Virunga conservation area is a UNESCO world heritage site Shared between Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo including Mgahinga nation al park, Volcano national park and Virunga national park respectively. They are famously known for inhabiting endangered mountain gorillas which are only located in 3 countries in the whole world.
Endangered mountain gorillas preferred Virunga conservation area due to its vegetation zone which is largely comprised of bamboo and tropical rainforest which have also attracted other wildlife species and various bird species
The Virunga conservation area is located in south western part , Virunga National Park in Eastern Congo, and Volcanoes National Park in extreme Northwest Rwanda. Virunga Area lies along the Albertine rift valley area and it is where you can find the chain of 8 Virunga Volcanoes; Mikeno, Bisoke, Nyiragongo, Karisimbi, Sabyinyo, Gahinga, Nyamuragira and Muhabura
Virunga national park is located in eastern part of Congo and famously known as a home of endangered mountain gorillas. However, the area inhabits other species like birds and wildlife species.
Things to Do while in Virunga Conservation Area
Gorilla Tracking
Virunga conservation area is a best destination for gorilla tracking in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo. In Uganda, gorillas are spotted in mgahinga national park which inhabits only one gorilla family called Nyakagezi however gorillas are also spotted in Bwindi impenetrable national park adding up to about 500 individuals as population census. While in Rwanda, gorillas are spotted in volcano national park and Virunga national park in Congo. In the whole world, gorilla population is about 1067 individuals in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo.
Gorillas are recorded to be 98% humans due to their characters and behaviors. Visitors interested in gorilla trekking are advised to pack comfortable hiking boots, insect repellent, camera, binoculars, rain coat, long trousers, long t-shirts, water &snacks and many more. Visitors also are limited to 8 individuals, children above 15 years are allowed to trek, and many more.
Bird Watching
While trekking in the tropical forests of Virunga conservation area, visitors will also view various bird species which will make the trip memorable. Some of these birds are endemic and others are migrating birds which migrate seasonally. some bird species include endemic birds, Rwenzori turaco, Rwenzori batis, Archer’s ground robin, red-throated alethe, Kivu ground thrush, collared apalis, mountain masked apalis, dusky crimson-wing, Shelley’s crimson wing, red-faced woodland warbler, stripe-breasted tit, blue-headed sunbird, regal sunbird, Rwenzori double-collared sunbird, handsome spurfowl and strange weaver.
Golden Monkey Tracking
Virunga conservation area is the best destination for golden monkeys where silver meets gold. Uganda is blessed to be with golden monkeys in Mgahinga national park which attracts many visitors. Golden monkey permit in Uganda costs $100 per person from Uganda Wildlife Authority. However, mgahinga is a home of other primates like velvet monkeys, gorillas, red tailed monkeys, L’Hoest monkey, black and White colobus monkey, blue monkey, and many more. Golden monkeys tracking can be done morning hours and so is gorilla tracking of Nyakagezi family.
Wildlife Species
Despite the fact that Virunga conservation area is covered with tropical forest which is a home of wildlife species, visitors are offered many attractions as they trail into Virunga conservation area. Some of the wildlife species spotted include forest elephants, and many more.
Nature walks and hiking
Virunga conservation area is the best destination for nature walks and hiking. During nature walks and hiking, visitors are led into the tropical forests by guides who knows what is best for visitors and best destination for wildlife species, birds, gorillas, golden monkeys. While searching for attractions in forest, guides will take them through local communities living around the park like batwa who will entertain visitors their traditional dance, will told tales by elders, will enjoy local meals, practice iron smelting and visiting herbalists.
Virunga conservation area is the best place for hiking despite the fact that the area is surrounded by mountain like Mount Nyiragongo, Mt Muhabura, Mount Nyamuragira and many more
Cultural encounters.
Virunga conservation area offers various cultural encounters which include batwa in mgahinga national park and pygmies in Virunga national park. These cultures are amazing and visitors enjoy nature walk to these communities where they are entertained in their traditional dances, visitors are told tales by elders, visit herbalists, visit local markets and support their businesses, taste on local foods and taught how to make local foods, visit iron smelting and many more.
How costly is a gorilla permit in conservation area?
Despite the fact that Virunga conservation area is covered in three national park which is Virunga national park, volcano national park and mgahinga national park, they are protected and managed differently thus making the costing permits different. Gorilla permit in virunga national park in Congo cost $450 for foreign non residence, volcano national park gorilla permit in Rwanda costs $1500 and mgahinga national park in Uganda gorilla permits cost $800.
What to pack?
- Comfortable hiking boots
- garden gloves.
- Scarf
- rain jackets,
- long pants.
- long-sleeved shirts and stockings.
- Insect repellents help you to prevent poisonous insect bites.
How safe is Virunga conservation area?
YES, the Virunga mountains are safe for visitors. Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Mgahinga Gorilla National park in Uganda is very safe for tourism. No murder or insecurity cases have been reported in these two parks in the past two decades. However, Virunga National park in Congo has reported some cases of insecurity. Gorilla trekking in Congo is currently on hold and the park is still closed to visitors. However, we shall update you once the park is open again.
Which is the highest mountain in the Virunga Volcano ranges?
The highest Volcano in the Virunga Conservation Area is Mount Karisimbi standing at 4,507 meters above sea level. The active stratovolcano is located in Volcano National Park on the borders of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. snow seen at the summit of the volcano derived from the Kinyarwanda word” Amasimbi” to Karisimbi. The forested lower slopes of the mountain shelter the Karisimbi gorilla family normally seen by hikers.
