11 Day Virunga Expeditions: Best Safari Tours & Gorilla Trekking tour Package
VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK HISTORY
Virunga National Park in DR Congo, established in 1925, was the first national park in Africa. Located in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (Kinshasa), close to Goma town, it lies right in the Albertine Rift Valley. Spanning an estimated area of 7,800 sq. km, the park extends from the Virunga Mountains in the south to the Rwenzori Mountains in the north. It borders Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.
As one of the world’s most famous natural habitats for biodiversity, Virunga National Park is known as the oldest wildlife conservatory in Africa, favoring research and protection of communities like the Twa. It was once considered the largest national park in Africa before it was split from Mgahinga National Park in Uganda and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.
Virunga National Park is home to rare species such as forest elephants, Ugandan kobs, giant forest hogs, lions, and colobus monkeys. It was established by King Albert I of Belgium, who aimed to protect endangered wildlife species, especially mountain gorillas, which were at risk due to poaching and the civil war.
Following Congo’s independence in the 1960s, the park and its activities diminished due to reduced government attention. However, in the early 1970s, President Mobutu, the newly elected leader at that time, showed renewed interest in its reestablishment and conservation efforts, renaming it Virunga National Park.
Just like Rwenzori Mountains National Park, Virunga National Park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. Visitors can experience thrilling wildlife safari tours, gorilla trekking tours, and explore the incredible biodiversity that Virunga National Park has to offer. With its rich natural resources and unique ecosystems, the park continues to attract adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. We offer the best Virunga Safari expedition wildlife tours and gorilla trekking safari tour packages fit to make your moment in Africa a memorable one.
Getting to Virunga National Park in Congo for Safari tours
Travelers based in Congo typically utilize road transport from Goma town, which is just 32 km from Virunga National Park. This town serves as a meeting point for the majority of travelers, especially those coming from nearby countries like Rwanda and Burundi. While the road can become dusty and muddy on occasion, making it challenging to reach the town, the park mobilizes private transport for those who prefer traveling by air.
Tourists from Uganda often cross over at the Bunagana border post in Kisoro town and take an hour’s drive to Bukima, the mountain gorilla safari trek starting point. This route is quite distant, requiring travelers to spend a night in Kisoro town. Alternatively, visitors can fly into Kigali International Airport in Rwanda and then take a 3-4 hour ride to the border of Rwanda and Congo at Gisenyi.
It’s worth noting that Virunga National Park safari tours often take place on Mondays, so it’s important to make travel arrangements in line with this schedule. Whether you’re interested in Virunga gorilla trekking tours and safaris, wildlife in Virunga National Park, or Virunga National Park expeditions, planning ahead will enhance your adventure in this unique region.
Virunga National Park Safari Expedition Tour(11 Days)
This Virunga National park expedition adventure and tour package is a truly fantastic experience when it comes to touring and discovering unique sights in Virunga National Park amongst travelers. Virunga Mountain gorilla trekking safaris and tours, chimpanzee habituation treks, and visiting the Senkwekwe gorilla orphanage provide an exceptional experience. Enjoy game drives along the savannah in the Lulimbi sector, along with nature walks, bird watching, and hiking, which are amazing activities during this expedition.
Exquisite accommodations are available throughout the journey, including the Tchegera Island Tented Camp, Mikeno Lodge, Lulimbi Tented Camp, and Bukima Tented Camp and they are catered for in our Virunga National Park expedition tour package which can be tailored to your satisfaction. Well-informed and trained guides are selected to direct tourists throughout the journey, along with highly experienced drivers to aid in transportation. Highly secured vehicles like Toyota Land Cruisers, drones, and buses with modified windows and rooftops are utilized for optimal wildlife viewing.
This Virunga National Park expedition Congo safari tours are led by rangers and a few members from the community who are responsible for the daily monitoring of wildlife and its maintenance. Depending on the location of the group, the journey takes about two and a half hours to and from various sites within the park.
Tourists are urged to wear comfortable boots and clothing such as trousers and long-sleeve shirts to safeguard against thorny and bushy areas they may want to explore. Additionally, a long raincoat is necessary for unpredictable rainy weather during your visit to Virunga National Park.
1. Arrival at Virunga National Park:
- Welcome briefing and check-in at the Virunga tourism office.
- Overnight stay at accommodations like Mikeno Lodge, Ngila Lodge, or Bukima Camp.
2.Gorilla Trekking:
- Day 2: First gorilla trekking safari experience with a briefing on mountain gorillas.
- Day 3: Second gorilla trekking with more insights and connection to the gorillas.
3.Chimpanzee Trekking:
- Day 4: Early morning chimpanzee trekking in Mahura Forest, observing their active behaviors.
4.Lulimbi Sector Exploration:
- Day 5: Transfer to Lulimbi Tented Camp, overlooking golden savannah grasslands and diverse wildlife.
5.Nature Safari Trek:
- Day 6: Nature safari trek with opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife sightings, including hippos.
6.Bird Watching:
- Day 7: Dedicated bird watching morning, including a barbecue lunch in the park.
7.Mount Nyiragongo Hike:
- Day 8: Challenging hike up Mount Nyiragongo with overnight stay at summit shelters.
8.Tchegera Island Experience:
- Day 9: Scenic descent from Nyiragongo and speedboat transfer to Tchegera Island.
- Day 10: Leisure time on the island with activities like kayaking and nature walks.
9.Departure:
Day 11: Healthy breakfast and transfer back to Butembo port for return to Goma town.
Optional drop-off to preferred hotels or destinations after the tour.
Accommodation during the entire itinerary (hotels and camps).
Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided as outlined in the itinerary.
Guided gorilla and chimpanzee trekking experiences with necessary permits.
Nature safari treks and birdwatching activities.
Mount Nyiragongo hike with briefing and summit overnight shelter.
Transportation between locations, including driver guide services.
Speedboat transfer to Tchegera Island.
Barbecue lunch in the park on designated days.
11 DAYS VIRUNGA TOUR PACKAGE DESCRITION
Day 1: Arrival at Virunga National Park
Depending on your starting point, travelers are directed to Virunga National Park. A designated driver guide patiently waits to brief you and takes you to the park. Visitors check in at the Virunga tourism office, where activity permits are issued and handed over to the guiding team. Afterwards, they head to the park, usually arriving in time for lunch and dinner so they can spend their first night within the park. Hotel options include Mikeno Lodge, Ngila Lodge, and Bukima Camp, catering to various expense ranges.
Day 2: First Gorilla Trekking
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and prepare for your first day of mountain gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park. The tourist vehicle will take you to Bukima, where you’ll receive your first briefing about the mountain gorillas, how they relate, and when to approach them. For a few hours, you’ll search for them; some stay hidden while others are easily visible. You will have quality time with the gorillas, giving you insight into what to expect on later days. Afterward, return to your hotel for lunch and dinner, enjoying some leisure time. Spend your second night at the same accommodation.
Day 3: Second Gorilla Trekking
With experience from your first encounter, this second mountain gorilla trekking day is even more enjoyable as you relate better with the gorillas. Spend a few hours in the forest, then return to your hotel in time for lunch. Afterward, if you’re still energetic, visit the Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage, located within the compound of Mikeno Lodge. Later, head back to your hotel in time for dinner and spend your third night there.
Day 4: Chimpanzee Trekking
Chimpanzee trekking is a more active experience than mountain gorilla trekking at Virunga National Park. You’ll hear them making various sounds from afar. As you get closer to Mahura Forest, you’ll notice them jumping from branch to branch. Habituation for chimpanzees is best in the early morning, so be ready by 6:00 AM for the briefing. After trekking, enjoy breakfast at the hotel and spend the rest of the day doing other activities like sightseeing and revisiting impressive places.
Day 5: Lulimbi Sector
After breakfast, check out and head to the Lulimbi sector, where your new accommodation will be Lulimbi Tented Camp. Check in and enjoy the spacious environment with exciting views that will make you eager for your next journey. This sector borders Uganda in the eastern part, extending to Lake Edward. Here, you can see the golden savannah grasslands of Queen Elizabeth National Park and spot wildlife such as elephants, hippos, and lions.
Day 6: Nature Safari Trek
After breakfast, prepare for a nature safari trek for some wildlife sightings. This is a fantastic opportunity for bird watchers to enjoy the variety of species in the park. From your camp, you can view hippos wallowing in the Ishasha River. Take in the savannah grasslands, and before the sun gets too hot, return to your camp for lunch and relaxation. Evening game drives are also available whenever you wish.
Day 7: Bird Watching
Dedicate the morning to bird watching in the Lulimbi sector, enjoying a variety of birds in the sky and on the shores of Lake Edward. A barbecue lunch will be served in the park before you head back to the camp.
Day 8: Mount Nyiragongo Hike
On this day, the group is notified beforehand to prepare for the hike. The trailhead for this activity is the Bukima Ranger Post. Upon arrival, hikers are briefed before climbing and then set off for about 5-6 hours up the mountain. Hikers make two stops for refreshments and stretching before continuing to the summit, usually arriving before dawn at the Nyiragongo summit shelters, where they spend the night.
Day 9: Tchegera Island
Waking up early gives you a chance to view the stunning sunrise from the summit. A simple breakfast is served before hikers descend to the foothills of Mount Nyiragongo, arriving at the trailhead around midday. Your driver guide will be waiting to transport you to Bukembo Port, where you’ll catch a speedboat to Tchegera Island. Upon arrival, lunch awaits, allowing tourists to refresh and relax after the previous day’s activities, followed by dinner and an overnight stay at Tchegera Island Tented Camp.
Day 10: Time at Tchegera Island
Spend the day enjoying the scenic island, participating in various activities such as kayaking and nature walks as you prepare for departure the following day.
Day 11: Departure
On your final day, enjoy a healthy breakfast before catching the speedboat back to Butembo Port, where you will be transported to Goma town. Some tourists with special arrangements may also be dropped off at their respective hotels or preferred destinations after the expedition.
Exploring Virunga National Park offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the majestic mountain gorillas through trekking and vibrant wildlife in their natural habitat. From thrilling mountain gorilla trekking safari tours and chimpanzee excursions to unforgettable safari tours in the Lulimbi sector, visitors can immerse themselves in the rich biodiversity of this remarkable region. With well-structured Virunga National Park expedition tour packages and luxurious accommodations like Mikeno Lodge and Tchegera Island Tented Camp, your adventure in Virunga National Park promises to be both memorable and rewarding. Whether you’re seeking thrilling wildlife encounters or serene moments in nature, Virunga mountains are the ultimate destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
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