How to get to Virunga National Park

How to get to Virunga National Park, Accessing Virunga National Park is straightforward; a traveler must first arrange all essential documentation for entry into Congo, after which locating the park is uncomplicated. Virunga National area is a 15-minute journey from Goma, the primary center for tourists visiting the area. Virunga National Park has existed in Africa since April 1925 and was designated as a protected area shortly thereafter. Virunga National Park is a significant property designated on the UNESCO World Heritage in Danger List since 1994. This list was initially created in 1972 to acknowledge and safeguard locations of significant heritage that are on the brink of extinction or at risk thereof. This list aimed to enhance awareness of ongoing events and, in turn, safeguard these locations as conservation initiatives intensified. To be included on this list, a location undergoes assessment and evaluation, followed by the implementation of conservation measures and ongoing monitoring. Over the past two decades since the park’s designation, significant enhancements have occurred despite the area’s turmoil.

This park has seen multiple closures and reopening’s for various reasons. However, with the reopening of Virunga National Park on February 15, 2019, under new administration that prioritizes security, there is optimism for the resurgence of this prominent tourist attraction. All park visitors are accompanied by a security convoy from Goma throughout the park until their return to Goma. All visitors visiting the park are required to register with the tourism office at the Grande barrier border facility prior to joining the convoy. Regardless of whether you are utilizing private or group transportation, this is the initial step when entering the Democratic Republic of Congo.

There are multiple routes to Virunga National Park, with the most prevalent being a flight to Kigali International Airport in Rwanda. Numerous foreign airlines operate at this airport, allowing you to select the most advantageous option for your location. When selecting a flight to Rwanda for access to Virunga National Park packages, it is recommended to schedule a landing no later than 8 AM to ensure timely check-in. Alternatively, consider booking a flight the previous evening to allow for adequate rest before commencing your Virunga tour at 7:30 AM the following day. Upon arrival in Kigali on the day your tour commences, you will undertake a 4 to 5-hour drive to reach the designated border for travelers visiting Virunga, specifically the Gisenyi-Goma border known as the Grande Barrier. The border is located about 15 kilometers from the park. The Bunagana border between Uganda and Congo was previously utilized; however, travelers are now cautioned against accessing this border due to the prevailing instability caused by the presence of military soldiers in the region. The Grande Barrier border facility serves as the convergence point for all visitors to Virunga commencing their tours.

An alternative route to access Virunga National Park is by arriving straight at Goma International Airport in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The primary international carrier servicing this airport is Ethiopian Airlines, which conducts daily flights to the location. This is a more expedient method to access Virunga if you are not inclined towards sightseeing in Rwanda. This route allows for direct travel to Goma and back, in contrast to connecting through Kigali, as it enables a city tour of Kigali on your final day, including visits to the local market for souvenirs and the Genocide Memorial sites. This is the superior alternative for travelers who are time-sensitive and have limited time available for travel.

Daily boat transports operate between Bukavu and Goma, allowing visitors to Kahuzi Biega’s lowland gorillas to reserve a morning transportation from Bukavu port to Goma port, facilitating access to Virunga for mountain gorilla excursions or the Nyiragongo walk. The boat transfer lasts three hours and costs approximately fifty bucks or less. You may opt for the 7-hour ferry journey from Bukavu to Goma and get lodging in Goma to commence your tour the following day at the designated departure time.

Prior to booking your flights to either Rwanda or the Democratic Republic of Congo, it is imperative to consult your travel agent to ensure that the timing and dates correspond with the package of interest, as all packages to Virunga have designated departure times and specific days. For instance, packages extending to the Rumangabo sector, which includes Mikeno Lodge and Bukima Lodge, typically depart from Goma exclusively on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.