Best Safari Activities To Do in Virunga National Park 2025 : Virunga National Park is the oldest National Park in Africa and has one of the most diverse tropical rain forests in Africa. The park stablished in 1922; Virunga is the oldest national park in Africa. It covers an area of approximately 7800 square kilometer World Heritage Site. The Park is home to endangered apes which include mountain gorillas, Chimpanzees and Golden Monkeys. Virunga National Park is one of the best places in the world to see Mountain Gorillas it is one of the three national parks that are found in the Virunga ranges, other national parks include Mgahinga Gorilla National Park found in Uganda and Volcanoes National Park found in Rwanda all these national parks are home to the endangered mountain gorillas. Other primates to see in Virunga National Park include Golden Monkeys, Chimpanzees and various species of monkeys. More so, Virunga National Park is home to incredible animals for instance rare okapi, forest elephants, African buffaloes, Ugandan Kobs, hippos, giant forest hogs, waterbucks, warthogs, topi, duikers, lions. There are 706 species of birds, 65 of amphibians and 109 of reptiles. However, this article focuses on the Congo safari activities to do while at Virunga National Park and they include;
Mountain Gorilla trekking
Mountain Gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park is one of the most popular safari activities for offered to every tourist while on a gorilla trekking tours. The park is home to eight habituated gorilla families with the most common and largest family being the Kabirizi family with 32 members. This activity begins early in the morning with the briefing about the gorilla trekking rules, regulations and expectation while in the forest.
After you’ll be allocated a gorilla family and an armed Park Rangers who will lead to the forest to search for these incredible creatures in their natural habitat. during your trek, you will have an added chance to encounter with other wildlife that dwell in the forest such as Chimpanzees, Blue Monkeys, Central African Red Colobus, De Brazza’s Monkey, Dent’s Mona Monkeys, Buffalos, African Bush Elephants, African Leopards, Bay Duikers as well as different colorful bird species. The trek takes about one to four hours.
Upon encountering with these creatures, you’ll be allowed one hour interaction with them, observing how they do with their daily activities such as grooming their young ones, breastfeeding, playing among others and take photos of the group members. For one to participate in this thrilling activity, need to purchase a gorilla trekking permit. This permit allows you access these incredible creatures in their natural habitat at the cost only $450 which is much lower than Uganda’s $600 and Rwanda at $1500. It is important to book your gorilla permits early enough before showing up for the safari.
Chimpanzee trekking
Chimpanzee trekking in Virunga National Park offers an exciting experience for visitors who often combine it with bird watching during their safaris in Congo. This adventure involves walking through the lush rainforest to find these fascinating primates in their natural environment. The trek typically begins in the morning, similar to mountain gorilla trekking, with a briefing that explains the trekking process, what to expect, and how to respectfully engage in the chimpanzees’ world. Once you find the chimpanzees, you can spend one hour observing and interacting with them as they go about their daily lives, providing a remarkable insight into their behaviors and social structures.
Birdwatching
Birdwatching in Virunga National Park is one of the most done activities by bird enthusiast in Congo safari in the park. the park is most diverse forest in the tropics it has various habitats and landscapes ranging from Forests, swamps to grasslands, acting as habitat for over 500 different bird species. During your birdwatching tour, you’ll have the chance to spot these bird species such as Rwenzori Turaco, Francolinus nobilis, Musaphaga, skimmers, shoebills storks, egrets, grey herons, ibises, grey-throated barbet, Grauer’s swamp warbler, alpine swift, African olive pigeon, white-headed woophoopoes, Angolan swallow, Rwenzori batis, tropical boubou, Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird, Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird, Hairy-breasted Barbet, Spot-flanked Barbet, Double-toothed Barbet, Yellow-billed Barbet, White-fronted Bee-eater, Red-throated Bee-eater, White-throated Bee-eater, Olive Bee-eater, Croaking Cisticola, Short-winged Cisticola, Zitting Cisticola among others.
Nature walk
A guided nature walk in the park is another exhilarating safari activity to do while on a Congo safari in the park. nature walks in the park is one way you can explore the hidden gem of the forest. During these walks, visitors have the chance to see a variety of wildlife such as primates, mammals, amphibians, and reptiles. Additionally, exploring the park allows for picturesque views of the eroded valleys of Sinda and Ishango, as well as a chance to admire the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains in neighboring Uganda.
Hiking the Nyiragongo volcano
Hiking Mount Nyiragongo is an exciting adventure that leads you to the world’s largest active lava lake. The Nyirangongo Volcano is located in the stunning Virunga region, this active volcano is known for its breathtaking beauty. The trek to the summit can be challenging, typically taking two days, but the effort is worth it for the spectacular views at the top. Hikers are rewarded with panoramic sights of the surrounding montane landscapes, including glimpses of nearby Uganda and Rwanda. The experience offers a unique chance to appreciate the remarkable scenery of the Virunga massif, making it a memorable journey for all who attempt it.
Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is also another popular activity to embark while on a Congo safari in Virunga National Park. the Virunga National Park is blessed with great variety of fauna. The park is home to 196 species of mammal, 67 of amphibians, 708 bird species and 108 of reptiles top of which are the Nile crocodiles. During your wildlife viewing tour, you’ll have the chance to spot a wide range of animals such as Aardvark, African Buffalos, African Bush Elephants, African Leopards, Bay Duikers, the Blue Duiker, Boehm’s Bush Squirrel, Bongo, Bushbuck, Checkered Elephant, Crested Porcupine. Primates’ species such as Blue Monkeys, Central African Red Colobus, De Brazza’s Monkey, Dent’s Mona Monkeys, Golden Monkeys, Grey Cheeked Mangabey, Hamlyn’s Monkeys among others.
Where to stay in Virunga National Park
Accommodations in Virunga National Park ranges from budget, mid-range to luxury. Some of the accommodation facilities here includes Mikeno Lodge, chegera Island Camp, Lulimbi Tented Camp, Bukima Tented Camp and Kibumba Tented Camp among others
How to get Virunga National Park
To visit Virunga National Park in Eastern Congo, you will fly to Kigali International Airport then connect to Gisenyi town; from Gisenyi town you will cross the Rwanda-Congo boarder to Goma town in DR Congo then drive towards the park headquarters of Kahuzi Beiga National Park and Virunga National Park from where you will do start the gorilla trek from, it is approximately 2 hours drive from Gisenyi town to reach the park headquarters.
