DR Congo Suspends Gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park due to COVID-19.
With only a small number of mountain gorilla populations left in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, conservationists in Africa and beyond are understandably worried about the global spread of the coronavirus and its lack of segregation.
Because of this, all of the nations listed have put extraordinary limits on gorilla tourism, which is why the Democratic Republic of the Congo has suspended gorilla trekking. A recent mountain gorilla census found that there are about 1004 mountain gorillas residing in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, the Congo’s Virunga National Park, and Uganda’s Bwindi Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks.
As of right now, visitors to Virunga National Park cannot go on gorilla treks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to sweep the world, conservationists have warned that primates, and mountain gorillas in particular, are at risk of contracting the virus. This is because mountain gorillas share over 98% of their DNA with humans, making them an ideal vector for the disease.
As a result, the Democratic Republic of the Congo has made the difficult decision to halt all mountain gorilla tourism activities in Virunga National Park as of Monday, March 23, 2020. New bookings will be accepted again beginning Monday, June 1, 2020, subject to the current COVID-19 situation. Following measures and World Health Organization instructions to limit social interaction, Virunga National Park has closed mountain gorilla tourism.
Referring to Virunga National Park
Virunga National Park is one of the oldest and most diversified tropical rain forests in Africa. It is mainly known as a destination for mountain gorilla trekking in the Congo, but visitors may also enjoy bird viewing, nature walks, chimpanzee tracking, habitatuation, and a journey up Nyirangongo volcano. In the whole globe, mountain gorillas are found in only three nations.
Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Uganda are all part of this group. Virunga National Park in the Congo is home to mountain gorillas, whilst Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is where you may find these primates. In Uganda, you can see gorillas at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The national parks are located in close proximity to one another inside the Virunga mountain range.
One of the most popular things to do in Virunga National Park is go mountain gorilla trekking. Trekking with members of six different gorilla families is possible: the Kabirizi, Humba, Rugendo, Mapuwa, Lulengo, Munyaga, Nyakamwe, and Bageni groups. With more than 300 gorillas, Kabirizi is the biggest of these groups and a popular destination for travelers interested in gorilla trekking.
Trekking mountain gorillas in Congo is possible with either a standard or subsidized gorilla permit from Virunga National Park. Peak season at Virunga National Park (December–January–February–June–July–August–September–early October) sees 400 USD per person per trek for gorilla permits. During this time, the park sees a large influx of visitors—many on vacation—and the trails within the forest are relatively dry, making it easier for the gorillas to traverse. Booking your journey at least three months in advance is highly recommended if you want to visit the Congo for gorilla trekking during these months.
This will ensure that you do not miss out on the gorilla permits. During the off-season months of early March, April, and May, as well as early October, November, and early December, Congo Virunga National Park offers discounted gorilla permits trekking for 300 USD per person per trek. The offer runs from 15th of March to 15th of May, 15th of October to 15th of December.
Conservationists have made protecting mountain gorillas a top priority, which has led to the difficult decision to temporarily close mountain gorilla tourism in Virunga National Park. This decision will have a direct impact on the park’s revenue, the jobs of rangers and porters, and anti-poaching efforts, which puts the mountains at risk of being targeted by poachers. There are six gorilla families at Virunga National Park that can be visited on a daily basis.
On each trek, eight tourists and two park ranger guides and porters are allowed. With the park closing due to COVID-19, the gorilla permits cost around $1,5,800 per day. The closure also impacts other services such as transportation, tour operators, and accommodation.
When can we return to the Democratic Republic of the Congo to undertake mountain gorilla trekking?
The low season months of March, April, and May are when gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park is closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During this time, the trails become extremely slippery and the vegetation is fully grown, so most tourists avoid going gorilla trekking during this time.
Around the same time every year, Virunga National Park offers a special deal on gorilla permits for visitors who want to see the gorillas during the rainy season. The price is only USD300, so even those on a tight budget can trek with the gorillas. From October 15th through December 15th, we expect the COVID-19 epidemic will have passed by the time the gorilla tourism in Virunga National Park reopens on 1st June 2020. This offer will still be available at that time.
During the dry season (December–February, June–July–August, and September), which is ideal for visitors to the park, the trails are usually much easier to walk than during the wet season, and the vegetation is not yet fully grown, making sightings of gorillas easier and more clear. During this time, a gorilla permit costs USD400 per person, per trek. But you can see mountain gorillas whenever you go gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park, and that’s all year round.
Apart than going on a gorilla expedition in the Congo, what else is there to do there?
A nature walk through the Virunga Forest in Virunga National Park, one of the oldest tropical rain forests in Africa, offers a chance to learn about the different tree species, see birds, and, if you’re lucky, even see some mammals and reptiles. You’ll also get to admire the stunning beauty of the Virunga Landscape.
At an elevation of 3,470 m (11,380 ft), the Nyirangongo Volcano is one of the world’s most active volcanoes. Little is known about the exact duration of the volcano’s eruptions, but it has occurred at least 34 times since 1882, with the most recent eruption occurring in 3002, making it a once in a lifetime adventure that everyone should try to hike. Virunga National Park is another great place to do this.
traversing Mount Nyiragongo
Bird watching, As one of the most biologically diverse tropical forests, Virunga National Park is home to a wide variety of plant and animal life, including a plethora of bird species that have made the park famous for its birding excursions. On a birding expedition, you get an opportunity to witness over 706 different kinds of birds. Get in touch with us, and we’ll take care of planning this safari for you.
Virunga National Park: Where to Stay
You may find affordable, mid-range, and luxury accommodations in Virunga National Park. Bukima Tented Camp and Kibumba Tented Camp are two inexpensive alternatives with nightly rates ranging from $90 to $100. Tchegera Island Camp and Lulimbi Tented Camp are two mid-range options with nightly rates ranging from $100 to $300. Nightly rates at the luxurious Mikeno Lodge start around $300–$400. Just tell us which one works best for you, and we’ll check availability and make the reservation for you.
What are the benefits of using Katland safaris for DR Congo gorilla safaris now the COVID-19 outbreak has passed?
Launched in 2011, Katland Safaris aspires to provide unparalleled and expert tour and travel services in Rwanda, Congo, Tanzania, and Uganda. Afterwards, Katland Safaris became a frontrunner among Rwanda and Uganda trip providers. The office and field staff at Katland are well trained and ready to answer any questions or concerns you may have.
We collaborate closely with the Uganda Wildlife Authority and are proud members of the Association of Uganda Tour Operators (POTO). Safari reservations and TripAdvisor both had nothing but praise for us. From Kigali, you can access the finest and most up-to-date information on our website, making it a credible starting point for your preparations for your DR Congo mountain gorilla safari. Owned and operated by Ugandans, the staff at Katland Safaris are experts in their field and would gladly share their knowledge with you.