We are not currently offering travel to this area. Government travel advice is against all travel to North and South Kivu, and the parks and airports here are closed or not operating. This page stays here for reference, and we will review it when the advice changes. Our Uganda and Rwanda gorilla safaris are open.
For reference, Virunga National Park, created in 1925, is Africa's oldest national park and covers about 7,800 square kilometres of volcanoes, savannah, forest and lake. It holds about a third of the world's mountain gorillas, the Nyiragongo volcano, with its lava lake, the Rwenzori mountains and a rich range of wildlife. The park's rangers work in some of the most dangerous conditions in conservation.
Virunga holds mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, forest elephant, hippos, lions and a great variety of birds. The savannah near Lake Edward also holds buffalo and antelope. Visits are not currently possible.
Chance of seeing
Our estimate for a stay of two or three nights with a good guide. Wildlife is wild, so nothing is promised.
Activities here
The Virunga area has a mild mountain climate, with rain in most months and heavier rain from September to May. The mountain summits are cold, with heavy rain and cloud.
| Month | Day °C | Night °C | Rain mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 25 | 14 | 110 |
| Feb | 25 | 14 | 110 |
| Mar | 25 | 14 | 130 |
| Apr | 24 | 14 | 150 |
| May | 24 | 14 | 130 |
| Jun | 24 | 13 | 50 |
| Jul | 23 | 13 | 45 |
| Aug | 24 | 13 | 80 |
| Sep | 24 | 14 | 110 |
| Oct | 24 | 14 | 150 |
| Nov | 24 | 14 | 150 |
| Dec | 24 | 14 | 120 |
Approximate long-term averages. Higher ground is cooler, and forests can rain in any month.
The drier months, June to August and December to February, would be the best time when the park reopens.
Best time to visit Mar, Jun to Aug
Access is currently impossible for visitors. The park’s gorilla sector at Bukima was reached from Goma and Rumangabo, and the Nyiragongo trek began at Kibati, close to Goma.
We are not currently offering travel to this area. Please check your government’s travel advice.
Please see the DR Congo page for health information and the Ebola outbreak.
Plan your time in Virunga
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Made to measure
Tell us how you like to travel and we will build a private journey around it: the right lodges, the right pace and the permits already in hand.
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