Insecurity remains a great hindrance to gorilla tourism in Virunga National Park 3 weeks after the reopening of Virunga Park to gorilla trekking, the park mourns the killing of another ranger guide. The lost guide Freddy Mahamba Muliro was assassinated on 7th May 2019 in a crash between the Mai Mai militia group and the park rangers in the central point of the park. Freddy becomes the 176th ranger to be killed by rebel groups in Virunga national park. The park had been closed for 8 months since May 2018 following the killing of ranger guide and kidnap of British travelers within the park. The major reason for the closure of the national park was to ensure accurate security investigations. However, the latest killing of Freddy tells that Virunga national is not safe and visitors who travel there at high risk.
About Virunga national park
Situated in Kivu, north of Congo. Virunga national park is Africa’s oldest national park established in 1925. Its one of the four national parks to see mountain gorillas covering Congo’s share of the Virunga Massif. The other population of mountain gorillas lives in volcanoes national park and Mgahinga gorilla/Bwindi Impenetrable forest national park in Uganda.
Major threats in Virunga national park
Tourism in Virunga National Park is threatened by various factors, which continue to discourage visitors from visiting the park. The major threats in Virunga Park include smuggling, illegal charcoal burning, Ebola epidermis, poaching and killing of park rangers by the Mai Mai militia. Virunga national park is with no doubt the most dangerous conservation projects in the world. The park was greatly hit by a military attack in 1997, which reduced the population of mountain gorillas to less than 300 individuals. Fortunately, the gorilla population has risen to over 1000 at present, which is a great achievement; great thanks go to park rangers who have sacrificed their lives to save these gorillas.
Top activities in the park
When we talk about tourism in Virunga national park, we major talk about the popular activities that attract tourists to this tropical forest. These include among others:
Gorilla trekking safaris
Gorilla trekking is a highlight for all Congo safaris to Virunga national park. The park is home to endangered mountain gorillas, which have been habituated into 8 groups for trekking. Just like in other gorilla destinations, each gorilla family in Virunga Park visited by 8 people hence 64 gorilla permits available every day. Also, gorilla tours in Congo are much cheaper at a cost of $450, which make it the best place to see gorillas especially for those traveling on a budget. Gorilla families in Virunga Park are Rugendo gorilla family, Munyaga gorilla family, Mapuwa family, Lulengo family, Kabirizi group, Bageni gorilla family and Nyakamwe gorilla family.
Nyiragongo volcano hiking
Hiking to the top of Nyiragongo volcano is one of the must do activities in Virunga national park. The top of Nyiragongo is home to the largest lava lake, which produces bubbling flames throughout day and night. Nyiragongo is an active volcano, which last, erupted in 2005, and signs of new eruptions are showing already meaning it will erupt again any time. Travelers to hike Nyiragongo need at least three days of hiking and descending. Bandas at the top of the Volcano provide travelers with comfortable and safe sleeping services. Also, travelers to hike Nyiragongo are required to be physically fit to avoid difficulty in hiking.
Travel tips to Congo
It’s undeniable that Virunga national park and Congo in general is not safe for tourism. Travelers are advised to be fully responsible for their lives and their properties. Avoid moving alone an in the night hours. If you are going to trek gorillas or hike Nyiragongo, ensure to carry hiking boots, gardening gloves, energy giving snacks, sleeping gear, rain jackets and enough drinking water among others.
Traveling to Virunga national park or tourism remains a great risk given the continuous killing and rebel threats. We hope the situation to stabilize soon so travelers can visit the park and enjoy the beauties of the park without any fear or disruption.
TO BOOK THIS TRIP,
Related Tours
3 Days Uganda Gorilla Tour
Book a 3 Days Uganda gorilla trekking tour to Bwindi Impenetrable forest park home to half of the world’s mountain gorillas. The forest is the first center for Uganda gorilla safaris having over 15 gorilla families habituated for trekking. Bwindi is also home to 120 species of mammals, 348 species of birds, 220 species of butterflies, 27 species of frogs, chameleons, geckos, and many endangered species.Read More
3 Days Murchison Falls Np Tour
3 Days Murchison falls wildlife tour to for fantastic game viewing in search for African lion, herds of Elephant, Buffaloes, Giraffes, Antelopes, etc, and boat cruise to the bottom of the falls to see Hippos & huge crocodiles.Read More
3 Days Tour to Semuliki National park
Join a 3 Days Uganda tour to Semuliki valley national park fo game viewing, bird watching and visiting the hot springs. The park is one of Uganda’s least visited parks which give travelers with an off beaten kind of experience. Expect to see many birds and wildlife less exploited. Read More
7 Days Uganda Safari
Join a 7 Days Uganda Safari for game viewing and boat cruising at Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth, chimpanzee trekking in Kibale forest and Mountain gorilla watching in Bwindi Impenetrable forest national park. You will also trek golden monkeys in Mgahinga gorilla national park as well as visiting various conservation projects in Bwindi and Mgahinga gorilla national parks. Read More
3 Days Rwanda Double Gorilla Trek
The 3 Days double gorilla trek in Rwanda offers travelers exceptional gorilla encounters in Volcanoes national park. The two involve trekking gorilla two times rewarding travelers with extended time with the gentle giants in the jungle. The tour starts and ends in Kigali Rwanda. Read More