National Park · Eastern DR Congo (North Kivu)
Virunga National Park
Africa's oldest national park (established 1925), spanning habitats from steaming lava plains to the snow-capped Rwenzori peaks — the only park in the world with mountain gorillas, active volcanoes, and an okapi range in one protected area.
Travel status: since M23 rebels took control of Goma in January 2025 and Bukavu in February 2025, normal tourism in eastern DR Congo has been disrupted, and most governments advise against travel. We only arrange trips here when parks are officially open and we've confirmed it's safe.
How to get there
Via Goma, reached by flights from Kigali or Entebbe, then a short road transfer and border crossing arranged in advance with the park authority.
What to find
Mountain gorilla trekking, the Nyiragongo volcano hike to the world's largest lava lake, and roughly 20,000 hippos along its rivers.
Overview
Virunga National Park was established in 1925 as Albert National Park, Africa's first national park, and was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. It covers about 7,800 km² of astonishingly varied habitat, from lowland forest and savanna to active volcanoes and the glaciers of the Rwenzori.
Its southern sector is part of the Virunga massif, which, shared with Rwanda and Uganda, is home to more than half of the world's mountain gorillas. The park also includes the Nyiragongo volcano and its lava lake, and the hippos of Lake Edward. It has also paid a very high human price for its protection: many rangers have lost their lives defending the park.
Highlights
- Mountain gorilla trekking on the slopes of Mikeno
- Overnight hikes to the rim of Nyiragongo and its lava lake (when access is permitted)
- The Senkwekwe Center for orphaned mountain gorillas
- Savanna, rivers and Lake Edward in the central sector
Things to do
Gorilla trekking
In the Mikeno sector, depending on the park's operating status.
Nyiragongo hike
An overnight climb to the crater rim, depending on volcanic and security conditions.
Conservation visits
Ranger and community projects.
Best time to visit
The drier months (June to September and December to February) are best, but security conditions always matter more than season.
Getting there
Historically via Goma, crossing from Rubavu (Rwanda), with all logistics arranged through the park. Access currently depends on the security situation.
Where to stay
The park operated its own lodges and tented camps. Their availability depends on current conditions.
Virunga National Park
A selection of well-known options, not a complete list. See all accommodation in DR Congo →
Good to know
- Uganda's Bwindi and Mgahinga, and Rwanda's Volcanoes, offer the same mountain gorillas without the security risk.
Permit prices, park rules and access can change. We always confirm the latest details when we plan your trip.