Gorilla Trekking Sectors in Virunga National Park: There are currently four sectors in Virunga National Park where tourists can do gorilla trekking during a Congo safari tour. Virunga national park is one of the only three places in the world where visitors can track mountain gorillas from.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is home to the Virunga National Park. This was the first national park established on the African continent in 1925 as Albert National Park, which was later renamed Virunga. In 1979, UNESCO designated it as a world historic site.
The endangered mountain gorillas are only found in three nations in the world: Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Mount Nyiragongo and Mount Nyamuragira, Africa’s most active volcanoes, are also located here. Mount Nyiragongo erupted recently in May 2021.
The park is organized into four parts and encompasses an area of 8,090 square kilometers. It’s a good idea to become acquainted with the park’s several sections, since each offers a distinct experience and lodging.
Gorilla Trekking Sectors in Virunga National Park.
Lulimbi Sector
The center sector of Virunga National Park, also known as the Lulimbi sector, is located close the Ugandan border surrounding Lake Albert. This section is distinguished by savannah grasslands that stretch from Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park. It therefore provides tourists with the opportunity to observe tree climbing lions in the Ishasha area of Queen Elizabeth National Park, elephants, Uganda kobs, and hippos in the Ishasha river.
This section has a diverse range of flora and wildlife and is ideal for birding trips and guided nature hikes in Virunga National Park. Visitors to Virunga National Park’s Lulimbi area can stay in the Lulimbi tented camp.
Bukima Sector (Eastern sector)
The eastern sector, also known as the Bukima sector, is one of the best in Virunga National Park and is home to the park’s headquarters. Mountain gorilla trekking takes place here, and you may also visit the Senkwekwe mountain gorilla orphanage while you’re there. There is also a habituated chimpanzee family in the Mahura forest region of Virunga National Park, so tourists may combine a gorilla trekking tour with a chimpanzee trekking tour.
Visitors to this sector can stay at Mikeno Lodge and Bukima Tented Camp, among other places. This area is also where most activities in Virunga National Park begin, as well as where tourists are briefed.
Kibumba Sector- Southern Sector in Virunga National Park.
The southern sector of Virunga National Park, commonly known as the Kibumba sector, is another well-known area of the park. Mount Nyiragongo, Mount Nyamuragira, and Mount Mikeno are all found here. This area of the park also includes sections of Lake Kivu.
Kibumba sector is great for mountain gorilla trekking, wildlife guided excursions and birdwatching, mountain hiking, and many other activities. Visitors to this section of the park can stay in the Kibumba tented camp.
Northern sector in Virunga National Park.
The northern section of Virunga National Park includes the Semiliki river valley and the Rwenzori mountain range of the Rwenzori National Park, which is shared by the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. Because of the region’s underdevelopment, it is not as popular as the other areas.
How much is a gorilla permit in Congo?
A gorilla trekking permit in the Democratic Republic of Congo goes for $400 per person as compared to $1,500 in Rwanda and $700 in Uganda.
Is it Safe to visit Virunga National Park?
Visiting Virunga national park in eastern DR Congo is considered safe. Security measures have been taken put in place to make a return visit from Rwanda very straightforward and secure. Therefore, this goes without saying that Virunga national park can be accessed by visitors travelling from Kigali city in Rwanda.
Can I extend my Rwanda safari with a trip to Congo?
Most individuals do not travel to the DRC in alone. Instead, it is an excellent addition to a traditional safari in Kenya or Tanzania. Kigali, Rwanda’s capital city, is only a short flight away. It’s a short drive to the DRC border and then to Virunga National Park from there. The next day, you’ll be tracking gorillas.
A gorilla trekking safari in the Democratic Republic of the Congo can also be combined with a stay in Rwanda’s Big Five destination of Akagera National Park and chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park. The wildlife population in Akagera National Park is not equal to that of East Africa’s most famous reserves, but this off-the-beaten-path location is immensely gorgeous and gratifying in its own right.
