Park National Virunga
Possibly the diamond of Africa, Virunga National Park was established in April 1925. The Virunga National Park has to be on your top list for everyone who want to see the actual natural beauty of Africa. Many tourists still want to visit the Democratic Republic of the Congo because of its beauty and diversity despite sometimes erratic security in the eastern section. Comprising an area of 7800 square kilometers across the Great Albertine Rift valley, the park is the oldest national park in Africa. The Virunga National Park is the finest place for new discoveries, study, and adventures since, for the few visitors it receives, it still has freshness and wildness.
Declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1979 for their ecological value, Virunga National Park is The rebel operations in the park degraded the park and the 1990s conflict era in Rwanda was difficult for the Virunga since many refugees sought safety in the Conservancy. Originally proclaimed a World Heritage in Danger in 1994, the Virunga reserve became a Ramsar site of international significance in 1996 after the refugees invaded its resources. Strong ecologically, the Virunga supports the whole east and central African ecology.
The changes of the intertropical convergence zone substantially affect the temperature in the park and the Albertine Rift, therefore defining the experience of the rainy and dry seasons. March, April, mid-May, September, October, and November define the rainy season. Arguably the greatest times to visit the park are the dry months, which follow. The Virunga National Park is blessed with remarkable diversity of animals and unusual primates due in major part to the rich foliage and temperature.
With the Nile crocodiles ranking first, there are 196 mammal species, 67 amphibians,708 bird species and 108 reptile species. Among so many more, mammals including the African bush elephants, Bay duikers, African leopards, bushbucks, Checkered elephant, Crested porcupine, Lord Derby’s Scaly tailed squirrel, Aardvark, African buffaloes Although widespread poaching persists in the park, it is also a lion conservation area and home for many lions nonetheless.
Second to none is the primate species found in the park; among the many others are the endangered great and gentle mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, Blue monkeys, Central African Red Colobus, Golden monkeys, Dent’s Mona Monkeys, De Brazza’s monkey, Grey-cheeked mangabey, Hamlyn’s monkeys, Mantled Guereza, Olive Baboon.
But native tribes like the Batwa, Mbuti, Hutu, and Tutsi reside in some areas of the Virunga National Park, so there is more than just habitat for them. Living in villages, these local residents of the park provide subsidized porter and local guide services to visitors. Through melodic music, traditional dances, local cuisine among other things, they also share with the visitors their way of life and rich culture.
The managing body of the park and all others in the nation is the Congolese Institute of National Conservation (ICCN). The institute has had several difficulties, nevertheless. About 175 park personnel have been killed by rebels and particularly violent poachers who find trading the wildlife and their remains a source of cash in the turbulent surroundings of the park. The park has closed several times because of the area’s fluctuation; the most recent closure in May 2018. But it reopened in 2019, and visitor activity is still going strong currently. Although visiting Virunga national park is safe, make sure you bring a ranger with you into the jungles.
Attractions and events within Virunga National Park
Adventure seekers and visitors in general find overwhelming appeal in Virunga National Park’s remarkable biodiversity. There are so many events at the park that a visitor can participate in both within and outside of the grounds; among them are the following:
Trekking in mountain gorillas
Since the most popular activity visitors engage in in the Virunga national park is not gorilla trekking, therefore visiting the area without doing it is quite unacceptable. One can track eight groups of habituated mountain gorillas here. At roughly thirty-two members, Kabirizi gorilla family is the largest family. Starting with a gorilla tracking permit bought from the park headquarters, mountain gorilla trekking in Virunga national park proceeds.
Gorilla treking in the park begins with a briefing early in the morning once you have a permit. Following the brief, park rangers guide hikers in search of mountain gorillas in their native habitat. Depending on where the mountain gorillas are located, the trip takes four hours or more. Once you come upon the peaceful creatures, you have one hour to be with them. You may just watch the gorillas as they groom and eat or snap pictures or videos of them. At $400 just, Gorilla permits in Virunga National Park are not expensive.
Experience of Chimpanzees Habituation
Zoologist Frankfurt first started chimp habituation in 1987; it wasn’t until 2014 that the activity was open to visitors under researcher and ranger direction. Early on in the day, at five thirty am, the chimpanzee habituation experience begins. Searching for anything to eat, tourists follow the chimps. Chimps seldom stay in one spot during the day; they are constantly on motion. Searching for anything to eat, they will leap from tree to tree and for leisure play. The chimpanzee habituation experience helps visitors to grasp the dynamics of the chimpanzees’ way of existence.
Mount Nyiragongo’s trekking path
While in Congo, Mount Nyiragongo is among the top sites to visit; hiking the Nyiragongo is among the most popular pastimes there in Virunga National Park. One of the most active volcanoes in the world, it has erupted up to 34 times most recently in 2002. Just to see one of nature’s beauties—boiling red lava up-close—thousands of people visit the Virunga National Park. The climb up the Virunga mountain yields amazing views of the surrounding forests and insight from neighboring volcanoes. Porters are on hand to assist with luggage carrying, pack lots of water and energy, and provide long hike refreshments.
Especially in the wet season, temperatures at the peak of Mount Nyiragongo can plunge below freezing degrees.
the Batwa cultural path
Recently expelled from the national park, the Batwa pygmy villages who had long-lived in the Virunga’s forests and co-existed with the park’s species suffered since they depended so much on the forest for their survival. Lead by the Batwa themselves, the Batwa cultural route shows visitors how they create their homesteads, gather wild honey, and allow them to cook and consume native cuisine. Along with the Batwa sharing their hunting methods, antique farming tools, and even how to create fire from just a stick, the melodic songs and dances are shared with the visitors. The community benefits from the income generated by this event most of which goes toward financing the Batwa children’s education.
Nature treks and strolls
Discovering the wide range of plants and animals found in Virunga National Park can be done on nature walks. Beautiful scenery and landscapes featuring views of the volcanoes like the Nyiragongo and the eroded valleys of the Sinda and Ishango or better still marvel at the snow-capped Mountain Rwenzori in Uganda. Tourists will be rewarded. While on a nature walk in Virunga National Park, several animal perspectives of primates and many others like butterflies will all be feasible.
Boat rides on Lake Kivu
One can relax after a lengthy trip to Mount Nyiragongo, gorilla trekking or nature walks in the park with a bot sail on Lake Kivu. The boat ride will provide you good views of surrounding towns and would take you to several islands including Ijwi, the largest island on Lake Kivu and the tenth in the world.
Ideal packing list for Virunga National Park
Visiting Virunga National Park requires one to have the appropriate packing list and ensure to carry them along; some of them include:
Travel permits: Furthermore absolutely need are a valid passport, VISA, and Yellow Fever vaccination card, which will enable one to enter Congo and Virunga National Park. Having both hard and soft copies of these records is a smart habit to have on hand should something go wrong. Important papers to bring with you also are your medical insurance records, travel schedule, and current area map.
Clothes: Virunga National Park’s tropical rainforests, which comprise part of the park, cause erratic weather conditions; so, it is advisable to pack appropriate attire. suggested to be packed are a sweater, rain jacket, long sleeved shirt, pants, decent hiking boots, and stockings.
Excellent binoculars and camera: You just cannot miss documenting the lovely forest, scene, people, and animals. One of the most naturally gorgeous locations where you might keep track of what you observe to serve as a reminder of your former state is the park. The binoculars will be helpful for you to view the rather far-off objects. To protect your equipment, make sure you have a waterproof rucksack.
Emergency phone numbers: As soon as you arrive into the nation, a visitor can purchase a local sim card. You can get these sim cards from the airport or ask your preferred tour operator to assist with purchase. In an emergency, this would be helpful since you will be able to make calls, say in case of an accident or maybe you get lost (those who prefer self-drives and conduct own safari management).
One should also think about carrying antibiotics, electric adapters, flashlights, hand sanitizers, insect repellant, painkillers, vitamins, allergy medications, hair shampoo, and lip balm.
Accommodation in Virunga National Park
There is easily accessible accommodation in Virunga and surrounding the park. Your budget will determine the luxury, middle-class, budget, and low alternatives accessible. Either you can choose your preferred lodging by yourself or have a travel operator handle everything for you.
One may easily and quickly go to the park. The park requires roughly three hours of driving to reach from the capital Kinshasa. For directions such that they do not get lost, visitors are urged to bring ranger guides.
Travelers have many of activities at Virunga National Park, and its unspoiled nature is ideal for those who enjoy discovering new places. Spend some time organizing the ideal trip to Africa’s pearl; you will live to remember it.
