About Virunga National Park 

As a popular and most visited DR Congo national park, Virunga National Park is home to a diverse array of fauna species worth seeing during Congo wildlife safaris.

Located in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, bordered by famous Ugandan National Parks like Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Rwenzori Mountains, and Semuliki National Park, plus Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, Virunga National Park is one of the African continent’s most biodiverse conservation areas and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

It spans ~7,900 sq km and is blessed with various habitats like the dense jungles, montane forests, Virunga volcanoes, Rwindi plains, Lake Edward, other lakes and rivers, etc.

These habitats in Virunga National Park harbor several wildlife species, for example, approximately 22 primate types, 218 mammals, 109 reptile types, 78 amphibian species, 2000+ flora species, and 700+ Avian types call the park home.

It is worth noting that Park Virunga is widely considered to be the only place on earth that harbors three great ape taxa, i.e., the mountain gorillas (gorilla beringei beringei), eastern lowland gorillas (gorilla beringei graueri), and eastern chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii), worth seeing during Congo primate safaris.

Visiting Congo Virunga National Park provides most tourists with perfect chances to see all the fauna there firsthand.

Let us interest you with a detailed breakdown of all the wildlife species worth seeing in Virunga National Park!

Virunga National Park Mountain Gorillas (Great Ape Species) 

The famous mountain gorillas or gorilla beringei beringei are one of the most famed wildlife species in Virunga National Park, often seen during Congo gorilla safaris.

Virunga National Park was primarily established as Albert National Park with the sole purpose of protecting these critically threatened mountain gorillas.

Today the park protects almost a third of the world’s population of mountain gorillas, with the remaining percentages (the global total of mountain gorillas now exceeds 1063) being protected in neighbouring countries, Uganda and Rwanda, in the Virunga massif’s slopes.

These mountain gorillas in Virunga Park are mainly found in 10 habituated gorilla families in the Mikeno sector, especially, and some of them include

• Humba
• Munyaga
• Rugendo
• Nyakamwe
• Bageni
• Mapuwa
• Kabirizi
• Lulengo gorilla troops.

It is worth noting that mountain gorillas in Africa can also be found in other gorilla parks besides Virunga National Park, such as Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Mgahinga National Park (Uganda), and Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda).

Additionally, most sources say there are at least seven rare eastern lowland gorillas in the Virunga National Park of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Visit Virunga Park today, see these rare primates firsthand during Congo gorilla trekking tours.

Stunning Birds of Paradise in Virunga Park 

Over 700+ stunning bird species are some of the wildlife species found in Virunga National Park, often seen during Congo birding tours there.

Some of these birds of paradise found in Virunga Park include popular ones as well as the migratory Palearctic ones that come around the birding hotspots and tropical zones in the park.

The bird checklist of Virunga NP includes species of birds like the shoebill, Rwenzori batis, mountain greenbul, grey crowned crane, barred long-tailed cuckoo, strange weaver, Angolan swallow, grey-throated barbet, double-toothed barbet, and various barbets.

Others include brown-throated wattle-eye, yellow-crested helmet shrike, dusky crimson wing, red-throated alethe, Archer’s ground robin, Kivu ground thrush, Shelley’s crimson wings, among many others.

Marveling at the beauty of these avians is very possible during bird watching excursions in Congo.

Eastern Chimpanzees in Parc National des Virunga 

The eastern chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii) in Virunga Park share over 98% of their DNA with humans and inhabit the tropical jungles in the park, with large numbers found in the Rumangabo, active Nyiragongo Volcano, Semliki River Valley (northern side), and Tongo areas.

These outstanding primates, one of the three great taxa in Virunga, live in chimp groups of 20–80 members, and most visitors who wish to see them firsthand have to participate in chimp walking or tracking excursions that normally begin in the morning or at dawn.

Partaking in Chimpanzee trekking in Virunga Park is the best way to see these wildlife species.

Other Primate Types in Virunga National Park 

Parc National des Virunga is home to several other primate species that are considered among its wildlife species worth seeing during Congo wildlife trips.

The diverse list of primates in Virunga Park has over 22 estimated types, including the golden monkeys, De Brazza’s monkeys, blue monkeys, Central African red colobus mantled guereza, black and white colobus monkeys, olive baboons, Hamlyn’s monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, Dent’s Mona monkeys, grey cheeked mangabeys, etc.

Visit Virunga Park today and marvel at any of these stunning species during Congo primate safaris.

Mammal Species in Parc National des Virunga 

The other popular wildlife species in Virunga Park include very small and large mammal species, often seen during Congo wildlife safaris.

Virunga National Park is home to over 218 types of large mammals, consisting of big jumbos (both forest and savanna elephants), elusive okapi (northern forests of Virunga), lions, African leopards, African buffalo, warthogs, etc.

Others include the Thomas’s kobs (Ugandan Kobs), giraffes, giant forest hogs, over 20,000 hippos (high population around Lake Edward & rivers), several antelope species (defassa waterbucks, blue duikers, topis, bushbucks), plus other ungulates and smaller mammal species like porcupines, mongooses, and pangolins.

For any nature enthusiast seeking to see any of these mammal species, visiting Virunga NP, a popular African safari destination, is the perfect choice.

Aquatic Fauna in Park Virunga 

Aquatic fauna are another of the famed wildlife species in Virunga Park, worth seeing during Congo tours.

Virunga National Park habitats like the Rwindi, Rutshuru, & Semliki rivers, Lake Edward, etc., are home to a series of aquatic fauna, including large concentrations of hippos, fish species, among others.

Tourists on African safaris in Virunga NP can see all these when partaking in various safari activities done in the park.

Virunga National Park Reptile and Amphibian Species 

Reptile and Amphibian species are another of the wildlife species found in Virunga National Park, worth marvelling at during wildlife tours in Congo.

The number of amphibians in Virunga NP found in the Albertine Rift Valley averages about 78 species, while the number of reptiles is about 109 species, including snakes (rhinoceros snakes, mambas, etc.), Nile crocodiles, monitor lizards, geckos, chameleons, among many others, in the different habitats such as River Semuliki, Lake Edward, etc.

These can be seen during various Congo safari excursions in Virunga NP.

Unique And Diverse Flora in Virunga National Park 

Another example of the wildlife species in Virunga National Park is the diverse flora and vegetation types that are also home to various animal species seen during Congo vacations.

Virunga National Park, being home to the second biggest tropical rainforest in the world, boasts over 2,000 plant species, including 264 tree species and 230 Albertine Rift endemics, which is about 15%.

The varied vegetation types in Virunga range from the heath & alpine on the mountains like Rwenzori & Mikeno, among other Virunga volcanoes, swamps & wetlands in Rwindi plains, savannah grasslands & woodlands, dense montane bamboo forests in lower slopes, Semuliki Valley, in altitude ranging from 680m to 5,109m.

These are home to several species of fauna seen during Congo safaris.

The Different Habitats Hosting the Different Wildlife Species in Virunga National Park 

Virunga National Park, a DRC safari park nestled in the Albertine rift valley, has several habitats that are home to an incredible array of wildlife species seen by most travelers on Congo safaris. Some of these include.

Dense Virunga Forests 

The dense forests (afro montane & bamboo jungles) in Virunga National Park, especially those in the southern and northern sectors, are the primary homes to many wildlife species in the park, for example, the okapis, golden monkeys, and endangered mountain gorillas, among other stunning Avifauna.

Savannah Grasslands & Rwindi Plains of Parc National des Virunga 

Most savanna grasslands in Virunga National Park that are home to a vast array of fauna species are found mainly in the central region of the park, and they are home to animals such as African buffaloes, African bush elephants, waterbucks, Topi, lions, African leopards, Uganda Kobs, bushbucks, and warthogs.

Wetlands & Aquatic Habitats (e.g., River Semuliki, Lake Edward) 

The shorelines of Lake Edward, Rutshuru, the Semliki River, Semuliki Valley, and various wetlands or marshlands/swamps harbor one of Africa’s largest populations of hippopotamuses (over 20,000+), along with monitor lizards, huge Nile crocodiles, and numerous waterbirds, among other things to see while on Congo safaris.

Mount Nyiragongo and Other Virunga Volcanoes (Mikeno, Karisimbi and Nyamuragira) 

The Virunga massif volcanoes, i.e., Mount Nyiragongo, Karisimbi, Mikeno, and Nyamuragira, are home to several wildlife species in the dense afro montane and bamboo forests on their slopes.

They house several Virunga bird species, endangered gorillas, and golden monkeys, among many others.

Afro Alpine and Lava Plains (e.g., on the Rwenzori Mountains) 

At most high altitudes on mountains like the Rwenzori Mountain ranges, Virunga volcano slopes, there are afro-alpine and lava plains that are homes of various wildlife, including endemic plant and animal life.

Things To Do in Virunga Park During Congo Wildlife Safaris 

In order to see the diverse wildlife species in the famous Virunga National Park, most visitors need to partake in a series of safari activities, including

• Mountain Gorilla Trekking in the Mikeno sector
• Bird Spotting in the different birding hotspots
• Hiking Mount Nyiragongo, the active volcano with the world’s largest lava lake
• Sport fishing in the waterscapes in the park
• Boating excursions along the lakes and rivers in Virunga Park
• Chimpanzee tracking in the dense Virunga Park jungles
• Guided forest and nature walks in the savannah plains and other areas of the landscape
• Cultural Experiences with the local people
• Visiting the Senkwekwe Gorilla orphanage, renowned as the only existing mountain gorilla orphanage in the whole world.
• Focused wildlife viewing

Join in any of these safari activities done in Virunga National Park to see these wildlife species firsthand during Congo tours.

Best Time to Visit Congo’s Virunga National Park 

The best time for visiting Congo’s Virunga National Park is during the dry months from December to February and June to September, which offer the best weather conditions suitable for hiking mountains like Nyiragongo, tracking gorillas in the park, as well as seeing various animals at water sources as they drink water.

However, it is worth noting that if the security situation in Congo, especially in the Virunga Park areas, is fine, the park can be explored all year round, including in the wet seasons which prevail in March to May and October to November bring migratory birds, low visitor numbers, and discounted permits plus low costs on lodges.

Virunga National Park Accommodation to Stay at During Wildlife Tours in Congo 

Many travelers who visit Congo Virunga National Park for wildlife spotting expeditions stay at accommodation facilities that include.

• Mikeno lodge
• Tchegera tented camp
• Kibumba tented camp
• Ngila lodge
• Lulimbi tented camp
• Mount Nyiragongo summit cabins
• Bukima tented camp

Reserve your stay at any of these facilities in advance, especially during peak seasons, to avoid missing out.

Costs To Incur When Exploring Virunga Park Wildlife 

Some of the average costs to incur when visiting Congo’s Virunga National Park include.

• Gorilla Permit: $200-$450 (depending on season)
• Nyiragongo Hike: $300/person without any additional fees for hiking gear/porters
• Accommodation: $50- 450 per person per night, depending on rooming arrangements
• Visa: $100-$150 (required, often arranged via park booking)
• Transport: ~$350+ (Kigali-Goma round trip)

Getting To Parc National des Virunga in The Democratic Republic of Congo 

Getting to the Parc National des Virunga in the Democratic Republic of Congo often involves flying into Rwanda’s Kigali International Airport, then transferring by road from Kigali to Goma via a border crossing. From Goma, Virunga National Park authorities often pick you up and escort you to the park.

The other rarely used option involves flying into Goma Airport and transferring to the park afterwards.

Safari Checklist for All Essentials to Bring on A Virunga Park Wildlife Tour 

Some of the essentials to bring with you on a Congo wildlife tour in Virunga National Park include.

• Sturdy hiking boots for the uneven terrain
• Long-sleeved shirts and long pants to protect yourself from bug bites
• Insect repellent
• Sunscreen
• Gardening gloves for stinging nettles
• Walking stick
• Valid passport copies and permits
• Congolese francs, among many others

Liaise with your safari operator on the most reliable items to carry

Congo Tour Agents Offering Wildlife Safaris to Virunga Park 

• Prime Safaris and Tours Ltd
• Congo Gorilla Safaris and Tours
• Wild Gorilla Safaris
• Africa Safaris Tours
• Gorilla Safaris and Tours

Serious Threats Facing the Congo Fauna in Virunga Park 

Many wildlife species in Virunga Park face numerous serious threats such as habitat loss, poaching, illegal bush meat trade, civil wars, and armed conflicts. These threats are very prevalent in the northern sectors, most especially, which is why the southern sector of the Virunga National Park is mostly visited.

Conservation Status in Virunga National Park 

Conservation efforts in Virunga National Park aimed at curbing the threats in the park include the Virunga National Park rangers’ protection programs, rewilding initiatives. This continued support contributes to recoveries in populations like gorillas, elephants, etc.

Commonly Asked Questions About Wildlife in Virunga National Park 

1. Where Is Virunga National Park Located?

The Parc National des Virunga, or Virunga National Park as commonly known, is located in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

2. Why Is Virunga National Park in Danger?

Virunga National Park is in danger because it is located in a high-risk zone where most civil wars and armed conflicts are prevalent.

3. Is It Safe to Visit Virunga National Park?

Virunga National Park is very safe to visit if you follow all travel advisories and book your Congo safaris there with reputable tour operators.

4. What Wildlife Species Are Found in Virunga National Park?

Some of the wildlife species in Virunga Park include mountain gorillas, lions, forest jumbos, okapis, bushbucks, among other species seen during Congo wildlife tours.

The Congo wildlife species in Virunga National Park make it a worthwhile destination to visit for remarkable and memorable African safaris. Call or email us now and let us help you book the best wildlife trip to this gem!