Have you dreamed on going on an African photo safari in Democratic Republic of Congo in Virunga National Park? Virunga National Park, formerly Albert National Park lies in the north-eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, UNESCO designated the park a World Heritage site in 1979. The Democratic Republic of the Congo is the second largest country in Africa. It borders nine countries: Angola, Burundi, the Central African Republic, the Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia.
The park’s southern tip rests on the northern shore of Lake Kivu, a short distance from the town of Goma to the east. The Virunga Mountains lie between Lakes Kivu and Edward and extend into Rwanda and Uganda. The oldest national park in Africa is the Congo’s Virunga National Park. It is home to rare mountain gorillas, lions, and elephants.
The bespoke activity in these three countries, Uganda, Congo and Rwanda is them being home to the endangered mountain gorillas that live in the Virunga conservation area where Dian Fossey dedicated her life studying the behaviour of mountain gorillas.
Gorilla photo tours also gives you a chance to climb the Nyiragongo volcano mountain, one of the world’s most beautiful and active volcanoes, is a large strato-volcano. Mt Nyiragongo is one of eight volcanoes in the Virunga Mountains, climbing Mt Nyiragongo volcano is a lifetime experience, the hiking begins at the Kibati ranger post, which is 30 minutes’ drive from Goma town, the Park rangers lead all treks and porters are available and ready to hike with you, reaching the top depends on the fitness of each person in the group but maximum it takes 5 – 6 hours on a good day. Trips can be organized by booking through Virunga visitor site. It’s a great combo with tracking mountain gorillas.
Bring your dream to reality on your gorilla photo safari in Congo with abundant wildlife, including elephants, whose numbers decreased in the late 20th century, and lions, which have increased in number, unlike most other large mammals, the rare mountain gorillas, lowland gorillas, okapis, antelope, warthogs, and pelicans all live in Virunga as well.
If you wish to go gorilla trekking in Congo, the border between Rwanda and the D.R.C in Goma is open, and safari park representatives will meet you across the border post. All tourists entering the D.R.C will need a visa, passport and Yellow fever vaccination card.
The best way to reach Goma is from the neighbouring Rwanda, traveling on well-maintained roads from Kigali. It takes about 3 hours to reach the D.R.C border near Goma, from Kigali. The border crossing is unproblematic and from there it’s a short walk just 10 minutes to Goma. You can also get to Goma and Virunga from south-western Uganda, making the relatively easy border crossing at Bunagana, where an affordable local visa can be purchased.
Gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park has been described by many as a life changing experience and is certainly one of Africa’s bucket list experiences one should not miss on a gorilla photo safari in Africa. Mountain Gorilla tracking in Virunga National Park is cheaper than in neighbouring Rwanda and Uganda. If you are looking for a budget gorilla photographic safari with a difference, get in touch and book your spot on a bucket list adventure that will change the way you see Africa.
