Virunga National Park | The Republic of the Congo Gorillas

region of the Albertine Rift Valley, Virunga National Park is situated in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Over 8,090 square kilometres (3,120 square miles) is the total area covered by the national park. It is the country’s most visited national park and natural landmark.

Mount Stanley, the highest point in Virunga National Park at 16,762 feet (5,109 m), is 2,230 feet (680 m) above sea level. In the Rwenzori Mountain Valley flows the Semliki River. The landscape here is mostly composed of montane forest and savanna.

Within the park’s borders are the active volcanoes of Mount Nyiragongo and Nyamuragira. When it comes to African volcanoes, these are the most active.

Virunga National Park The Republic of the Congo

1. Nyiragongo Volcano

Rises to an elevation of 3,470 meters (11,384 ft) on an active stratovolcano. The ash, lava, and lava rocks that make up the volcano are all byproducts of earlier eruptions. The largest volcano lake in the world is contained within this.

2. Nyamuragira Volcano

Unlike its neighbour Nyiragongo, this volcano is unique. Lava flows from the past have formed this shield volcano. The volcano is slowly but surely rising, and it has already reached a height of 10,033 feet (3,058 m).

3. Mount Sabyinyo

Rwanda, Uganda, and the Congo’s Virunga National Park are bordered by this dormant volcano. At an elevation of 12,037 feet (3,660 m), the mountain’s peak serves as the tri-border point. This shared volcano and border area between Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and Uganda’s Gahinga National Park provide for a bigger protected area for mountain gorillas to explore and roam.

Prior to its journey into neighbouring Uganda, the vast part of Lake Edward lies within the national park. A large lake in the Western Rift Valley, this is. The lake is 48 miles (77 km) in length and 26 miles (42 km) broad, with an elevation of 2,992 feet (912 m) at the surface. Uganda shares it as well.

About 300 plant and animal species are unique to this habitat. The jungle is home to more than 2,075 plant species, including 264 tree species. The park is also a good place to see African alpine bamboo.

There are 65 species of amphibians, 109 species of reptiles, and 196 species of mammals that make up wildlife. The mountain gorilla is the most famous of the primates, which are the most beloved animals. Aside from chimpanzees and blue monkeys, there are also a variety of primates, such as the red-tailed monkey, olive baboon, De Brazza’s monkey, Dent’s mona monkey, golden monkey, grey-cheeked mangabey, and Hamlyn’s monkey.

The national park’s rainforests and surrounding terrain are home to around 706 bird species, which is sure to delight bird enthusiasts.

In addition to these popular animals, you may also see aardvarks, waterbucks, topi, red river hogs, huge forest hogs, warthogs, and elephants. The crocodile, lion, leopard, and mongoose are predators. In order to establish a sanctuary for lions, Virunga and Queen Elizabeth National Parks worked together.

Things to See in Virunga National Park

1. Gorillas

One of the most memorable experiences for tourists is a safari through the wilds of Virunga National Park. One must visit the top national park in the DRC in the hopes of seeing the mountain gorillas. In order to get a personal encounter with these magnificent animals, people travel great distances.

Stunning and incredibly powerful, mountain gorillas are awe-inspiring animals. That makes them one of the seven most populous African countries. Being the largest ape, they are capable of displaying their full force when provoked. Additionally, they are kind, affectionate, engaging, and considerate. On many occasions, hikers are captivated and left speechless.

2. Virunga National Park Trails

Most visitors to Virunga National Park embark on guided treks to see mountain gorillas. Time, experience, and accessibility are the three main factors used to categorise the various paths.

    • Nyiragongo Volcano Trail

This is a walk up to the Nyiragongo Volcano lava lake. The amount of time spent climbing depends on one’s fitness and skill level. The ascent often takes four to six hours, and the descent another four.