Why you should visit Virunga National Park

If you ever been to the Democratic Republic of Congo, then you can surely testify that the country has it all to offer. Though many travelers leave out DRC when planning for safaris, a few who have visited the country before can tell how Democratic Republic of Congo is undeniably a hidden treasure. For the past decades, Democratic Republic of Congo has been known as an insecure destination due to civil wars and conflicts in the country. However at present, peace has been restored in Congo and tourism is done rewarding travelers with an off beaten kind of experience hardly found else where in the world. The unique experience in Congo range from wildlife, Volcanoes, Culture and history a combination of which make a safari to Congo a memorable experience.

Mountain gorillas

Roughly 200 of the world’s mountain gorillas reside in the tropical rainforests of Virunga national park. There are 8 gorilla families that have been habituated for trekking namely Kabirizi, Rugendo, Lulengo, Humba, Mapuwa, Nyakamwe, Bageni and Munyaga all available for trekkers. Interestingly, gorilla trekking in Democratic Republic of Congo is cheap at a cost of 450usd for a permit, which allow travelers to interact with gorillas for an hour.

Eastern lowland gorillas

These inhabit the rain forest of Kahuzi Biega national park and Congo. This makes a safari to Congo a lifetime experience since eastern lowland gorillas are only seen in Congo. Eastern lowland gorillas are scientifically known as Grauer’s gorillas and roughly 4000 individuals survive in the whole world. The name kahuzi biega was derived from two extinct volcanoes of Kahuzi (3,308m) and mount Biega (2,790m) on which the national park spreads. Eastern lowland gorillas are the largest gorilla specie differentiated from other species by their largest size, hands, short muzzle and large hands. Kahuzi Biega National Park is located 30 kilometers from Bukavu town just an hour drive by road. However, both mountain and eastern lowland gorillas have similar characters and trekking experience. They both feed on fruits, leaves, shoots, stems and some ground insects such as rodents.
A face to face encounter with these rare species come along with hiking deep into rain forests with slippery, muddy grounds and thorny bushes but the experience is surely incomparable.

Mount Nyiragongo

This is an active strata volcano whose summit shelters the world’s largest lava lake. The summit of mount Nyiragongo stands at 6,500feet, which is, roughly 8 kilometers hike from the start. On a single day, travelers hike to the summit where they spend an overnight to wait for the dazzling gas fire that shows clearly in the late night. All hikers are reminded o be a starting point by 10am after which who ever is left behind will not be allowed to hike alone. The speed of hiking depends on the fitness and body.

Lola Ya bonobo sanctuary

Bonobos are one of the critically endangered specie surviving only in Democratic Republic of Congo. Lola Ya Bonobo is the only sanctuary for the bonobos the closest relatives to human beings sharing roughly 98.8% of human genes. Bonobos are interesting animals to spend time with due to their unique bonobo handshake a unique character which keep these species in harmony. Bonobos live in families and if any family member is feeling stressed, some one in the family runs and gives him/her a bonobo handshake as a sign of comfort hence restoring peace.

Zongo falls

Zonga falls is a not miss in Democratic Republic of Congo situated in Bas-Congo approximately 130 kilometers from Kinshasa 4 hours drive from Kinshasa town. On reaching the falls, you will be impressed by the river that falls 65meters high falling down with legendary mythical, echo and a shattering noise something so unique. The most interesting part is that once you shout loud “Zongo” you repeat and extract your voice in combination with sounds of waterfalls falling down. Exploring zongo falls comes along with hiking deep in a tropical rainforest in which travelers enjoy a memorable jungle walk.

Boat cruises at Lake kivu

After tiresome hikes for gorillas and Mount Nyiragongo, a boat cruise is always a good option. A boat cruise on lake kivu provide travelers with clear views of all parts of Goma and the neighboring communities. You will cruise to various islands such as Ijwi which is the biggest island on lake Kivu and the 10th in the whole world 10th.

Okapi wildlife reserve

The reserve is one of the UNESCO heritage sites and a home to over 5,000 okapis, along with elephants, chimpanzees and leopards all available for travelers. The reserve is located in north east of democratic republic of Congo in Ituri forest covering a land area of 14,000 square kilometers. The reserve is a good site for families since there is no restriction in age.

Conclusively therefore, travel to the Democratic Republic of Congo and take part in gorilla trekking, Mount Nyiragongo Hiking, and other wildlife all rewarding you with a memorable experience.