The allure of the World Heritage Site “Virunga National Park”! When can you meet Mountain Gorillas?

In the northeastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, near the border with Uganda, lies the World Heritage Site “Virunga National Park.” Known for its large population of mountain gorillas and hippos, Virunga National Park was designated as the first national park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 1925 to protect the mountain gorillas. Moreover, due to its rich natural environment that supports a diverse range of animals, birds, and insects, it was registered as a World Heritage Site in 1979 for the conservation of biodiversity. Although the area, including Virunga National Park, is currently under Travel Warning Level 4, making travel impossible, let’s explore the charm of Virunga National Park while hoping for the day when we can finally meet the mountain gorillas.

● Overseas safety information: “Danger Level 4 (Evacuation Advisory)” currently issued!

The Virunga National Park area in the Democratic Republic of the Congo continues to experience severely deteriorated security conditions. As of December 2018, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has set the highest danger level—“Level 4 (Evacuation Advisory): Evacuate. Do not travel”—for the area. Furthermore, due to the risk of Ebola virus, travel to Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo should be avoided.

*For the latest and more detailed information, please check the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Overseas Safety Information page.

What is Virunga National Park?

Located adjacent to Uganda’s World Heritage Site “Rwenzori Mountains National Park,” Virunga National Park is one of five World Natural Heritage Sites in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Formerly known as “Albert National Park,” it is a vast area spanning 7,800 square kilometers and was long cherished. Alongside Rwenzori Mountains National Park, it has been gaining attention worldwide as a scenic World Heritage destination.

It was a valuable research location due to its rich biodiversity, especially the large populations of mountain gorillas and hippos. However, due to environmental destruction caused by the Rwandan Civil War, the influx of refugees, and massacres by armed forces, many mountain gorillas and hippos lost their lives. It is said that more than 10,000 of the estimated 25,000 hippos were affected. Additionally, although about half of the world’s mountain gorillas were believed to inhabit Virunga National Park, many were lost.

Due to this background, Virunga National Park was registered in 1994 as a “World Heritage Site in Danger,” and this status continues today.

Access to Virunga National Park

Virunga National Park is located about 750 km east of Kisangani. Access is possible by chartered car or through tour bookings. Entry is also possible via Kisoro on the Ugandan side.

Recommended Highlights of Virunga National Park (1): Mountain Gorillas

The number one animal people want to see in Virunga National Park is undoubtedly the mountain gorilla. Although around half of the global population once lived here, it is now estimated that only about 200 remain. To address this critical situation, conservation efforts for mountain gorillas are ongoing in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Seeing a mountain gorilla in person reveals its adorable, gentle eyes, which are truly lovable. If one day we are able to visit the World Natural Heritage Site Virunga National Park, witnessing a mountain gorilla with our own eyes would be a dream come true. Despite being exposed to countless threats, their strong presence as they strive to maintain their ecosystem may be trying to convey something to us humans.

Recommended Highlights of Virunga National Park (2): Virunga Volcanoes

Within Virunga National Park, located in Africa’s Great Rift Valley, the “Virunga Volcanoes” are known for their active volcanic activity.

Mount Nyiragongo, an active volcano that caused extensive damage in a major eruption in 2002, stands at an elevation of 3,470 meters. At the summit crater of Mount Nyiragongo lies a lava lake that resembles a cauldron from hell. North of Mount Nyiragongo is Mount Nyamuragira, a shield volcano considered the most active in Africa. Mount Nyamuragira, at an elevation of 3,058 meters, continues to erupt frequently even today.

In this way, the Virunga Volcanoes represent one of the most dangerous active volcanic zones in the world. Trekking is possible with experienced guides and porters, but despite its rarity and value, the area requires extreme caution.

Recommended Highlights of Virunga National Park (3): Beautiful Natural Scenery

The vast wilderness that defines the Democratic Republic of the Congo can be fully experienced in the World Heritage Site of Virunga National Park. In Virunga National Park, the rich natural environment provides habitat for animals and a livelihood for humans. The lush, ever-growing forests are full of negative ions, creating a sharpened, purified atmosphere.

The sunrises here are truly exceptional. Watching the large sun illuminate the greenery of the forest is nature’s beauty itself. We can only hope that the day comes when we can enjoy an extraordinary escape surrounded by greenery in this World Heritage Site.

◎ Summary

This article introduced the pristine natural beauty of the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s World Heritage Site, Virunga National Park. From wild animals such as mountain gorillas and hippos, to trekking up active volcanoes that showcase the power of volcanic activity—when the day comes that travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo is possible, be sure to visit the natural World Heritage Site of Virunga National Park.

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The allure of the World Heritage Site “Virunga National Park”! When can you meet Mountain Gorillas?