Mountain Gorilla Trekking In Virunga National Park, Congo DRC | 2018
In late 2017, we traveled to Virunga National Park located in the Democratic Republic of Congo to track the incredible mountain gorillas.
Virunga National Park is one of only 3 places in the world where you can come face to face with mountain gorillas in the wild (Uganda and Rwanda are the other two). And although most travel advisories urged us to forego travel to the DRC, due to the unstable situation in the region, we choose to support the park, its rangers, and it's mountain gorillas by spending our tourist dollars on this incredible wildlife experience.
Thanks to the rangers, guides, and the wonderful staff at the Virunga National Park, our visit to the park was INCREDIBLE!
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Volcanoes & Gorillas: My Wild Adventure in Congo's Virunga National Park
Join me as we venture into the heart of Virunga National Park, Democratic Republic of the Congo. In this documentary, we journey from the city of Goma into the jungle, in the hope of finding the rare mountain gorillas, before embarking on an intrepid trek up Nyiragongo, a towering active volcano.
Along the way, we are share our journey with the incredible Virunga Park Rangers, who help us to travel safely through a region which has been victim to militia groups and civil war for years.
This was an extraordinary journey into the wild heart of Africa!
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Oli France is the founder of Wild Edge, an expedition company specialising in guiding intrepid adventures across the globe.
Oli is a British adventurer, expedition leader, speaker and Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society. He is also a qualified Winter Mountain Leader and remote first aider with a degree in Outdoor Leadership (BA Hons).
With experience across over 75 countries, Oli specialises in leading groups through the world's wildest places, from Somalia to Siberia, Iraq to Congo, Tajikistan to Yemen.
Protecting gorillas in Virunga National Park | Explorers Festival 2018
In this update from the field, National Geographic Society Chief Scientist Jonathan Baillie interviews Chief Warden of Virunga National Park Emmanuel de Merode about his work protecting gorillas and the harsh realities of a dangerous job–for him and for his rangers.
National Geographic Explorers Festival brings together innovative scientists, conservationists, explorers, and storytellers from around the world to share their discoveries, insights, and solutions for creating a more sustainable future. The annual event welcomes National Geographic educators, fellows, grantees, and more back to Society headquarters in Washington, D.C. for a week of collaboration, conservation, and creativity. #NatGeoFest
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Mountain Gorilla Trekking, Virunga NP, DR Congo [Amazing Places 4K]
Mountain gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The Mountain gorillas are highly endangered species, only about 880 are left in the world, they all live in four national parks in DR Congo, Rwanda and Uganda. The National Parks organize trekking for small groups to visit and watch the gorillas. The visits last one hour.
Virunga National Park, in the eastern part of DR Congo, was the first Africa's national park, established in 1825, and UNESCO World Heritage site since 1979.
Recorded January 2017 in 4K Ultra HD with Sony AX100.
Music:
Rapoon - Fallen Gods - 05 - Sataranum
Licensed via ilicensemusic.com
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Lucky Ihirwe, the Rescued Baby Mountain Gorilla
Ihirwe means luck. You might think there's some irony to calling a baby mountain gorilla lucky who was taken from her family by poachers, her mother most likely killed, and never to live wild in the forest again. But when Ihirwe was rescued from poachers as she was smuggled across the border from Congo to Rwanda, this little gorilla experienced her first string of good luck.
Find out what is being done to save the gorillas and what you can do to help at
Tchegera Island - Virunga National Park - DR Congo
January 11-12, 2020 - Hiking the upper trail along the horsheshoe-shaped Tchegera Island - a sunken caldera of an ancient volcano in the middle of beautiful Lake Kivu. Part of Virunga National Park and a perfect add-on after gorilla tracking and hiking Nyiragongo volcano. Recommended!
Africa, Summit of DRC Virunga Nyirangongo Volcano, Episode 127
While in the Democratic Republic of Congo visiting Goma and the Virunga National Park I discovered a killer volcano with the largest lava lake in the world. Yes, I was probably the last one to find out, but that didn't stop me from checking it out. A hell on earth. It took all day to reach the rim. A sheer knife sharp edge on which tourists have fallen to their death. This is not a western theme park setting. No ropes or railings. No lights, Pitch black at night and almost zero visibility in the morning. Oh and a massive caldron of molten rock spewing poisonous gas within a rocks throw of our freezing tents?
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D.R. CONGO’S INCREDIBLE BIODIVERSITY
D.R. CONGO’S INCREDIBLE BIODIVERSITY! A MUST SEE!!
One of the most interesting facts about the D.R. Congo is its amazing biodiversity. In this video, I list 9 places that you could add to your travel list if you ever consider visiting the DRC. Some of these places are more easily accessible than others, but I would recommend to visit the one that captures your attention the most! I hope you enjoy this video. Please do give this a thumbs up and don’t forget to subscribe and spread the word! Much love!
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Kibumba Tented Camp - Virunga DRC, Room Review
Have a look at the rooms at Kibumba Tented Camp, with the best views
Virunga National Park in Goma, Congo
Virunga National Park is a national park in the Albertine Rift Valley in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Virunga National Park, Africa’s most biodiverse protected area, exists to protect 1/3 of the world’s wild mountain gorillas, over one thousand species of mammal, bird, reptile and amphibian, and provide a brighter future to more than four million people affected by conflict.
Virunga National park is one of not the best with diversity in Africa Famous for mountain gorilla trekking/ gorilla tours. Almost more than half of what's in Sub Saharan Africa in concentrated in this park. This park also boosts of two active volcanoes. Virunga national park though has for a long time been threatened by political conflicts in DRC but somehow its still surviving and was recently reopened. Established in 1925 by the then King of Beligium King Albert 1 and it was first called Albert national Park. It was primarily gazetted to protect the endangered Mountain Gorillas which can also be found in Uganda and Rwanda Only there by giving rise to gorilla trekking/ gorilla safari as a thriving activity. After 1960 when Congo had gotten independence the park deteriorated just like the country and it was not until the early 70s when the president picked interest in conservation that the park was revived and renamed Virunga National Park. The park is about 7800 sq km and stretches from Virunga Mountains in the South to the Rwenzori in the north. The park is well known for its bird, mammal and reptile concentration more than any other protected areas in Africa. Some of the notables include the chimpanzees, mountain gorillas, giraffes, buffaloes and many others.
Virunga National Park is the oldest wildlife protected area on the African soil created to protect and conserve the unique wildlife species therein, for science and research purposes and protecting an indigenous threatened fruit-gathering community; the Twa. The Virunga wildlife conservancy is the joint where the West African rainforests meet with the East African savanna grasslands and runs more than 300 km along the Albertine rift that splits the African continent from north to south. The vestiges of Virunga's rich diverse ecosystem that includes block mountain, volcanic mountains, the Albertine rift, craters and crater lakes, rainforests, woodlands, open grasslands, swamp and wetland vegetation amongst others extend into Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable another gorilla trekking destination, Queen Elizabeth, Semliki, Rwenzori and Mgahinga National Park as well as Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, both gorilla safari destinations
Of recent mountain gorillas in Virunga have been the major attraction in this park given the fact that this is among the few parks in the area with these endangered gorillas. People prefer to track the gorillas here also because the cost is low and the park is also less congested compared to other tracking centers like PNV and Bwindi. This park is still fresh for new discoveries since it has not had a lot of tourism activity for a long time since its inception and it would be a good idea for those who want research and adventures in the same line. For some good time the area has been free for rebel activity and it is safe to travel, there is of course propaganda that the place is not safe but what of the influx of tourist coming in every day. In 1979, the Virunga was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of her ecological importance though political upheavals have had negative implications on the conservancy. The 1990's war period in the Rwanda was so challenging to the Virunga because of high influx of refugees into the Virunga conservancy_ who encroached on wildlife resources. In 1994, the Virunga conservancy was declared World Heritage in Danger and later became a Ramsar site of international importance in 1996. The Virunga is still rated a strong ecological pillar for the entire east and central African ecosystem.
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Virunga National Park in Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Virunga National Park is a national park in the Albertine Rift Valley in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It was created in 1925 and is among the first protected areas in Africa. In elevation, it ranges from 680 m in the Semliki River valley to 5,109 m in the Rwenzori Mountains. From north to south it extends about 300 km, largely along the international borders with Uganda and Rwanda in the east. It covers an area of 8,090 km2 and is listed in the List of World Heritage in Danger since 1994.
Virunga National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Virunga is the continent’s most biologically diverse protected area and a national park embarking on an ambitious development programme known as the “Virunga Alliance”.
Situated in a region which has been deeply impacted by the effects of war and armed conflict for over 20 years, Virunga is protected by a dedicated team of over 700 Rangers. These local men and women go through intensive training, risking their lives on a daily basis to safeguard the Park’s exceptional wildlife, including the last of the world’s endangered mountain gorillas.
Alongside this essential conservation work, the Park is committed to supporting local communities. Virunga has a vision for responsibly harnessing the Park’s natural resources to create new opportunities for the four million people that live within a day’s walk of its borders.
Focussing on three key areas: hydropower, sustainable agriculture and fisheries, and tourism, Virunga National Park is working to economically transform the region - creating jobs and reducing poverty rates. This innovative, community focussed approach to conservation is working to reduce the pressures currently faced by the Park’s Rangers from armed groups, illegal poaching, and land encroachment.
Two active volcanoes are located in the park, Mount Nyiragongo and Nyamuragira. They significantly shaped the national park's diverse habitats and wildlife. More than 3,000 faunal and floral species were recorded, of which more than 300 are endemic to the Albertine Rift including eastern gorilla (Gorilla beringei) and golden monkey (Cercopithecus kandti).
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A Helicopter Safari Over Virunga National Park | Travel + Leisure
From above, the terrain of the Democratic Republic of the Congo's Virunga National Park becomes otherworldly. On display: active volcanoes, lush wildlands, major rivers, and pits of lava and steam. It's easy to understand why T+L described the area as the earth's volatile, beating heart. To read the accompanying feature, visit For more travel videos, visit
Mountain gorillas from Kabirizi family in Congo
DR Congo, Virunga National Park, February 2012.
Endemic mountain gorillas. Kabirizi family consists of 36 amaizing individuals.
It was the most exciting moment (one hour only) in our 20 years of travelling.
Nothing to add. Just watch.
Heart-warming moment with gorilla infant in Virunga (DRC)
In July 2016, I traveled to Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo on an expedition. Two days after arriving, I left Goma and under armed escort reached Bukima ranger post where the mountain gorilla trips set out from. I came across this playful infant. The ranger stepped in as Gorillas are susceptible to human illness which can be contracted through physical contact. Masks are worn at all times.
Virunga National Park , Democratic Republic of the Congo, Montane Tropical forest, mountain gorilla
Virunga National Park
The Virunga National Park (French: Parc National des Virunga), formerly named Albert National Park, is a 7,800-square-kilometre (3,000 sq mi) 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 Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature (ICCN) and its partner the Virunga Foundation, formerly known as the Africa Conservation Fund (UK). The current park director since 2008 is the Belgian Prince Emmanuel de Merode.[1]
Southern Sector:
Montane Tropical forest (home to the mountain gorilla)
Alpine Forest (on the higher slopes of the Virunga Massive)
Old (and new) Lava flows
Central Sector
African Savanna
Marshland
Riverine Forest
Lake shores
Northern sector
Lake shores
African Savanna
Riverine (low land) forest
Alpine forest (Rwenzori Mountains)
Eternal snow (Glacier)
Biodiversity[edit]
A mountain gorilla in the park
The park is known for its exceptional biodiversity, containing more bird, mammal and reptile species than any protected area on the continent of Africa. 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. Both 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.[9]
Human conflict
Mountain Gorillas at the Virunga National Park, Dem. Republic of the Congo
Mountain Gorillas eating a banana tree
Mount Nyiragongo, Virunga National Park, DRC (Democratic Republic of Congo
Enjoy this drone footage of Mt Nyiragongo DRC (drone footage by dronie Ake Lindstrom
A group of gorillas in Ugandas Virunga National Park
Silverback Gorilla enjoying himself at Virunga NP
Democratic Republic of the Congo | Mount Nyiragongo Trek In Virunga National Park - Country #82
In this video, I share my travel experience in the Democratic Republic of the Congo which is my country #82 in my quest to visit all 193 UN-recognized countries around the world. Going to the Democratic Republic of the Congo has been one of the most surreal travel experiences. From the moment we cross over from Rwanda to DRC to the drive-through Goma. It's not often I get emotionally moved when I travel to a place and travelling to the DRC certainly evoked some strong positive emotions for me. The trek up Mount Nyiragongo in Virunga National Park is also one of the hardest hikes I've ever done due to the high altitude. And the view at the top and of the volcano's crater is out of this world.
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