Do you want to know what makes Virunga National Park so well-known? There are two kinds of gorillas in Africa’s primate sanctuary, Virunga National Park. both the lowland and mountain gorillas. The 8090 square kilometers of this park are home to a variety of species. This region’s geography is mostly volcanic, with elevations ranging from 680 meters in the Puembo River to 5109 meters in Mountain Stanley.

There are presently around six different gorilla groups in Virunga National Park: the Munyaga, Kabirizi, Mapuwa, Rugendo, Humba, and Lulengo monkey families.

Other primates, including as chimpanzees, red-tailed monkeys, De Brazaa monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, Hamlyn’s monkeys, blue monkeys, and others, are very fascinating to see in this old park in addition to gorilla trekking.

In addition to poaching, the start of civil hostilities in 1998 has hampered gorilla conservation efforts in this area. This is in line with King Albert of Belgium’s intention to save the mountain gorillas from extinction when he issued a gazette in Virunga Park in 1925.

Not only is this biosphere a sanctuary for primates, but many other wild species also enjoy its goodies. Elephants, Okapi, blue duikers, gigantic forest pigs, water chevrotains, African buffaloes, and yellow-backed duikers are just a few of them.

 

Trekking with Gorillas Within the Virunga National Park

One of the well-known locations for the remaining mountain gorillas that the world honors is Virunga National Park. Virunga National Park, along with Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Volcanoes National Park, withstood the dry circumstances to preserve a variety of animals.

Gorilla hiking in Virunga National Park requires a permit for each individual. You meet at Bukima Patrol for a briefing on the day of gorilla tracking. Pay attention to the guidelines, which include not upsetting the gorillas, not feeding them, keeping an 8-meter distance from them, and many other things.

To find the mountain gorillas, go with no more than seven other hikers and follow the ranger’s instructions. Hike through creepers, cross damp ground, and avoid massive buttress stems and roots. You may have to cross a few rivers and streams since this is a water catchment region.

Remember to search for De Brazaar’s monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, golden and blue monkeys, olive baboons, Dent’s monkeys, and Hamlyn’s monkeys, to name a few, while walking to find the mountain gorillas.

Other wild creatures, such as okapi, elephants, duikers, aardvarks, gigantic forest pigs, African buffaloes, and others, live in the forest for a portion of their lives.

Numerous bird species, including endangered Albertine endemics, may be found in this historic park. Arch’s Robin-chart, Green Board Bill, Strange weaver, Grauer’s rush warbler, White bellied robin-chat, African golden oriole, mountain buzzed, red sheeted, and others are some of the species you could see.

You are recommended not to display this in front of the mountain gorillas since it raises suspicions, even if the first look at them may cause some adrenaline to spike. Mountain gorillas are aware of every detail that visitors present, therefore it’s important to avoid upsetting them.

You are only permitted to spend one valuable hour with the gorillas before you leave. As a result, the gorillas have enough time to eat and tend to their families.

 

Trekking chimpanzees

Trekking with chimpanzees in Virunga National Park is one of Africa’s oldest safari activities. A biologist named Frankfurt created it in 1987. He sought to shield them from others in this manner, among other things. To follow these human relatives in the wild, you need chimpanzee hiking equipment.

Communities of chimpanzees are governed by an Alpha Male who is chosen democratically. In the kingdom Animalia, they are sometimes referred to be human relatives since they share around 98% of the same DNA.

Although chimpanzees are mostly vegetarians, under very dry situations they may sometimes eat monkeys. Primate poaching is a problem in the Democratic Republic of the Congo because people often hunt them for trophies and wild meat.

To participate in this unique activity, you must have a chimpanzee trekking permit. At the moment, each excursion costs $100 for a chimpanzee permit.

 

Trek the Congo’s Nyiragongo Volcanic Mountain

It’s an incredible experience to hike Mount Nyiragongo, one of the active volcanoes. The last time this active volcano erupted, it spat out more than 30 kilometers of lava in 2022.  When you reach the top, you can really feel the boiling beneath, which many people find amazing.

After receiving a briefing from the ranger guide, the journey to Nyiragongo Mountain begins at Kibati Petro. Prepare your trekking equipment. While reaching the summit of Nyiragongo Volcano, bring lightweight goods that will last you at least one night. Employing a porter to assist you with your luggage is a load reliever.

As you go, take in the surrounding green plant cover and the beautiful canopy you leave behind. For around six hours, hike at your own speed while paying attention to the ranger guide’s advice.  Bring your own lunch, energy drinks, and supper, which is ready when you get there.

You may spend the night in a small facility at the summit. The greatest way to experience an active volcano is to sleep on the ground, where you can hear the rumbling and violent noises of the lava.

Standing atop the mountain at the edge of the caldera, one may have a better view of boiling lava as darkness falls. The stunning but abrasive lava combination is fully shown.  After this once-in-a-lifetime event, descend the next day if you would want to add an Africa safari to your bucket list.

 

 How to Reserve Virunga National Park Gorilla Trekking Permits

Upon arrival, a gorilla trekking permit is booked for Virunga National Park. Permits for Virunga National Park now cost $450 per person each hike. Everybody The Virunga Foundation for Mountain Gorillas and the Institute Congolais Pour La Conservation (ICCN) are the regulatory bodies in charge of gorilla licenses in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The Institute Congolais Pour La Conservation’s Kahuzi Beiga is in charge of managing lowland gorillas.

Even if there is still a lack of funding for gorilla trekking in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the preservation of these endangered animals must continue despite the unrest. The local community receives a portion of the year-round cash to help them manage their initiatives.

 

How Much Do Virunga National Park Chimpanzee Trekking Permits Cost?

Each journey costs $100 for chimpanzee permits in Virunga National Park. Given that chimpanzees may get human illnesses, you must be in excellent health. They are prone to contracting infectious diseases such as the flu, COVID-19, cough, and others. To prevent the spread of a virus that would eventually cause chimpanzees and other primates to die in large numbers, volunteers should remain behind.

 

How Old Must Be to Trek with Gorillas in Virunga National Park?

In Virunga National Park, gorilla trekking is only allowed for children and adults who are at least 15 years old. This also holds true for Rwanda and Uganda, two nearby countries that are home to mountain gorillas.

A little youngster less than this year may not be able to handle the excitement that a mountain gorilla’s initial sight may sometimes produce. It takes considerable endurance to hike to see the mountain gorillas, which might be exhausting for visitors younger than this. A youngster under this age may not get along with mountain gorillas since they may be provocative at times.

Children under the age of fifteen are excluded in order to prevent a stampede of gorillas in the jungle, which might potentially impact other gorilla trekking families.

 

What is the minimum age need to trek with chimpanzees in Virunga National Park?

Chimpanzee trekking is only open to those who are at least 15 years old. Compared to mountain gorillas, chimpanzees are far more gregarious. They move more quickly as well, yet their look is not intimidating. Some of Africa’s oldest habituated chimpanzees may be found here.

 

What to Bring to Virunga National Park for Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking

a pair of binoculars to get a better look at chimpanzees and other fur-ranging monkeys that climb trees during periods of intense precipitation.

Tracking boots that are comfy enough to trek up high hills

Safari Since you will be walking through a muddy forest that might get you filthy, you should wear long sleeves and trousers in colors like Khaki.

To shield your eyes from flying insects that move around in the forest, use sunglasses.

Energy snacks to consume, particularly before you find the mountain gorillas and you start to become hungry.

Use insect repellent since there are stinging insects in the bush that may eat you.

The woodland is consistently chilly throughout the day, so you’ll need a poncho or warmers for warmth.

Water container that folds up to store drinking water

Carry a light backpack to prevent your possessions from being wet and dispersed across the forest.

When one battery becomes low, you may swap it out for another fully charged one.

A camera to save the memories of your African chimpanzee trekking or gorilla safari