction in Virunga National Park, offering travellers a sustainable encounter with habituated gorilla families in their natural habitat.

Beyond gorilla trekking, Virunga National Park offers several other unique experiences. An active volcano dominates the park’s southern skyline, its lava lake visible from the summit. To the north, the land flattens into open savannah around Lake Edward, home to hippos and other wildlife. In the forested sectors, visitors can explore other primates, including chimpanzees and monkeys, as well as a diverse array of bird species that vary with altitude and habitat.

About Virunga National Park

Virunga National Park was established in 1925 as Albert National Park, making it the first national park ever created on the African continent. Its original purpose was to protect the mountain gorillas and the rich ecosystems of the Virunga Massif, a volcanic chain that spans the borders of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Rwanda, and Uganda.

The park covers 7,800 square kilometres of rugged terrain and dramatically varied landscapes, from dense lowland and montane forests to open savannah, swampy wetlands, lava plains, and the higher slopes of volcanoes. Virunga also reaches into the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains, whose peaks rise above 5,000 metres, creating unique afro-alpine habitats alongside tropical woodlands.

Virunga’s significance rose in 1979 when it was internationally recognised and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding natural value, both in terms of scenery and biodiversity. The park is one of the most biologically diverse protected areas in Africa, supporting an extraordinary variety of plant and animal life across multiple ecosystems.

Virunga’s wildlife richness is part of what makes it exceptional. The park is the only protected area on Earth that is home to three types of great apes: the mountain gorilla, the eastern lowland gorilla, and the eastern chimpanzee, as well as over 200 species of mammals, including elephants, okapi, and hippos. Birdlife in Virunga National Park is abundant too, with more than 700 recorded species, and reptiles and amphibians add to the park’s remarkable diversity.

While the park has faced profound challenges over the decades, from regional conflict to pressures on land and wildlife, its World Heritage status emphasises both its global importance and the ongoing effort to protect one of Africa’s most treasured wildlife species and natural landscapes.

Getting to Virunga National Park

Virunga National Park lies in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, near the borders of Rwanda and Uganda, and is accessed through the city of Goma, which serves as the main gateway to the park.

By Road

• From Goma city, most sectors of Virunga National Park are reached within 30 minutes to 2 hours by road, depending on the section of the park. The Rumangabo Park Headquarters is about 30 to 40 minutes from Goma, while gorilla trekking sectors such as Bukima and Kibumba typically take 1 to 2 hours to reach under normal conditions.
• For international travellers, the most common access route is via Kigali, Rwanda, which is a 3 to 4-hour drive to the Gisenyi-Goma border, followed by a short border crossing and onward drive into Goma. From there, transfers continue directly to the park.

By Air

For travellers who wish to fly, Goma has a domestic airport with flights from Kinshasa, though schedules can be irregular. We often recommend travelling through Kigali and continuing by road. This remains the most reliable and widely used option for reaching Virunga National Park.

Top Attractions in Virunga National Park

1. Mountain Gorillas

Mountain gorillas are the most widely recognised wildlife feature of Virunga National Park. Virunga is part of the Virunga Massif, one of only two places in the world where wild mountain gorillas are found, and the park holds about one-third of the global population of this species. The total world population of mountain gorillas is now estimated at just over 1,000 individuals, shared between the Virunga region and neighbouring Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Within Virunga, several gorilla families have been habituated for trekking, allowing controlled visits under ranger supervision.

2. Eastern Lowland Gorillas

Virunga also hosts one of the world’s most endangered gorilla subspecies – the eastern lowland gorilla (also known as Grauer’s gorilla). This gorilla lives in the isolated forest areas on the slopes of Mount Tshiaberimu within the park. Recent conservation efforts have helped boost this group’s critically low numbers, with around 11 individuals recorded after rehabilitation and reintroduction efforts.

3. Mount Nyiragongo

The landscape of Virunga National Park is dominated by Mount Nyiragongo, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, rising to 3,470 metres. Its 2-kilometre-wide crater contains one of the largest permanent lava lakes, whose fluid lava can flow rapidly down the slopes, as seen in the major eruptions of 1977 and 2002, which caused significant damage to nearby communities. The volcano is monitored continuously, and organised treks allow visitors to climb and explore its forest, lava fields, and montane terrain to the crater rim: a typical 5 to 6-hour trek. Nyiragongo’s dramatic volcanic landscape contrasts with Virunga’s forests, savannahs, and wetlands, making it a key natural landmark and must-see attraction for travellers to the region.

4. Lake Edward and the Rwindi Plains

Virunga’s northern sector is dominated by Lake Edward, forming part of the Albertine Rift. Covering over 2,365 square kilometers, the lake is bordered by wetlands and grasslands that make up the Rwindi Plains, which support an incredible diversity of savannah wildlife. The plains are home to hippos, buffalo, elephants, and several antelope species, including kob and waterbuck. Furthermore, the wetlands attract large numbers of waterbirds such as the Shoebill stork, African jacana, and Herons, making it a key habitat for both terrestrial and aquatic wildlife. Visitors here can enjoy excellent wildlife viewing, birdwatching, and photography away from the crowded gorilla trekking areas.

5. Chimpanzees and Forest Wildlife

Beyond gorillas, Virunga National Park is also home to a healthy population of eastern chimpanzees and a range of other primates, including black-and-white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and bushbabies. However, chimpanzee populations are fragmented, and guided tracking is limited to small groups to avoid disturbance. While on guided forest walks, visitors may also encounter a variety of forest mammals, such as giant forest hogs and duikers, and can observe the complex layered forest ecology, from understorey flora to canopy-dwelling birds. These walks give insight into how the park’s montane and lowland forests function as vital wildlife corridors.

6. Birdlife in Virunga National Park

Virunga National Park is home to over 700 recorded bird species, including 24 endemics to the Albertine Region, making it one of Africa’s richest birding destinations. Thanks to its diversity of habitats ranging from wetlands around Lake Edward and rivers, to the open savannahs of the Rwindi Plains, and the montane and lowland forests of the Virunga Massif. Key species include the Rwenzori turaco, Rwenzori batis, Archer’s ground robin, Red-throated alethe, Kivu ground thrush, collared apalis, mountain‑masked apalis, Red-faced woodland warbler, Rwenzori double‑collared sunbird, Shelley’s crimsonwing, and stripe-breasted tit, reflecting the park’s varied habitats from montane forest to wetlands.

Non-endemic but frequently seen birds include African fish eagle, grey‑crowned crane, Wahlberg’s eagle, black‑and‑white casqued hornbill, black‑billed turaco, and alpine swift, making Virunga a significant site for both habitat specialists and broader African avifauna.

Things to Do in Virunga National Park

Mountain Gorilla Trekking

Tracking mountain gorillas is the signature activity in Virunga National Park. The park protects several habituated gorilla families, and treks are led by trained rangers with local trackers. Groups are limited to 8 people per family, and once a group of gorillas is found, you are allowed one hour with them. Gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park starts early in the morning and can take 2 to 6 hours on foot, depending on where the gorillas are located in the forest.

A gorilla trekking permit to Virunga costs USD 400 per person for foreign visitors and is generally cheaper than permits in neighbouring Uganda and Rwanda. Booking permits well in advance, especially for dry season dates, is strongly advised. To trek mountain gorillas in Virunga, one must be at least 15 years old to participate, and porter services for hiking support are available at an additional cost.

Hiking Mount Nyiragongo

The hike to Mount Nyiragongo is another one of Virunga’s most distinctive things to do. Treks begin at the Kibati Ranger Post and ascend through forest, old lava fields, and rocky slopes to the crater rim rising about 3,470 metres. The round trip typically takes 5 to 6 hours, with an overnight option in basic shelters near the crater, allowing visitors to see the lava lake at sunset and sunrise. A hiking permit is around USD 300 per person, which generally covers the permit and summit shelter; additional gear or porter support may incur separate charges.

Chimpanzee Tracking

Chimpanzee tracking in Virunga National Park is available in designated forest sectors and provides a chance to see eastern chimpanzees in their natural habitat. The experience usually starts early in the morning at Mikeno Lodge and, like gorilla trekking, requires a separate chimpanzee permit. In Virunga, a chimpanzee tracking permit is approximately USD 100 per person, and groups tend to be small to reduce disturbance to the chimpanzees. Walks can last 2 to 4 hours, depending on chimp movement and habitat conditions, and are guided by experienced rangers.

Birdwatching Excursions

With over 700 bird species recorded in Virunga, birdwatching is a structured activity for many birding enthusiasts. Guided birding walks and drives focus on areas near Lake Edward, rivers, and the Rwindi Plains, as well as the forested slopes of the Virunga Massif. Led by experienced birding guides, visitors have an opportunity spot and identify various species, including Albertine Rift endemics, waterbirds, and raptors. While birdwatching does not require a separate permit beyond a park entry and guide, experienced guides significantly enhance the experience.

Savannah Wildlife Game Drives

Situated in the northern part of the park around Lake Edward and the Rwindi Plains, guided wildlife drives allow visitors to explore savannah wildlife, including hippos, elephants, buffalo, antelopes, and waterbirds in more open terrain. The drives are typically done in the early morning or late afternoon when animals are most active, and registration through the park or an operator ensures the correct routes and ranger support.

Boat Excursions on Lake Edward

Boat trips on Lake Edward are arranged with park authorities or licensed operators and offer a water-based perspective on the park’s wetland ecosystems. Trips focus on aquatic birdlife and hippos and generally last 1 to 3 hours, depending on itinerary and water conditions.

Accommodation in Virunga National Park

Virunga National Park offers a small but well-positioned selection of lodges and tented camps, each suited to different budgets and experiences. All options are close to key activity hubs such as gorilla trekking zones, volcano trails, and Lake Edward. Most accommodation in Virunga National Park is full board and operates in partnership with the park to support conservation and local communities.

Mid-Range Accommodation in Virunga National Park

• Kibumba Tented Camp

Kibumba is the main camp for visitors focusing on gorilla trekking and Mount Nyiragongo hikes, set on the foggy slopes of Mount Mikeno with views of the valley and surrounding volcanoes. The camp comprises 18 safari-style tents with en‑suite bathrooms, running hot water and flushing toilets, and shared dining facilities. Rates typically start around USD 210 per tent per night (full board), with varying rates for single, double, and triple tents.

• Tchegera Island Camp

Located off the northern shore of Lake Kivu, Tchegera Island Camp is accessible by a short boat ride from Goma and is often used as an unwinding point after gorilla or volcano activities. The camp has 8 safari-style tents with private toilets, bucket showers, and communal dining. Rates here typically range from USD 170 for single occupancy and USD 230 for double/twin tents on full board.

• Bukima Tented Camp

Originally a research base, Bukima has been upgraded for visitors and serves as a starting point for gorilla treks and forest excursions. Tents here have attached bathrooms and basic comforts, with regional views of the volcanoes. Room rates here vary significantly by season and occupancy, ranging between USD 350 – 490 per night for double or single occupancy, including meals.

Luxury Accommodation in Virunga National Park

• Mikeno Lodge

Mikeno Lodge is one of the most established higher-end options within Virunga, positioned near gorilla trekking sectors and the Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage. The lodge features a range of chalets with private bathrooms, comfortable beds, and spectacular views over the forested hills. Rates here range from approximately USD 300 – 450 per night, depending on occupancy and season.

• Ngila Lodge

This lodge is a newer property designed to appeal to travellers seeking a higher comfort level than standard tented camps. The lodge features striking tented rooms on raised platforms with private verandas and cosy interiors overlooking the volcanoes and forest. Rates are typically around USD 490 per person per night.

Best Time to Visit Virunga National Park

While Virunga National Park can be visited year-round, the dry seasons offer the best conditions for gorilla trekking, Mount Nyiragongo hikes, and wildlife viewing. The long dry season runs from June to September, while a short dry season falls between December and February, providing firmer trails for trekking and clearer skies. During these periods, however, booking permits and accommodation in advance is essential, given that this is also a peak tourism season.

For those looking for a less crowded experience, the wet seasons from March to May and October to November fall into the low tourism season, which features less crowds, quieter experiences, and lower rates. However, come prepared for the heavy rains and slippery trails.