Virunga National Park
Location: Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo
Year of Inscription: 1979
Criteria: (vii) exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance;
(viii) significant natural habitats for biodiversity conservation;
(x) contains the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation.
Overview: Virunga National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The park is home to an incredible range of landscapes, including savannas, forests, mountains, and active volcanoes. It is also home to a diverse array of wildlife, including endangered species such as mountain gorillas, eastern lowland gorillas, and chimpanzees.
Prominent Features: The park is most well-known for its population of endangered mountain gorillas, which can be visited with a guided trek. In addition to gorillas, the park is home to a wide range of other wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, hyenas, and hippos. Visitors can take guided nature walks, boat trips, and volcano treks to explore the park's landscapes and wildlife. The park is also home to several cultural sites, including the Nyiragongo volcano and the Tchegera Island Lodge.
History: The park was established in 1925 as Africa's first national park. It has faced many challenges over the years, including political instability, poaching, and resource exploitation. However, it has also been the site of groundbreaking conservation efforts, such as the establishment of the Mountain Gorilla Project and the Virunga Alliance.
Family-Friendly Activities: The park offers several family-friendly activities, including guided nature walks, boat trips, and volcano treks. Children will also enjoy learning about the park's wildlife and conservation efforts through interactive exhibits and educational programs.
Fun Fact: The park is home to the world's largest lava lake, located in the Nyiragongo volcano.
Entry Fees: The entry fee for Virunga National Park varies depending on the activities and attractions visited. Gorilla treks typically cost around $400-500 per person, while volcano treks cost around $300-400 per person. It is important to note that the park is currently closed due to ongoing security concerns, so be sure to check the latest travel advisories before planning your visit.
How to Reach it: The easiest way to reach Virunga National Park is by flying into the city of Goma, which is located near the park. From there, you can hire a car or take a taxi to reach the park entrance. It is also possible to reach the park by boat from the city of Bukavu, located across the lake.
Where to Stay: There are several accommodation options within and near the park, ranging from camping and budget lodges to luxury lodges and tented camps. Some popular options include Mikeno Lodge, Bukima Tented Camp, and Tchegera Island Lodge. However, due to ongoing security concerns in the area, it is recommended to check the latest travel advisories and to book your accommodation through a reputable tour operator.
Next Stop: Okapi Wildlife Reserve
Year of Inscription: 1979
Criteria: (vii) exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance;
(viii) significant natural habitats for biodiversity conservation;
(x) contains the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation.
Overview: Virunga National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The park is home to an incredible range of landscapes, including savannas, forests, mountains, and active volcanoes. It is also home to a diverse array of wildlife, including endangered species such as mountain gorillas, eastern lowland gorillas, and chimpanzees.
Prominent Features: The park is most well-known for its population of endangered mountain gorillas, which can be visited with a guided trek. In addition to gorillas, the park is home to a wide range of other wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, hyenas, and hippos. Visitors can take guided nature walks, boat trips, and volcano treks to explore the park's landscapes and wildlife. The park is also home to several cultural sites, including the Nyiragongo volcano and the Tchegera Island Lodge.
History: The park was established in 1925 as Africa's first national park. It has faced many challenges over the years, including political instability, poaching, and resource exploitation. However, it has also been the site of groundbreaking conservation efforts, such as the establishment of the Mountain Gorilla Project and the Virunga Alliance.
Family-Friendly Activities: The park offers several family-friendly activities, including guided nature walks, boat trips, and volcano treks. Children will also enjoy learning about the park's wildlife and conservation efforts through interactive exhibits and educational programs.
Fun Fact: The park is home to the world's largest lava lake, located in the Nyiragongo volcano.
Entry Fees: The entry fee for Virunga National Park varies depending on the activities and attractions visited. Gorilla treks typically cost around $400-500 per person, while volcano treks cost around $300-400 per person. It is important to note that the park is currently closed due to ongoing security concerns, so be sure to check the latest travel advisories before planning your visit.
How to Reach it: The easiest way to reach Virunga National Park is by flying into the city of Goma, which is located near the park. From there, you can hire a car or take a taxi to reach the park entrance. It is also possible to reach the park by boat from the city of Bukavu, located across the lake.
Where to Stay: There are several accommodation options within and near the park, ranging from camping and budget lodges to luxury lodges and tented camps. Some popular options include Mikeno Lodge, Bukima Tented Camp, and Tchegera Island Lodge. However, due to ongoing security concerns in the area, it is recommended to check the latest travel advisories and to book your accommodation through a reputable tour operator.
Next Stop: Okapi Wildlife Reserve