The Virunga National Park (French: Parc National des Virunga), formerly named Albert National Park, is a 7800 square km National Park that stretches from the Virunga Mountains in the South, to the Rwenzori Mountains in the North, in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, bordering Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Rwenzori Mountains National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda.
The park was established in 1925 as Africa’s first national park and is a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site since 1979. In recent years poaching and the Congo Civil War have seriously damaged its wildlife population. The park is managed by the Congolese National Park Authorities; the Institute Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature (ICCN) and its partner the Africa Conservation Fund (UK).
Biodiversity
The park is known for its exceptional bio-diversity, containing more bird, mammal and reptile species than any protected area on the African continent. Although mountain gorillas are now extremely rare and listed as one of the most critically endangered species, successful conservation work has helped to secure the remaining populations. Their populations actually increased during the years of political upheaval in the region (1994–2004), and have continued to do so even throughout the difficult period of 2007-2008. The 2010 Mountain Gorilla census has indicated that the conservation efforts of Virunga have been very successful regarding the Gorilla population. Savanna and forest elephants as well as chimpanzees and low land gorillas can still be found in Virunga, along with Okapi, giraffes, buffaloes and many endemic birds. The neighboring Mount Hoyo area was managed with the park and is home to a population of Bambuti Pygmy people, caves and waterfalls.
Gorilla Groups in Congo
There are 7 habituated Gorilla groups in Congo
- Kabirizi group with 35 members-4 females and 1 male located in Bukima
- Humba group with 12 members-3 females and 1 male located in Bukima
- Munyaga group with 6 members-2 females and 3 males located in Bukima
- Mapua group with 7 members -1 female and 1 male located in Djomba
- Mvuyekure group with 7 members- 3 females and 1 male located in Djomba
- Rugendo group with 6 members-1 female and 1 male located in Bikenge
- Lulengo group with 6 members-1 female and 1 male located in Bikenge
When is the Best Time to Visit Congo Gorillas?
The best time to trek mountain gorillas in the Virunga National Park varies from one trekker to another. What one trekker may consider the best time to another person may turn to be the worst! When planning for a Congo gorilla safari to Virunga National Park, the dry and wet season are two essential seasons any trekker should put into consideration. Trekking to see mountain gorillas in the wild is by far a life changing experience the fact that it is the only exceptional primate adventure that draws you close to a group of mountain gorillas while in their natural habitat.
Due to favorable weather and climatic conditions, Virunga National Park can be visited by visitors on Congo gorilla safari at any time of the year. Regardless of this fact, the dry season is usually considered the best time to trek mountain gorillas in the Virunga National Park. During this period, Virunga National Park experiences very low rainfall amount and the ground is kept drier making it easier to trek through the steep slopes and dense vegetation while on search for a group of mountain gorillas. The dry months of year in Virunga National Park run from June, July, August, September and December, January, February.
The vegetation cover during the dry season is also not very dense like it is during the rainy or wet season. Note, there are two significant dry seasons to consider if you have any plans to embark on Congo gorilla safari in Virunga National Park. The first phase begins from June to September and the second phase runs from December to February. Usually, the dry season is also considered the peak season-it is when there is high demand for this thrilling adventure and any trekker planning to trek mountain gorillas in this park should book his or her gorilla permit early enough to avoid last minute things.
However, the wet or rainy season is also unique and ideal on its own way. It is characterized by plenty of rainfall which supports plant growth meaning, it is a season when there is plenty of forage that mountain gorillas depend on. Because they have something to feed on, they can easily be searched since they wind to long distances looking for what to eat like it is a case with the dry season. Virunga National Park experiences two wet or rainy season. The first phase occurs in Mid-March, April, May and the second phase is normally experienced in October, November.
Trekking mountain gorillas in the Virunga National Park during the rainy season can be challenging but enjoyable too. This season comes with dense vegetation and while on trek to see these creatures, you will be amazed by the greenish vegetation cover in this protected area. Note, regardless of the season, expect rains at anytime of the day while on Congo gorilla safari given the fact that Virunga National Park’s climate is influenced by the movement of intertropical convergence zone and El Nino Southern Oscillation.
This national park experiences moderate temperatures and they range between 23 degrees Celsius to 28 degrees Celsius, especially around the lowland areas and 16 to 22 degrees Celsius in highland areas.
In summary, trekking mountain gorillas in the Virunga National Park can be done any time of the year-whether during the dry season or wet season. The dry season is preferred by most trekkers on Congo safari due to its favorable weather and climatic conditions. When planning for a Congo gorilla trek, make sure you put into consideration the dry and rainy season.