Virunga National Park Activity Fees
Virunga National Park activity fees are those prices levied that travellers interested in exploring the park in various tourist activities are supposed to pay to not only take part in those activities but also access the park. Virunga National Park is a gem that is worth visiting and exploring in-depth, having been established in 1925 and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979 for its great biodiversity and hosting the endangered mountain gorillas. The abundant wildlife of Virunga National Park including bush elephants and bush buffaloes, primates like mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, and a variety of monkey species; various species of birds, plants and butterflies and carnival volcanoes that give breath-taking landscape views all make the park a worthy Congo safari destination.
Virunga National Park activity fees vary according to the activity in question. The most sought after tourist activity in Virunga National Park is gorilla trekking, an activity that has travellers trekking the lush vegetation cover of the park in search of the endangered mountain gorillas that can only be seen here and three other destinations in the entire world namely Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda. Gorilla trekking is very thrilling and adventurous and upon encountering the mountain gorillas, most travellers cannot seem to find words worth using to describe their experience. One needs to have a gorilla trekking permit to take part in gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park. A single entry Congo gorilla permit costs $400 only per person, and can be got at the park upon prior booking, or through a trusted tour operator. The Congo gorilla trekking permit is the cheapest as compared to the rest of the gorilla destinations with Uganda having a gorilla trekking permit at $700 per person while a Rwanda gorilla trekking permit costs a whole $1500 per person. Booking gorilla trekking in Congo is most travellers’ alternative for not only a cheaper fee but also a much wilder experience.
The second most sought after activity in Virunga National Park is hiking Mount Nyiragongo. Millions of travellers traverse the world to get to the Congo just so that they may take part in hiking one of the most active volcanoes in the world, Mount Nyiragongo, which has the world’s largest lava lake that is a mesmerising site for those travellers that make it to the summit. Hiking the Nyiragongo requires one to have a Nyiragongo hiking permit which costs $300 only, and can be purchased at Kibati patrol post before 9am. Having a tour operator make for you arrangements is also advised. In addition to the Nyiragongo hiking permit, travellers are encouraged to top up with $100 to book for yourself a Virunga backpack that is inclusive of a chef to prepare for you meals including a 3 course dinner, sleeping bag and bottled water. Hiring a porter to help you during the hike is advised, and they usually charge $25 only and limited to carrying not more than 15kgs. Make sure to fully research about hiking Mount Nyiragongo or get in touch with a reputable tour operator to help you plan a memorable Nyiragongo hiking safari and experience.
Hiking Ruwenzori Mountain another activity that travellers can do in Virunga National Park is USD 200 for a multiday trek, plus an additional $116 to cater for accommodation during the trek, which are huts.
Visiting Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage Centre the only home in the world to care for orphaned gorillas is free to those travellers that book their stay in Mikeno Lodge. Travellers not staying at this lodge need to discuss with their tour operator on booking them a visit to see the gorillas and also learn of how they are cared for and rehabilitated.
There are chimpanzees in Virunga National Park that travellers can visit along with chimpanzee experts who are habituating them for human interaction. Travellers interested in visiting these chimpanzees on a habituation adventure should consider booking the Rutshuru expedition.
Many more activities in Virunga National Park can be enjoyed by travellers including wildlife safaris that are in the Lulimbi sector of the park. The savannah plains of the Ishasha sector famous for the tree-climbing lions. While enjoying game drives, walking safaris and the like, travellers are sure to spot a number of wildlife including savannah elephants having a drink on the Ishasha River. All these activities are sure to provide a traveller with one of the best African safaris.
Virunga National Park is located in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo, easily accessed from Rwanda. Getting into Virunga National Park can be done in 3 ways that is flying in directly into the Congo and then transferring to Goma by air using Ethiopian Airlines, or fly into Kigali International Airport and then be transferred to the Grande Barrier border post on a 4-hour road drive. Another way could be by transferring from Uganda to the park through Bunagana border, though it is quite a long drive. Irrespective of the route or access option you use, having the right documentation with you is very important. The documents any traveller accessing Virunga National Park or the Congo itself should have are a valid yellow fever card, valid Congo tourist visa as well as a confirmation of one’s trip booking.
With the Virunga National Park activity fees known to you, you may proceed with planning your Congo safari tour to explore the park. Having all the details handled for you by a reputable and knowledgeable tour operator is best advised. Get in touch with one of your choice to have a well-planned Virunga National Park safari.
