Gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park
The most popular tourism activity in Congo is gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park, which draws many visitors to the nation. Most tourists would want to explore the authentic African wildness that is shown in Virunga National Park.
Virunga National Park, one of Africa’s oldest parks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is renowned for its ecological value and role in protecting and conserving the endangered mountain gorillas. In addition to mountain gorillas, Virunga National Park is home to other animals, chimpanzees, and a variety of rare bird species.
Nevertheless, despite the intermittent upheaval in the nation, many tourists go to Virunga National Park to engage in the exhilarating sport of gorilla trekking because of the mountain gorillas.
On a gorilla trekking safari, visitors may see eight completely habituated gorilla groups in Virunga National Park. Similar to humans, with whom they share 98% of their DNA, gorillas live in families of seven to twenty-five or more. As the leader of the family, a dominant silverback is responsible for keeping the group or family safe and directing them to the proper food sites.
In order to find mountain gorillas, gorilla trekking entails trekkers venturing far into the Virunga National Park’s mountainous terrain and forest cover. In Virunga National Park, gorilla trekking begins very early in the morning.
Visitors meet park rangers at the park headquarters, where they get an orientation and a set of laws and regulations to follow. After that, they are divided into groups of eight and sent to a gorilla group to monitor.
For cross-checking reasons, passports or copies of them are needed for allocating gorilla groups, for example, based on the languages that a passenger speaks. When allocating gorilla groups, fitness levels and individual interests are taken into account. Travelers may be treated to traditional local dances during the gorilla group allocation procedure.
Under the supervision and safety of rangers, travelers then embark on the eagerly awaited gorilla trekking expedition in the verdant forest cover. While hiking, keep an eye out for other park residents, including as animals, other primates, and many birds. After coming into contact with the gorillas, a dominant silverback may examine the group to see if his family is in danger.
If he is satisfied, he just leaves you alone. You may spend a whole hour with the gorillas as they go about their daily activities, and if you’d like, you can capture photos and films of them. After the experience, you get to hike back to the beginning. Depending on where the gorillas are, gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park might take anything from 30 minutes to 4 hours or more.
Travelers are encouraged to adhere to all rules and regulations for the sake of their personal safety as well as the maintenance and preservation of the gorillas and their natural environment. Among other things, the restrictions prohibit staring directly into the eyes of gorillas, keeping a 7-meter distance from them, polluting the park, using flash photography, and monitoring if one is unwell. It is important to always follow these gorilla trekking guidelines.
It is recommended that guests bring the following necessary gorilla trekking equipment for a successful and amazing experience:
Good hiking boots
A garment that is waterproof
shirts with long sleeves to protect your arms
Stretchable long safari pants
A cap
Gloves for gardening
A backpack that is waterproof
Creams that repel insects
Good cameras
Snacks that provide energy
It is also advised that travelers employ a porter to assist with carrying their baggage, which, even if it is little, may appear heavy during the lengthy journey. Even if you believe you are fit enough to complete the walk, don’t forget to bring the hiking stick that was issued at the beginning of the journey or at your lodge.
Gorilla trekking requires participants to be at least 15 years old. Gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park requires a gorilla permit, which may be obtained at the park’s main office or from a reliable tour operator. In Congo, gorilla licenses only cost $400.
There are excellent lodging alternatives that appeal to all types of guests, from luxury to budget, for those considering a gorilla trekking safari in Virunga National Park. It’s crucial to make reservations in advance to guarantee the accommodation of one’s choice.
In addition to gorilla trekking, visitors may engage in chimpanzee tracking, bird viewing, nature walks, climbing the Nyiragongo and other volcanoes, cultural interactions, and many other activities at Virunga National Park. In addition, tourists may go on wildlife drives or walking safaris in the Ishasha plains, or they can visit islands like Tchegera.
Virunga National Park may be reached by plane into Goma and then transported to the park, or by traveling from Rwanda and Uganda, two nearby countries. Visitors may take a plane to Kigali, Rwanda, and then drive via Gisenyi to Goma town.
It simply takes two hours to travel from Gisenyi to Bukima, the park headquarters. Additionally, visitors may drive an hour to Bukima across the Bunagana border between Uganda and Congo. However, vacationers should be aware that the trip from Kampala or Entebbe to Kisoro takes around eight hours.
Regardless of the path used, proper paperwork is necessary to enter the Congo. To enter the country, one must have a valid passport, a Congo visa, and a valid yellow fever vaccination card. You won’t be allowed to enter the nation if you don’t have any of them.
The application process for the $100 Congo visa must be completed two weeks before to your intended arrival in the country. The visa only permits stays of up to 14 days. It is advised that travelers get travel insurance as well.
Any visitor may experience the thrill of gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park provided they are prepared and their journey is well-planned. For assistance in organizing the greatest Congo safari that will make you want to visit the country again, get in contact with a reputable tour operator.
