The park is Africa’s oldest national park, established in 1925, with a size of over 7800 Square Kilometres. Because of its features, it was classified as a World Heritage Site in 1979, has become known for its mountain gorillas.
Virunga National Park covers approximately 7,800 square kilometres in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, forming a key segment of the Albertine Rift ecosystem. This UNESCO World Heritage Site encompasses diverse environments, including montane forests, Afro-alpine meadows, savannas, and active volcanoes. These varied ecological zones provide essential habitats for a wide range of wildlife, including the critically endangered mountain gorilla (Gorilla beringei beringei).
The national park covers the western shores of Lake Edward, known for its hippopotami (depleted by more than 95 percent in 2006[1]) while elsewhere, marshland, grassland plateau and plains dominate the park.
Along the borders of Uganda and Rwanda lies the 300km running forest called the Virunga National Park. This park covers 7900sq km and is one of Africa’s most biodiverse conservation areas. The park protects the entire Congolese portion of the Virunga, the Rwenzori Mountains and Lake Edward.
The park is also the richest in terms of avifauna hosting over 706 bird species, and a checklist of 208 mammals. The park protects mountain gorillas and gorilla trekking is now possible in the park. The park also protects Congolese endemics including the eastern lowland gorillas, the bizarre okapi as well as typical savanna dwellers such as lions, elephants and buffaloes.
The Ruwenzori Mountains lie on the Ugandan border and rise to alpine meadows and a glacier, while Nyiragongo and Nyamuragira are both active volcanoes with substantial associated lava plains.
The park was affected by the civil wars in the 1990’s which depleted the lives of wildlife, and most of them escaped, but with the stabilization of the area, more wildlife has influxed the forest because of its vast and unique nature.
The park is managed by the Congolese National Park Authorities, the Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature (ICCN) and receives vital funding from the European Union. In August 2008, Emmanuel de Merode was appointed Director and Chief Warden for the park, commanding a ranger force of 680 men.
Historical Background
Established in 1925 as Africa’s first national park, Virunga was initially created to protect its declining mountain gorilla population. Over the decades, the park has faced numerous threats, including habitat encroachment, poaching, and regional conflicts. Despite these challenges, dedicated conservation efforts led by the Congolese Institute for Nature Conservation (ICCN) have reinforced protection measures, contributing to the gradual recovery of the gorilla population.
The Virunga National park was established in 1925 and inscribed as a UN World Heritage Site in 1979. However the park remained largely ungovernable due the several civil wars in Eastern Congo. After long years of neglect, the Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature (ICNN) in 2010 resumed several tourist activities in the park. There was construction of a new upmarket lodge and tented camp.
In 1979, the park was declared a Unesco world heritage site because of its bio-diversity which include a variety of Flora and Fauna as well as active volcanoes.
The park has gone through much turbulence since its establishments due to political upheavals in the country. From 1925 when the park was established, the park enjoyed stability with many tourists visiting the park for the first 35 years. However, when the country gained independence from the Belgian colonialists, there was instability which was later subsided by Mobutu, the then president. However, in 1980, Mobutu started losing ground and the park saw a lot of poaching, rebel activities which affected tourism in the park. In 1994, the park was labeled unsafe site and was almost no more in terms of tourism.
The Virunga National Park offers a mountain gorilla tracking experience comparable to that of Uganda and Rwanda. However the cost of the gorilla permits is comparably cheaper with a permit costing only USD400 per permit.
Wildlife Diversity
While mountain gorillas are the park’s flagship species, Virunga is home to an extensive range of wildlife. The forests support several primate species, including chimpanzees, golden monkeys, and colobus monkeys. The savanna and wetland regions harbour African elephants, buffalo, and hippopotamuses, while the volcanic areas sustain rare high-altitude species. This ecological diversity makes Virunga one of Africa’s most scientifically significant protected areas.
Gorilla Families
There are six habituated gorilla groups and a total of 30 permits are issued per day. Ten of these gorilla permits apply to the gorilla groups based around Djomba, 40 minutes drive from the Bunagana border post with Uganda and most gorilla tours from Kisoro go to these groups.
From the Bukima, there are 20 gorilla permits available per day. This location is located in a distance of two to three hours drive from Bunagana border. This area can also be visited from Gisenyi (Rwanda) on day trips.
Other Attractions
Another key attraction in the area is the Nyiragongo Volcano, one of the only two active volcanoes in the Virunga Region. This volcano last erupted in 2002 and its lava flows devastated Goma in 2002. The lava that flowed is still visible and the ruins of the destroyed towns, gardens are seen.
For those interested in a hike to the nested caldera that contains live lava lake, a hike is possible and the ascent takes four to six hours.
Political Stability and Safety Concerns in Virunga
Virunga National Park is one of Africa’s most politically volatile regions. For decades, the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo has faced persistent armed conflicts, militia activity, and resource-driven disputes. These factors have directly impacted conservation efforts and tourism in the park. While Virunga remains a premier destination for gorilla trekking, visitors must be aware of security and take necessary precautions.
Security Risks and Regional Instability
- Armed groups operate in parts of eastern DRC, occasionally posing a threat to park operations and surrounding communities.
- Park rangers, many of whom have received military-grade training, work to ensure the safety of both visitors and wildlife. However, past attacks on rangers and staff highlight the ongoing risks.
- The park has been temporarily closed to tourism multiple times due to security concerns. Operations resume only when conditions allow for safe visits.
Safety Measures for Visitors
- All trekking groups are escorted by armed rangers trained to assess and mitigate risks during the trek.
- Visitors must follow strict security protocols, including designated meeting points and mandatory escorted transfers to and from park lodges.
- Tourism activities occur in controlled and monitored zones within the park to minimise exposure to potential threats.
Travel Advisories and Precautions
- Many foreign governments issue travel warnings for eastern DRC, classifying it as a high-risk zone.
- Tourists are strongly advised to check with their embassies and consult Virunga National Park authorities for real-time security updates before planning a trip.
- Travel insurance that includes emergency medical evacuation is essential due to the park’s remote location and limited access to medical facilities.
Health and Logistical Considerations
- The region is endemic to malaria and yellow fever; visitors should take preventive measures such as vaccinations and prophylaxis.
- Medical infrastructure is limited, so carrying essential medications and a well-stocked first aid kit is crucial.
- The park’s remote setting means that emergency response times may be prolonged, reinforcing the need for adequate preparation.