Thinking of trekking mountain gorillas in the DR. Congo? The Democratic Republic offers a great opportunity to track the Western lowland gorillas, Eastern lowland gorillas and the Mountain gorillas. During your tour, you cannot escape visiting the Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This park is a UNESCO heritage site, Africa’s oldest park and situated in the eastern side of the country and boarders both Uganda and Rwanda.
A visit to a gorilla family in Virunga Park is a life changing experience. Mountain gorillas are highly intelligent, good nurtured, and fascinating to observe. The silverback’s powerful presence is awe-inspiring, yet his calmness clearly earns him the title, “gentle giant”. People are equally struck by the tenderness and care that mothers show their young ones. And then, of course, there are the juveniles who spend most of every hour at play and never cease to make visitors smile.
The Democratic Republic of Congo was the first country to embrace gorilla tourism. The Eastern part of the country hosts the Virunga National Park, Africa’s oldest protected area.
Today, Democratic Republic of Congo is one of the most popular gorilla tracking destinations in Africa with a good reason. Here you will experience a fine combination of primates and active volcanoes hikes known for its great rewarding natural beauty in Africa.
The travel inland to Virunga National park jungle opens up gates of plenty primates, birds, exclusive views although easy access is through Rwanda.
Virunga National Park offers very spectacular trekking and climbing trips to the Rwenzori Mountains in the north of the park. Known as the mountains of the moon and these reach a height of 5,109m and contain the largest glaciers left on the African continent. Those who trek and climb in the Rwenzoris will also experience a very stunning variety of land scapes, including bamboo forests , alpine meadows, lakes and the snow capped peaks. The flora and fauna of the Rwenzori is also diverse. The forest elephant, okapi, chimps, and the bird species that make the Rwenzoris their home. The best weather in the Rwenzori usually happens from January through mid-March and June to late August.
The Tchegera Island Camp is the perfect way to escape the bundle and bustle of Goma or to relax after climbing Nyiragongo Volcano. Located off the northern shore of Lake Kivu, Tchegera camp that gives spectacular views of the lake and four volcanoes.
On clear nights, the Nyiragongo and Nyamulagira volcanoes add to the drama by turning the night sky red with their glowing lava.
There is also variety of birdlife on the Island, including African eagles, cormorants, herons and the gulls. Whether one chooses to relax on the beach or explore other parts of the island in a sea kayak or by paddle board, Tchegera is the perfect place for rest as well as relaxation.
Where to Stay
Lodges and hotels in Congo offer endless choices of local and international cuisines and after sunset campfire fires come to life offering comfortable peace in perfect location. It’s now to give Democratic Republic of Congo a keen eye while looking for amazing places worthy visiting in Africa.
A lot waits to be discovered including the calm great culture of the Congolese famed for its warm hospitality and exotic tends.
The stunning natural backdrops of Nyiragongo volcano can make visitors go through the day with a lot of destruction and occupancy especially those at their lodge after the day’s trek.
With the endless list of beautiful national parks,islands, wildlife sanctuaries, chimpanzee homes, Virunga National park and Kahuzi Biega National park are great and unique places one shouldn’t miss out while in Congo.
Explore the scenic mountain gorilla park, Virunga with its Congo gorilla tours, chimpanzee habituation, hikes to active Volcanoes of Nyiragongo as well Rwenzori mountain climbing.
Primate adventurers and mountain climbers enjoy every minute spent in this park being the only place with the largest crater lake and live active volcanoes.
Travelers to this park are ever convinced with the plenty of beautiful attractions and rewarding magical experience that fill-up the park.There is plenty of birdlife and wildlife that appeal to true specialists of the Bird watching society making the park a unique bird watching destination.
This natural park is ideal for relaxing and reconnecting with friends and loved ones due to its ultimate environment and surrounding. It’s a perfect opportunity this summer to immerse yourself in the Congolese culture, track mountain gorillas and also hike to the summit of Nyiragongo volcano. Very few travelers have been to Congo on a Congo gorilla tracking tour but with its natural beauty and values of a memorable destination am sure you will also love your experience so much that you even return.
In the end you will always remember how truly beautiful Virunga is from the primates, wildlife, birds, accommodation, foods and the friendly people.
Other Places of Interest
Kahuzi Biega National Park
When it comes to other unique gorilla tracking destination in Democratic Republic of Congo, Kahuzi Biega national park comes next a home to Eastern lowland gorillas.With miles and miles of scenic travel, abundance of east low land gorillas and other primates and wildlife in the jungle forest ensure fun and happiness for everyone.
Guests here like exploring the Mbayo plantations, research Centre and the fishing village for more fun moments at the park. If you track low land gorillas on your visit to Congo for the second time its feels like coming home.
Many fail to choose among the best tour activities though keep saying all is great. Staying at Bukavu town is the best way to start the day after breakfast and packed lunch boxes in case the trek lasts.
There are a number of lodges in the town though choice depends on one’s budget. After the day of joy and fun in Kahuzi Biega National park, you’re bound to embark on the scenic drive back to Rwanda with a next chilling stop at Lake Kivu beach. In reality it’s a perfect place to taste the lovely islands that rank best in the list of Africa Islands. With sunshine year round, warm weather and water Kivu Lake is just the finest.
You can see why Democratic Republic of Congo will leave you inspired for life.