Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo is Africa’s oldest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sprawling across nearly 8,000 square kilometres of eastern DRC, it is one of the most biologically diverse protected areas on Earth – home to mountain gorillas, the active Nyiragongo volcano with its vast lava lake, forest elephants, chimpanzees and okapi. Despite decades of challenges, Virunga remains a symbol of conservation courage and offers intrepid travellers a truly wild gorilla trekking experience.
Gorilla trekking in Virunga
Virunga is home to several habituated families of mountain gorillas, offering a wilder and more affordable alternative to trekking in Rwanda or Uganda. Treks depart from the Bukima patrol post into the forested foothills of the Virunga volcanoes, where visitors spend a magical hour with these gentle giants.
Climbing Nyiragongo
The park contains Mount Nyiragongo, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, home to the largest lava lake on the planet. Trekkers can climb to the summit and spend the night on the crater rim, watching the lava glow against the night sky.
Other wildlife
Beyond gorillas, Virunga protects chimpanzees, forest elephants, okapi and a wealth of birdlife across its rainforest, savanna and mountain habitats.
Best time to visit
The dry seasons (June to September and December to February) offer the best trekking conditions. Travel to Virunga requires careful planning with an experienced operator.
Plan your visit
Explore our Congo safaris or start planning your trip.
