Mountain Gorilla Trekking

The mountain gorilla population is currently estimated at 1100 mountain gorillas and Virunga national park has a reasonable number of these. There are 10 habituated mountain gorilla families in the park and mountain gorilla trekking is therefore the key and main safari activity done in Virunga. The mountain gorilla habituation process is done by rangers who study, and follow the mountain gorillas to make them accustomed to human beings’ presence. Once habituated, the mountain gorilla families are then open to tourist visitation.

Just like in Rwanda and Uganda, only 8 tourists are allowed to track one mountain gorilla family a day. Even here you are also expected to keep at least 7 meters away from the mountain gorillas. The mountain gorilla trekking experience starts with a briefing about the mountain gorillas. Here you are briefed about the regulations, the dos and don’ts while in the forest, and in the presence of the mountain gorillas.

The hike to the mountain gorillas takes 2 to 4 hours and once you get to the gorillas you are only allowed to stay in their presence for an hour. In this hour you get to learn more as you observe the mountain gorillas and take photographs for memories.

Birding

Birding safaris are other wildlife adventure activities you can be part of while visiting Virunga national park. The diverse ecosystems of the national park make it have diverse and a variety of birds including Albertine Rift Valley endemics and some that are endemic to the Congo forests. Some of the notable birds you can see while on a birding safari here include the great blue Turaco, Rwenzori Turaco, Rwenzori Bantis, and olive Sunbird among others.

You can spot a number of birds while of general park activities including mountain gorilla trekking and Mountain hiking. This is therefore a great added advantage that increased your chances of wildlife viewing and discovery.

Mountain Hiking

Before its eruption, Mount Nyiragongo was open to tourism and it was very ideal for mountain hiking. Because of the lava at its summit, hiking to the summit of Mount Nyiragongo would give one an opportunity to see the hot lava. Ever since the mountain erupted in 2020, it destroyed a lot of property and was temporarily closed to tourism as the team of experts continues to assess the situation.

We have hope that in the future mount, Nyiragongo will be open for tourism and people will get an opportunity to see the lava lake once again. The Hike to mount Nyiragongo also starts with a briefing at the Kibati park post. Here you are briefed and then led to through the first forest canopy layers that have wildlife species including birds and primates. Part of this was obviously destroyed during the volcanic eruption but not all was lost. The key attraction of the mountain Nyiragongo is the lava lake and it will always be the main area of focus. Hiking mount Nyiragongo also offers great scenic views of the surrounding areas including the Great Lakes in the Albertine Rift Valley.

Visit the Sekwenkwe Center

The Sekwenkwe Center is a sanctuary for orphaned mountain gorillas. It is located at Rumangabo near Virunga national park and it is the only home and rehabilitation center for orphaned mountain gorillas. It has some resident mountain gorillas some of whom were rescued from the poachers. The Sekwenkwe center was established in 2009 after the national park rangers regained control of Virunga national park after some time of civil war and armed conflicts in the area. The center started with two orphaned mountain gorillas Ndeze and Ndakasi and by the end of 2010 two more mountain gorillas were added.

The two mountain gorillas had been brought to the center from Rwanda but unfortunately later died because of health complications. Another mountain gorilla Matabishi was also rescued and brought to the center in 2013. He had sustained injuries but these were tented to until he recovered and him and Ndeze are the only two remaining mountain gorillas at the Senkwekwe sanctuary.

Another mountain gorilla that lived at the Sanctuary is Mazuka. He, unfortunately, passed away in 2021 after staying at about 3 years at Senkwenkwe. Ndakasi also died in 2021 but all their lives are well documented and you get to know more about them by visiting the Senkwenkwe center.

Tchegera Island Excursions

Tchegera Island is another incredible place to explore while visiting Virunga national park. The island has a crescent shape of which is believed to be a top of a volcanic mountain that erupted collapsing and leaving behind a crater that was later filled with the waters of Lake Kivu. Tchegera island though small is covered with trees and lush vegetation thanks to the cool environmental conditions of the area.

The island forms a natural harbor that favors a number of wildlife species to thrive here. These are mainly aquatic wildlife species that include fish and crabs. These are particularly endemic to lake Kivu meaning it is the only place you can see them. You can engage in a number of wildlife and fun activities while visiting Tchegera island. For wildlife and nature lovers, birding, nature walks and Kayaking are highly recommended. You can also swim in the calm waters of the lake or choose to just relax and enjoy the cool breeze.