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Virunga National Park- Parc National Des Virunga- Congo Gorilla Trekking Safaris.

Get your Gorilla safari vacation packet stuffed full of information about Congo national park and from our vacation partners and reliable safari companies in congo. A place that encapsulates the essence of African beauty and diverse wildlife, The Virunga National Park is an area for the adventurer. Virunga Gorilla Safaris offers a unique range of safaris, activities and tours to make your primates & wildlife experience nothing short of incredible.

The land of the legendary African gorilla trekking tours &  safari, Climbing Nyiragongo Volcano,Gorilla permits & Groups ,the wild Safari planner guide,abundant wildlife,and raw wilderness,all in one friendly country of democratic republic of congo. Parc De national Virunga is blessed with awe-inspiring natural wonders, an abundance of wildlife, huge world’s largest lava lake and vast open spaces, DR congo offers unforgettable holidays exploring the real Africa.

Visit the authentic guide to virunga National Park Congo that is featuring travel information  about virunga mountains, gorilla trekking in congo, Rwenzori Mountains , climbing nyiragongo volcano, gorilla permits, gorilla groups & trusted tour operators in congo, safari planner, what to bring on a congo safari, congo tourists visa.

Parc De Virunga Congo.

Virunga National Park is a 7800 square kilometer World Heritage Site that lies on the eastern border of the Democratic Republic of Congo, where it borders Uganda as well as Rwanda. It is the oldest national park in Africa and the second oldest in the world. It is named after the Virunga Mountains (volcanoes) range that lie in the south of the park. the park however is much larger and stretches all the way north to envelop Lake Edward as well as the Rwenzori Mountains.

Virunga National Park congo is home to over 200 gorilla individuals mostly situated in the southern part of the park with over 10 Gorilla Families but 6 have been habituated for gorilla trekking and it ranks high for gorilla trekking safaris in Africa among the virunga mountains . The park is managed by both the authorities of Congolese national park and the institute of Congolese pour la conservation de la Nature (ICCN), the other partner involved is the Africa Conservation Fund.

Parc National Des Virunga was created in 1925 by King Albert I of Belgium as the first national park on the continent of Africa. It was founded primarily to protect the mountain gorillas living in the forests of the Virunga Mountains that were controlled by the Belgian Congo covering Rwanda  & Uganda, but later expanded north to include the Rwindi Plains, Lake Edward and the Rwenzori Mountains in the far north. Among Virunga’s numerous species of wildlife, the park is home to approximately 200, a quarter, of the world’s critically endangered mountain gorillas that live on the slopes of the Virunga volcano ranger which includes active Nyiragongo volcano and the largest lava lake in the world.

 

Getting to Virunga/ Getting around

Safari Van for Congo SafariDemocratic republic of congo isn’t always easy to travel around country, especially independently, but it is do-able and no matter what, it’s always an adventure once booked with congo safari operators. Are you ready to go on congo safari of your life with driving in bad stated roads?

In general terms , Democratic republic of congo infrastructures are not well developed ,however a credit should be given to the Goma that has developed the road network and the security of the travelers in Parc de virunga.

Virunga National Park is located in the eastern part of democratic republic of congo , its the hardest places to be accessed in the using Various routes and Ethiopian airline offers various ways to enable you access virunga national park either by road or by air to enjoy gorilla trekking in congo.  Its well know that most visitors to Virunga national Park land at kigali international park and there are various transport means to enable you get to Virunga national park, Roads from Kigali to goma are clear , find out how to get around in Virunga national Park. However the park offers transportation from Goma to various Tourists sectors in Virunga National Park .

Virunga Foundations takes the lead in offering transportation for travelers that plan to have private Safaris to congo for gorilla trekking & Nyiragongo trekking adventures, where by its charging paxs per way, private car rental companies also exist like Self drive Uganda, Car Rental Congo that always charges per day basis including the guide & Fuel with unlimited mileage.

Congo Gorilla Trekking Safaris & Tours

Mountain Gorillas in VirungaDemocratic republic of congo is known for being a world class destination for primates, when you think of an Africa primate safari? Dr Congo ranks as the top wild places for seeing these apes ranging from the mountain gorillas, eastern lowland gorillas & chimpanzee . Congo gorilla safaris mainly done in Parc de national virunga located in the eastern part of Congo.

Things to do in virunga include the gorilla trekking in the wilderness of the tropical jungles as its known that congo has over 7 gorilla groups that are habituated for gorilla trekking by travelers that select to go gorilla trekking in parc de virunga and by selecting to Go gorilla trekking in Africa’s oldiest national park of virunga comes with special extras like enjoying the cheap gorilla permit $$ 400 , visiting a special Gorilla group, short walking distance , viewing other primates in the jungle during the walking experience.

Travelers that are planning for gorilla trekking experience in parc de virunga should take a note that they will be required to book a gorilla permit a head as they are sold on first come first serve, Gorilla trekking in congo is cheaper than the case in Rwanda’s volcanoes national park and Uganda’s bwindi forest national park , Mgahinga National Park. Come experience the remaining endangered gorillas in Africa’s oldiest national park of Virunga Congo. In virunga you won’t regret the experience as it offers one hours to stay with the Mountain Gorillas in Wild as you take photography,Watch them feeding and playing. However while on a gorilla trekking experience , please try to follow the rules and regulation to enable us conserve the gorillas in the wilderness.

Mount Nyiragongo Volcano Hiking Tours

Nyiragongo VolcanoMount Nyiragongo is an active strato volcano with an elevation of 3470 m (11382 ft) in the virunga mountains associated with the Albertine Rift. It is located inside virunga national park, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, about 20 km (12 mi) north of the town of goma and Lake Kivu, the volcanic eruption of nyiragongo affected the development of goma and the airport of Goma.

The main crater is about two kilometers wide and usually contains a lava lake. The crater presently has two distinct cooled lava benches within the crater walls one at about 3,175 metres (10,417 ft) and a lower one at about 2,975 m (9,760 ft).

Nyiragongo’s lava lake has at times been the most voluminous known lava lake in recent history( World’s largest lava lake )  and the depth of the lava lake varies considerably. A maximum elevation of the lava lake was recorded at about 3,250 m (10,660 ft) prior to the January 1977 eruption a lake depth of about 600 m (2,000 ft). A recent very low elevation of the lava lake was recorded at about 2,700 m (8,900 ft). Nyiragongo volcano and Nyamuragira volcano are together responsible for 40% of Africa’s historical volcanic eruptions.  The shortest number of days for the hiking tour to mount nyiragongo is the 2 Days hiking tour when your already located in goma town, however if the safari is starting from Kigali Rwanda you will need to book the 3 days nyiragongo hiking tour with an overnight stay at nyiragongo volcanic summit cabins that are always included on the nyiragongo permit. visitors planning for nyiragongo climbing tour have to secure the nyiragongo hike permit that is sold by Virunga Foundation at a cost of $$$ 300 per person per hike, its advisable that you even take the mikeno package that costs $$ 100 including your sleeping bag, food and drinking water , lunch en route as you hike to the top of the world’s largest lava lake. The nyiragongo hike is split into five stopovers, so you get four rest stops of about 20 minutes each – unless you are at the back but still you can rest since the hike is done at slow peace depending on the fitness of the traveler.check on the official site of Nyiragongo volcano www.Nyiragongovolcano.org

Safari Lodges, Hotels  & Accommodations  in Virunga

Accommodations in VirungaVirunga Foundation has developed great chain of hotels , safari lodges with in various sectors of parc de national virunga that travelers may select from depending on the things to do in virunga national park. These Safari lodges range from luxury accommodations to budget accommodations to enable travelers of all types visit virunga.

The Most luxury lodge in virunga is the mikeno lodge located in the mikeno sector where chimpanzee tracking & visiting orphan gorillas  is done, when your planning for the above safari activities then Mikeno lodge is the best choice and its five star  hotel with WiFi and laundry services.

The Mid range Hotel is the Bukima tented camp that is located in the bukima Sector that is known for gorilla trekking and most loved accommodation when the traveler is mid range, three star accommodation, this camp doesn’t have WiFi  but it has everything designed in the african nature setting . This camp was developed from the accommodation facility that was used by the researchers that used to do the conservation works of the world’s endangered mountain gorillas in the wilderness of Parc de Virunga.

Kibumba Camp: is the budget accommodation located in kibumba Village that is near the gorilla trekking and nyiragongo hike to the world’s largest lave lake. This is the last new accommodation overlooking the mikeno mountain which is part of the virunga mountain ranges where by the traveler will sleep over seeing the mikeno mountains. It has no WiFi  but hot  water is supplied in the rooms by the heaters. its the last to be developed by virunga foundation. All Reservations in the above lodges & Camps are on full board basis ( Dinner, Lunch and breakfast)

However there are other various accommodations that are located in Goma and virunga foundations do recommend travelers to book also these lodges & hotels like the Lac Kivu lodge but be a ware that their reservation system is not clear and they charge on b/b( Bed and breakfast)

Best time to visit parc de national Virunga.

Best time to visit CongoDemocratic republic of Congo lies within the inner humid tropical, or equatorial, climatic region extending five degrees north and south of the Equator. Southern Congo and the far north have somewhat drier sub equatorial climates.

The most hard question to be answered by tourists who intend to visit  Congo’s oldiest parc of virunga is, When is the best time to visit  gorillas or climb nyiragongo volcano ( world’s largest lava lake)? Which months should one try to avoid when planning a congo safari, which months are the best time for gorilla trekking in Congo? While  trekking gorillas can be done any time of the year in  Congo, because of the relatively wetter/ rainy seasons in the mountain gorilla inhabited national parks, many tourists often prefer the months from June to September and then December, January and February.

The Mountain gorillas are the main attraction and you can expect a truly wild, unscripted encounter that leaves you feeling a sense of awe and a great deal of respect for the researchers who dedicate their lives to protecting the great apes and safaris to congo can be done through out the year once booked with reliable safari company.

Congo Tourists Visa

Congo Tourists VisaParc De national Virunga provides expediting services for visa to Congo Democratic Republic and charges a service fee. Congolese visas might also be obtained directly from the Embassy at the cost of government fee. However all visitors that have booked congo safaris covering things to do like gorilla trekking , nyiragongo hiking tour and the same visa will be valid for the stay of 14 Days allowing you to visit even the eastern lowland gorillas, chimpanzee tracking in Kahuzi Biega National Park.

Visitors are advised to move with printed form of acceptance from the parc de virunga officials and present it when crossing from Rwanda to Uganda. Please note that upon your return to Rwanda you will be required to pay visa for Rwanda and never rely on the east African Tourists visa because its valid for only operation in East African Countries.

Packing list for congo safari

Packing for a Congo SafariTravelers coming to Africa ‘s second largest country of democratic republic of congo have to travel light, Deciding what to pack for travel in Congo, especially when you are traveling long term, covering multiple wild places like parc de national virunga , kahuzi biega national park with different dress codes, cultural considerations, weather conditions and temperatures, can be a bit confusing!

But don’t worry, with this universal Congo safari packing list we have got you covered for pretty  all situations!

Dr congo can be really dusty, so the golden rule for every day clothes tends to be not to bring anything that you mind getting dirty, especially if you are traveling for gorilla trekking , wildlife safaris or nyiragongo hiking tour as they tend to have ups and downs . But that’s not to say you shouldn’t bring a few nicer items too, as there will certainly be times when you’ll want to dress up!

What to wear on congo safari tour ? Lightweight, breathable clothing is best, but you don’t have to be head to toe in khaki and wearing zip off pants for hiking tours and reliable tour operators will share the packing once booked a trip with them!

History of  Virunga National Park

Virunga national park is listed under UNESCO World Heritage Centre that was formed in 1925 to safe guard Mountain Gorillas and was the very first National park in Africa. The park is 7800 sq kilometers (3000 sq kilometers) including forests, Savannah, lava plains, erosion valleys, swamps, active volcanoes with the glaciated peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains.

The park is situated in the eastern part of Democratic Republic of Congo on the border of of Uganda and Rwanda. it is a sensational place for everyone to visit while still on earth due to the fact that it is secured and conserved with two amazing active volcanoes that is Mt. Nyiragongo and Mt.Nyamuragira  located in the massifs of the Virungas and Rwenzori mountains. Virunga National Park is the  a home to the endangered species of mountain gorillas along with chimpanzees. There are also colonies of hippopotami, bird species, forest and Savannah elephants and lions.

Virunga National Park Diversity

Parc de virunga is known for its exceptional  diversity, containing more bird, mammal and reptile species than any protected area on the African continent. Although mountain gorillas are now extremely rare and listed as one of the most critically endangered species, successful conservation work has helped to secure the remaining populations. Their populations actually increased during the years of political upheaval in the region (1994–2004), and have continued to do so even throughout the difficult period of 2007-2008. The 2010 mountain gorilla census has indicated that the conservation efforts of Virunga have been very successful regarding the gorilla population. Both savanna and forest elephants as well as chimpanzees and Mountain gorillas can still be found in Virunga, along with okapi, giraffes, buffaloes and many endemic birds.

Congo Safaris & Adventure tours

Highlights of things to do on Congo safari tour include the 400 mountain gorillas in parc de national virunga , eastern lowland gorillas in Parc De national kahuzi biega , wildlife game drives in lulimbi , Nyiragongo volcano hiking tour over 1000 bird species, 330 mammals and different primate species like chimpanzees . This is the most updated safari guide about congo safaris, from credible safari companies.

Why visit Democratic republic of congo?

Congo is one of the best safari destinations in Africa that is visited by adventurous travelers that decide to go against the warning from their home countries and decide to visit the only unexplored country in entire Africa , congo is the home to the mountain gorillas as well as  eastern lowland gorillas that are only seen in Africa while on an Expeditious Africa Safari holiday with credible safari operators. Congo safari tours cover more than 10 separate wild places like parc de virunga, kahuzi biega, maiko, idjwi island , upemba , lomami, garamba , salonga and many more . Everyday here is genuinely an African Adventure Holiday.  Visit the 400 mountain gorillas in virunga national park in what is termed as the gorilla trekking experience, climb world’s largest lava lake of nyiragongo or flying trip to nyamuragira volcano, take on a chimpanzee tracking tour so the options are endless when on a congo safari holiday !

3 Days Congo Gorilla SafariThe advantage of a Congo gorilla trek is the cost of the gorilla permit, when you select gorilla trekking in congo your likely to save around 200$$ compared to the Uganda gorilla permit and 1100$$ for the Rwanda gorilla permit which means that the saved $$$ can be used on other safari places while on an Africa Safari adventure.  Congo safari may reward you with chances of experiencing the mountain gorillas & eastern lowland gorillas at only $$$ 800.

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