Gorilla trekking both in Rwanda and Congo awards you a lifetime experience. The Virunga National Park in Congo is one of the most biologically diverse protected areas on the planet. Half of all the biodiversity in sub-Saharan Africa can be found in Virunga. The park is also a geologic wonder and contains two of the world’s most active volcanoes. For much of its long history, though, Virunga National Park has been severely threatened by armed conflict. Thanks to the dedication of the park’s rangers and wardens, Virunga has been able to survive. Certain politicians, the European Union, conservationists, philanthropists, and private donors have also played a vital role in Virunga’s survival.
How to get there
- Overland via Rwanda, cross the border at Gisenyi/Goma, the border crossing is easy if you pre-arranged a visa, if not it will be difficult or expensive (280$ if bought at the border).
- Fly into Goma, from within the DRC many flights connect to Goma, from outside the DRC Entebbe is the only city connected by TMK. Once again make sure you have a pre-arranged visa.
Fees permits for Congo and Rwanda
Mountain Gorilla Permit in Congo: $400 US ($400 less than the cost in Uganda and Rwanda).
Mountain gorilla Permit in Rwanda:$750
Nyiragongo Volcano Trek Permit: $300.
Rwenzori Mountain Trek Permit: 200$ (multi-day trek). Different treks are possible (4-5-6 days)
Gorilla trekking can first be done in Rwanda then transfer to Congo for other trekking activities
Gorilla Trekking and Twin Lakes Tour
Have an early breakfast at your hotel; then will prepare to set out for this great gorilla trekking adventure in the park. The procedure are quite easy, you will proceed to the headquarters of the park where you will gather for a vital briefing regarding these gorillas, prior to partitioning into groups. If fortunate, you will surely soon find the mountain gorillas and while there you will be permitted to spend one hour in the presence of these very peaceful giants. At the finish of this trek, you will return to your lodge for lunch and relax. In the afternoon if interested set out for a tour to the twin lakes of Ruhondo and Burera or take a community walk around neighboring communities of the forest. Interact with the local people; learn about their way of living. After a wonderful evening, you return to your lodge for dinner and rest.
Golden Monkey Tracking and Transfer to Gisenyi
Early breakfast and proceed for golden monkey tracking, another existing adventure in volcanoes national park. After briefing, finally enter the forest to meet face to face with the golden monkeys. You will see them play as they jump from one branch of tree to the other; all this will be amazing and memorable for your safari. Drive back to Kigali for a city tour, you will visit some craft shops and buy for yourself a souvenir. Continue to the airport for your flight and say farewell to Rwanda.
Activities that take place in Virunga National Park
Climb Nyiragongo Volcano
The Lava Lake of the Nyiragongo Volcano, the largest in the world, this volcano, famous for its lava lake, is a technically easy climb from the direction of Goma. A trip to the top should take <6 hours, most climbers spend the night at the top. This also makes it possible to see the boiling lava by night, when it becomes even brighter.
Visit the Mountain Gorillas
The Mountain Gorillas are located in the Mikeno Sector, about a two and half our drive from Goma. They can also be approached from Bunagana (border of Uganda). The permit is $400, so slightly cheaper than in Uganda or Rwanda. The visits are also a bit more authentic and in smaller groups. There are several operators who can organize this, but all book via the ICCN (Congolese Wildlife Authority) sales office in Goma. You can also book directly with ICCN (tourism@gorilla.cd). They can also organize transport.
Rwenzori Mountain Trek
Glacier of the Rwenzori Mountains in Virunga National Park, the Rwenzori Mountains is a snowcapped mountain range in the north of Virunga National Park on the Border with Uganda. The highest peak in the range lies on the border and can be climbed from both countries. The trek to the glacier can be made in a 4-5 or 6 day trek. in order to start the trek visitors will need to travel to Beni by airplane (either from Goma or Entebbe).
Visit the Tongo Chimps
Virunga National Park has a habituated Chimpanzee group in the picturesque hills of Tongo, located in the southern sector of Virunga National Park, west of the park headquarters of Rumangabo, Tongo is a unique forest island and home to a small population of chimpanzees. The forest lies on one of the lava flows from Nyamulagira Volcano and is estimated to be 300 years old. NB Tongo is not yet open for visitors due to safety issues; please check the Virunga National Park Tourism Website for current information on the chimpanzee treks.
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