Formerly named Albert National Park, Virunga is a 7,800-square-kilometre National Park that stretches from the Virunga Mountains in the south, to the Rwenzori Mountains in the north, in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.

It’s as well bordering Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Rwenzori Mountains National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda

The history of the park is deeply affected by the country of which it is part. For much of its long history, Virunga National Park has struggled to survive through many of Congo’s troubled times.

Thanks to the dedication of certain politicians, conservationists, park rangers and wardens, the park not only has survived, but is currently experiencing a dramatic renewal.

The park was founded in 1925 by King Albert I of Belgium and originally known as Albert National Park, the first national park on the continent of Africa.

It was founded primarily to protect the gorillas living in the forests of the Virunga Mountains controlled by the Belgian Congo, but later expanded north to include the Rwindi Plains, Lake Edward and the Rwenzori Mountains in the far north.

In the first 35 years, the boundary of the park took shape, poaching was kept to a minimum and sustainable tourism thrived due to the work of a large body of hand-picked Congolese rangers and dedicated wardens.

Land remuneration and the use of park resources such as fishing and hunting by the local population became an on-going problem and attempts were made to solve these issues.

  Activities in Virunga National Park

• Mountain Gorilla Trekking

Mountain Gorillas are located in the Mikeno Sector, about a two and half our drive from Goma. They can also be approached from Bunagana (border of Uganda).

The permit is $400, so slightly cheaper than in Uganda or Rwanda. The visits are also a bit more authentic and in smaller groups.

Nature Adventure Africa Safaris is a leading and best tour operator who is ready and willing to arrange for you the mountain gorilla trekking trips in virunga national parks.

• Nyiragongo Hike

This volcano, famous for its lava lake, is a technically easy climb from the direction of Goma. A trip to the top  takes 6 hours, most climbers spend the night at the top. This also makes it possible to see the boiling lava by night, when it becomes even brighter.

Chimpanzee Habituation Experience

Lake Kivu Holiday