Description

Virunga National Park is one of the most extraordinary protected landscapes in the world. Established in 1925, it is Africa’s oldest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site internationally recognized for its exceptional biodiversity and ecosystems.

Located in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo along the Albertine Rift, the park stretches across 7,800 square kilometers and includes volcanoes, montane forests, savannas, lakes, and tropical rainforests.

Virunga forms part of the Congo-Nile basin, one of the largest watershed systems on the planet, feeding both the Nile and Congo rivers. The park’s rivers and lakes also provide opportunities for sustainable hydropower initiatives designed to support surrounding communities.

This expedition takes travelers deep into Virunga’s diverse ecosystems while supporting conservation initiatives that protect endangered species and support local communities.

Participants explore the park’s landscapes with expert Congolese guides, trek through gorilla habitats in the Virunga Massif, learn about conservation efforts led by park rangers, and discover the ecological importance of one of Africa’s richest biodiversity hotspots.

What wildlife can travelers see in Virunga?

Virunga National Park is one of the most biologically diverse protected areas on the continent.

The park hosts:

218 mammal species

including

• mountain gorillas
• forest elephants
• lions
• hippos
• okapis

706 bird species

including numerous Albertine Rift endemics.

109 reptile species

including the famous Gaboon viper, known for its impressive camouflage patterns and powerful strike.

78 amphibian species

making Virunga the richest amphibian region in the Albertine Rift.

22 primate species

including:

• mountain gorillas
• eastern lowland gorillas
• eastern chimpanzees

Virunga is the only location on Earth where three great ape species coexist.

What landscapes will travelers explore?

Virunga contains a remarkable diversity of ecosystems.

Travelers will explore landscapes including:

• volcanic mountains of the Virunga Massif
• bamboo forests above 1,800 meters altitude
• tropical lowland rainforests
• the Rwindi Plains savanna ecosystem
• rivers feeding the Congo and Nile basins
• Lake Edward and surrounding wetlands
• montane forests on the slopes of Mount Mikeno
• the Rwenzori Mountains, also known as the “Mountains of the Moon”

These ecosystems provide habitat for hundreds of species and create one of the most scenic national parks in Africa.

What activities are included in this experience?

Travelers will participate in a range of wildlife, conservation, and cultural experiences including:

• mountain gorilla trekking
• volcano trekking
• rainforest exploration
• conservation workshops with park staff
• ranger-led wildlife tracking
• bird watching in the Albertine Rift
• community visits and cultural encounters
• biodiversity education sessions
• tree planting conservation activity
• 6 nights premium eco-lodge accommodation
• all meals
• airport pickup and drop-off in Goma
• all local transfers and 4×4 transport
• professional Congolese guides and trackers
• mountain gorilla trekking permit
• volcano trek with certified guide
• community homestay experience
• tree planting ceremony
• conservation workshop participation
• personalized impact report
• 24/7 in-country support