Virunga National Park – Gorilla Trekking, Volcano Hikes & Travel Guide

Formerly known as Albert National Park, Virunga National Park is located in the northeastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Established in 1925, the park covers 7,900 square kilometers.

Its southern section lies in the northeastern area of Lake Kivu, stretching eastwards from Goma town. Between Lake Kivu and Lake Edward stand the Virunga volcanoes (Mikeno, Visoke, Sabyinyo, Nyiragongo, Nyamuragira, and Karisimbi), which extend into Uganda and Rwanda.

The northern part of the park features the Mia ya Moto sulfur springs and the Rutshuru Falls. Lake Edward takes up much of the park’s central area, while the northeastern section is home to the Rwenzori Mountains, which rise over 5,000 meters high.

Virunga National Park has many habitats, elevations, and climates. The park records both high and low rainfall, depending on the area. Around Lake Edward, the annual rainfall is about 500mm, while the Rwenzori Mountains, 75 kilometers to the west, receive around 3,000mm of rain yearly, making it the coolest part of the park.

The park’s landscape includes peat bogs, lava plains, savannahs, bamboo forests, tropical rainforests, marshes, and steep vegetation areas.

Virunga National Park was designated a World Heritage Site in 1979 but has faced many challenges, including increased human settlement, refugees fleeing the 1994 Rwanda genocide, deforestation, and poaching. In 1994, the park was added to the list of World Heritage Sites in Danger to address these issues.

Wildlife in Virunga National Park

Since the early 20th century, wildlife in Virunga, including elephants and lions, has faced many threats, but the park remains a reliable spot to see mountain gorillas, antelopes, pelicans, okapis, and warthogs.

If you are interested in wildlife, Virunga National Park should be on your list. You can see elephants, hippos, giant forest hogs, buffaloes, and lions during your visit.

Mountain Gorilla Sanctuary – Senkwekwe Center

Located near the park headquarters in Rumangabo, the Senkwekwe Center is the only facility in the world for orphaned mountain gorillas. Here, you can see how caretakers look after gorillas that lost their families to poaching and other dangers and learn about the importance of protecting nature.

Gorilla Trekking in Virunga National Park

Virunga is one of Africa’s best places for gorilla trekking. On the peaceful slopes of the park, you will see how intelligent and gentle mountain gorillas are. Trekking to see these gorillas is an experience you will always remember.

Hiking Mount Nyiragongo

If you want to see or stand by the world’s largest lava lake, you can visit Mount Nyiragongo, the most active volcano in the region. You can also camp at its crater rim. Those interested in hiking can also explore the Rwenzori Mountains in the park’s northern section, where you can walk through montane forests and see Africa’s largest snow-capped glaciers.

The Virunga Mountains

Located at the borders of the DRC, Uganda, and Rwanda, the Virunga Mountains stretch about 80 kilometers north towards Lake Kivu. Karisimbi is the highest peak at 4,507 meters above sea level.

The Virunga volcanoes get their names from local languages. “Virunga” means “volcanoes” in Swahili, “Mufumbiro” means “that which cooks” in Uganda, “Sabyinyo” means “old man’s teeth” in Kinyarwanda, and “Muhabura” means “landmark” or “guide.”

Mikeno and Sabyinyo are the oldest of the volcanoes, dating back to the Pleistocene era (about 2.6 million years ago), though their craters have eroded over time. Nyamuragira and Nyiragongo formed around 2,000 years ago, with Mount Nyiragongo known for its large, active lava lake. The volcano has had several eruptions in 1912, 1938, 1948, the 1970s, 2002, and 2021.

Where to Stay in Virunga National Park

Virunga offers a range of accommodation options, including Tchegera Island, Bukima Tented Camp, Kibumba Tented Camp (near the gorilla trekking starting point), and Mikeno Lodge.

How to Get to Virunga National Park

The roads to Virunga are rugged but offer views of plantations and local communities. You can fly into Kigali International Airport in Rwanda and then drive to the park via the Gisenyi border, cross into the DRC past Goma, and drive about three hours to the park headquarters.

If you are coming from Uganda, you can use the Bunagana border in Kisoro, although it is less commonly used. If you use the Cyanika border, you will first travel through Rwanda before crossing into the DRC, which will take a full day to reach Virunga.

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