Top Things to Do in Virunga National Park
Virunga National Park, located in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), is Africa’s oldest national park. It’s also one of the continent’s most biodiverse and adventurous destinations.
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Virunga is known for its volcanic landscapes, rich wildlife, and unique safaris. Whether you are into wildlife, adventure, or culture, Virunga has activities for everyone. Here are the top things to do in Virunga National Park.
Gorilla Trekking in Virunga National Park
Virunga is one of the few places where visitors can trek into the forest and spend time with endangered mountain gorillas. These gorillas have been a success of conservation, and gorilla trekking is a top experience in the park. It offers a rare opportunity to see these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
What to Expect
- Trekking Duration: The trek lasts between 2 to 6 hours, depending on the gorilla family’s location. It involves dense forests and rugged hills, so good physical condition is recommended.
- Experience Level: Trekkers must be in reasonable health, as the journey can be strenuous. Guides are trained to assist along the way.
- Permit Costs (2025):
- Foreign Non-Residents: $400 USD
- Foreign Residents: $200 USD
- Congolese Citizens: Approx. $40 USD
- Book in advance as permits are in high demand.
Why Trek in Virunga?
- Unique Experience: Unlike many other wildlife encounters, gorilla trekking in Virunga allows you to spend several hours observing and photographing the gorillas, including feeding, grooming, and socializing behaviors.
- Stunning Landscape: The trek takes you through lush forests, rolling hills, and the majestic Virunga Volcanoes, providing a fantastic backdrop to your gorilla encounter.
- Conservation Efforts: Virunga’s gorillas are part of conservation programs, and your visit helps fund efforts to protect and preserve these endangered species.
Hike to the Summit of Mount Nyiragongo
Virunga National Park features some of Africa’s most impressive volcanic landscapes, with Mount Nyiragongo being the highlight. Known for having the world’s largest active lava lake, hiking to the summit is one of Africa’s most thrilling experiences.
What to Expect
- Trek Duration: The hike to the summit takes 5-6 hours and is steep and challenging. The return journey takes around 4 hours.
- Accommodation: Stay overnight at a mountain shelter on the summit, with a stunning view of the bubbling lava lake.
- Physical Demands: The hike is tough, with high altitudes and challenging terrain, but the glowing lava at the summit makes it worthwhile.
Why Visit Mount Nyiragongo?
- Spectacular Views: From the summit, you’ll see the continuously bubbling lava lake, creating a fiery glow at night—an unforgettable sight.
- Unmatched Adventure: Mount Nyiragongo offers one of the rarest opportunities to hike to an active volcanic summit and witness a lava lake in its natural state.
- Photography Opportunities: The vibrant lava glow at night provides incredible photographic moments.
Explore Virunga’s Wildlife on Safari
Virunga National Park is one of Africa’s most biodiverse parks, rich with wildlife. Beyond its famous gorillas, the park offers plenty of opportunities to explore and spot various species in the wild.
Wildlife to Look For
- Elephants: Virunga’s elephants roam across grasslands, feeding and bathing in rivers.
- Okapis: Known as the “forest giraffe,” okapis are rare and often found in dense forests.
- Buffaloes: Large herds roam the savannas and plains.
- Congo Lions: Sightings are rare, but Virunga is one of the few places to see these magnificent lions.
- Chimpanzees & Other Primates: The park is home to blue monkeys, baboons, and red colobus monkeys.
Safari Options
- Game Drives: Explore savannah and forests on guided safaris, searching for elephants, buffaloes, and more.
- Boat Safaris: Experience Lake Edward or other park waterways by boat, spotting hippos, crocodiles, and birds.
Visit the Tchegera Island
For a more tranquil experience, Tchegera Island on Lake Kivu is a beautiful destination for visitors looking to unwind in a peaceful setting. Tchegera Island is a serene escape from the adventure-filled days of trekking and safari, offering a scenic setting perfect for relaxation.
What to Do on Tchegera Island
- Beaches and Swimming: Relax on the island’s pristine beaches and enjoy swimming in the clear waters of Lake Kivu.
- Birdwatching: The island is home to a range of bird species, making it a great spot for birdwatching.
- Cultural Immersion: You can visit local fishing villages on the shores of the lake, learning about the indigenous culture of the region.
Discover Virunga Volcanoes
Virunga is known for its stunning volcanic peaks that dominate the landscape. In addition to Mount Nyiragongo, the Virunga Volcanoes are a series of peaks that offer opportunities for scenic hikes and breathtaking views.
Volcanoes to Explore
- Mount Mikeno: One of the more accessible volcanoes, Mikeno is a popular destination for hikers who want to explore the higher altitudes of Virunga while enjoying panoramic views of the park’s dense forests and wildlife.
- Mount Karisimbi: For more advanced hikers, Mount Karisimbi offers a challenging climb with a beautiful summit view. The highest peak in the Virunga chain, it promises incredible photo opportunities.
Cultural Experiences in Virunga
Virunga National Park is surrounded by vibrant local communities that offer visitors the chance to learn about local culture, history, and traditions. Visiting these communities provides a deeper understanding of life near the park and how the local people are involved in the conservation of the park.
Cultural Activities to Experience
- Traditional Dances: Watch traditional dance performances, learn about the region’s rituals, and enjoy local music from the surrounding communities.
- Crafts and Souvenirs: Visit local markets and buy handmade crafts, such as baskets, wooden carvings, and clothing to take home as souvenirs.
- Cultural Tours: Engage in a guided cultural tour where you’ll be introduced to local customs, family traditions, and everyday life.
Stay at Mikeno Lodge
After a day of hiking, trekking, or exploring, Mikeno Lodge is the perfect place to rest. Nestled in the heart of the park, the lodge offers stunning views of the surrounding Virunga Volcanoes and is the ideal spot to relax in comfort.
What Mikeno Lodge Offers
- Luxury Accommodation: The lodge features comfortable cottages and luxury tents with modern amenities, ensuring a relaxing stay after your adventure-filled days.
- Excellent Views: Enjoy breathtaking views of the mountain gorillas and volcanoes right from your accommodation.
- Fine Dining: Mikeno Lodge offers delicious local cuisine, giving you the opportunity to savor Congolese dishes after a day of exploration.
Plan Your Visit to Virunga National Park
With a wide range of experiences to enjoy—from trekking to volcanoes, to watching gorillas in the wild—Virunga National Park promises a truly unique African adventure. For 2025, make sure to book your permits well in advance, especially for gorilla trekking and mountain hiking. Prepare for the trip of a lifetime in one of the most exciting and diverse national parks on the African continent!
