Best Lodges in Virunga National Park
Best lodges in Virunga National Park are those lodges or accommodation in Virunga National Park in which travellers on Congo safari tours in the park can stay in comfortably and enjoy their time while in the park. Virunga National Park is located in the eastern part of the Democratic of the Congo bordering Uganda and Rwanda both of which are renown for hosting mountain gorillas and consequently giving travellers an opportunity to encounter them on gorilla trekking safaris or gorilla habituation experiences.
During your Congo safari planning process with your preferred tour operator, getting to know and requesting for the best lodges in Virunga National Park for you to stay in should come up such that you enjoy your stay. Accommodation in Virunga National Park caters is in ranges and can therefore cater for any kind of traveller ranging from luxury to budget or basic travellers.
The notion of best lodges may be looked at one’s perspective for one person’s interests and preferences may not be the same for the other; the following are therefore the best lodges in Virunga National Park to us, you may check them out to ascertain if they are your preference as well.
Mikeno Lodge
Mikeno Lodge is one of the most sought after Virunga National Park lodge given it gives travellers amazing views of the Rift valley and the Nyiragongo Volcano. Situated in Rumangabo sector of Virunga National Park, Mikeno Lodge is a luxury safari lodge located inside Virunga National Park sitting on a 35 hectares of land. Mikeno Lodge with rooms decorated and furnished in both colonial and African style.
Each of the 8 rooms in Mikeno Lodge has a comfortable bed with a mosquito net, ceiling fans, fire places to keep you warm during the cold nights and days. A private patio comes with every room in Mikeno Lodge, giving guests a perfect relaxation spot which is also visited by among others birds.
Mikeno Lodge is only about 90 minute’s road drive from Goma. Mikeno Lodge offers full board accommodation, so travellers are served all the three meals of the day at the lodge. While at Mikeno Lodge, guests can visit the Senkwekwe gorilla Orphanage any time of the day, at no extra cost.
Bukima Tented Camp
Bukima Tented Camp is located just a few minutes’ walk away from the starting point of the gorilla trekking adventure in Virunga National Park, at the foothills of the Virunga mountains in Bukima sector of Virunga National Park. originally, Bukima Tented Camp was put in place for researchers to stay in but is mostly used by gorilla trekkers in Virunga National Park. Bukima Tented Camp has 6 luxury tents each fitted with advanced bathrooms with fresh water running, comfortable bed, and the views that guests do get here are quite exceptional.
Guests who stay at Bukima Tented Camp should expect a personalised service given that there are few guests at a time that can stay at the camp. Privacy, great views, amazing nature, sometimes visits by the endangered mountain gorillas among so many others make Bukima Tented Camp one of the best lodges in Virunga National Park that travellers can opt to stay in. Rates for Bukima Tented Camp are for full board basis, with alcoholic beverages availed at an extra cost.
Kibumba Tented Camp
Kibumba Tented Camp is more appealing to those travelling on budget. Though considered a budget accommodation, Kibumba Tented Camp in Virunga National Park serves its guests with some of the most delicious cuisine in the jungles of the park, as well as a full stocked bar, well maintained tents fitted with comfortable beds, en-suite bathrooms and hot showers all the more making guests’ stay more comfortable.
Kibumba Tented Camp is conveniently located just at the trailhead of the Nyiragongo volcano, thereby being the best choice of accommodation for travellers intending to do the Nyiragongo hike to see the world’s largest boiling Lava Lake.
Nyiragongo Summit Shelters
The Nyiragongo summit shelters are located, at the summit of Mount Nyiragongo, an active volcanic mountain in Virunga National Park which travellers can hike to see the world’s largest lava lake at the rim. While hiking the Nyiragongo Mountain, travellers are rewarded with stunning scenic views of other volcanoes of the park, and the park itself. Hiking the Nyiragongo can take about 5 hours to reach the summit, and given that most a times travellers be exhausted and cannot descend the same day, shelters were erected at the summit, which travellers can book to stay in.
The Nyiragongo summit shelters are found at a spot from where travellers can spot a variety of wildlife including chimpanzees, bushbucks, among others; as well as great stunning views. Though the Nyiragongo Summit shelters are basic, they are adventurous and worth experiencing. There are 12 Nyiragongo summit shelters available, each with two single beds where you can place your sleeping bags on and spend the night. For meals, you shall be served with a three course meal for dinner at the summit, and a basic breakfast in the morning before you descend the Nyiragongo volcano.
Tchegera Island Camp
Tchegera Island Camp is the best option for those travellers after some relaxation having enjoyed their gorilla trekking experiences in Virunga National Park. Tchegera Island Camp is located just off Lake Kivu, near Virunga National Park. The U-shaped Tchegera Island is a great getaway place for travellers if not after gorilla trekking experiences in Virunga National Park, then visiting for a family get away or even honeymooning. Tchegera Island Camp has tents well-furnished for your stay, and service provided is worthwhile. The views of the Nyiragongo volcano on a clear night shall leave you mesmerised.
The above are the best lodges in Virunga National Park that travellers visiting the park can stay in. depending on your budget range, you can choose one of the best lodges in Virunga National Park to stay in and get to enjoy your stay in the park as you enjoy the activities and attractions that the park has to offer including but not limited to gorilla trekking, gorilla habituation experience, hiking Mount Nyiragongo, bird watching and mountain climbing. Take time to plan out a perfect Congo gorilla safari especially a Virunga gorilla safari and get to enjoy staying in one or more of the above best lodges in Virunga National Park.
