Formerly known as Albert national park, Virunga national park is located in northeastern wing of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The park was established in 1925 and sits at a 7900km2 area. Virunga national park’s southern wing lies in the northeastern side of Lake Kivu stretching eastwards from Goma town. Between Lake Kivu and Lake Edward are the mighty Virunga volcanoes (Mikeno, Visoke, Sabyinyo, Nyiragongo, Nyamuragira and Karisimbi) which extend to Uganda and Rwanda.
The beauty of northern part of the park is portrayed by Mia ya Moto sulphur spring and the magnificent Rutshuru Falls. While Lake Edward occupies a bigger part of the Park’s central region, the northeastern side of Virunga national park is occupied by gorgeous Rwenzori Mountains which are more than 5000m high.
Virunga national park has notably varying habitats, elevations and climate. The park records both highest and lowest rainfalls especially around the boundaries. Areas around Lake Edward receive an annual rainfall range of 500mm whereas Rwenzori Mountains which lie 75km away, towards the west receive an annual rainfall range of about 3000mm; making it the coolest part of Virunga national park.
Virunga national park is home to various geographical settings comprising of peat bogs, lava plains, savannahs, various forests like bamboo and tropical rainforest, marshes and eastern steep vegetation.
Having been designated a World Heritage Site in the year 1979, Virunga national park faced a number of challenges among which included increase in permanent human settlements and influx of large numbers of refugees running away from Rwanda’s 1994 genocide, deforestation, poaching, etc. To deal with the above problems, in 1994 Virunga national park was put on the list of World Heritage sites in danger.
Wildlife.
From the start of 20th Century, Virunga national park’s animals such as elephants and lions have suffered rapid extinction due to a number of threats against them; however, the park is still a reliable animal spot since it is home to less common mountain gorillas, antelopes, pelicans, okapis, warthogs, to mention but a few.
Are you passionate about watching different animal species the world has ever had? Add Virunga national park to your scale of preferences / priority lists. It is here that you will meet elephants, hippopotamuses, giant forest hogs, buffalos and lions.
Mountain Gorilla Sanctuary / Senkwekwe Centre.
It is conveniently situated near Virunga national park’s headquarters, Rumangabo. The only home to Senkwekwe gorilla Centre and world’s only facility to orphaned mountain gorillas. Come and see how professionals take care of mountain gorillas whose parents succumbed to poaching and other life threats at Senkwekwe sanctuary, you will learn of how precious conserved nature is a blessing to the world.
Gorilla trekking in Virunga national park.
Virunga national park is one of Africa’s outstanding gorilla trekking destinations. It is in the peaceful and fascinating slopes of Virunga national park that one can come to realize and appreciate how intelligent, peaceful and good nurtured mountain gorillas are. Trekking mountain gorillas at Virunga national is an expedition worth your attention since it will never leave you memory alone.
Mount. Nyiragongo hike.
Do you ever wish to have a look or step on the world’s largest lava lake? Here is a chance for you to visit Mt. Nyiragongo – the most active volcano alongside camping on its Crater rim. Guests interested in mountain hiking can try the 16761 feet Rwenzori Mountains in the northern sector of the park. Try walking through the high montane forests of the area before emerging to find Africa’s largest snow-capped glaciers.
The Virunga Mountains
Located at the boarders of DRC, Uganda and Rwanda about eighty kilometers, Virunga national park is also known as, Birunga/Mufumbiro Mountains/Volcanic range stretches northwards towards Lake Kivu (Central Africa).
Karisimbi is the highest of all the eight volcanic peaks of Mufumbiro ranges and towers to 4507 meters above the sea level. Virunga volcanoes trace their names from local languages that is; “Virunga” meaning “volcanoes” in Swahili, “Mufumbiro” meaning “that which cooks” it is of Ugandan origin, “Sabyinyo” meaning “old man’s teeth” in Kinyarwanda and “Muhabura” which means “landmark” or “guide.
Mikeno and Sabyinyo are the oldest of Virunga’s extinct volcanoes since they are believed to have existed as early as the Pleistocene Epoch era (these existed 2.6 million years ago) much as their craters have disappeared and soil erosion has imposed a jagged relief.
Nyamuragira and Nyiragongo emerged with extensive crater lakes at the western end of the chain not more than two thousand years ago. With its major content being a liquid lava pool, Mt. Nyiragongo’s is 1.2miles across. The lava field has been active as evidenced by several eruptions which took place in 1912, 1938, 1948, 1970s, 2002 and 2021.
Where to stay in Virunga N/Park?
At Virunga national park, a number of luxurious and standard lodges are available for you to stay; these include Tchegera Island, Bukima tented camp, Kibumba tented camp (gorilla trekking starting point) and Mikeno lodge.
How to get to Virunga National Park, Congo?
Bumpy roads to Virunga national park are somewhat challenging due to their rugged nature however, they provide with you spectacular views of plantations, sight-seeing and local homesteads. You can choose to access Virunga national park by taking a flight to Kigali International airport and then connect to the park via Gisenyi Rwanda-Congo boarder; from here you cross to DRC past Goma town and drive for three hours to the park headquarters.
Those coming from the side of Uganda have an option of using Bunagana (Uganda-Congo boarder) in Kisoro, much as it is not commonly used. It will take you a full day to travel from Uganda to Virunga national park if you opt for Cyanika border which requires you to first travel through Rwanda before connecting to DRC via Goma.
