What to Pack for Gorilla Trekking in Virunga National Park

What to Pack for Gorilla Trekking in Virunga National Park

Planning a gorilla trekking adventure in Virunga National Park in Congo? Here’s a helpful guide on what to pack for your gorilla trek, ensuring you’re fully prepared for this unforgettable experience.

Essential Items to Pack:

• Long-sleeve sweater: The weather in Virunga can get chilly, so pack a long-sleeve sweater to keep warm.
• 2 pairs of long trousers: Sturdy, long trousers are necessary to protect your legs while trekking through the forest.
• Waterproof hiking boots: Since the terrain can be muddy and slippery, waterproof boots will keep your feet dry and comfortable.
• Hat and sunglasses: Depending on the weather, a hat can provide shade, while sunglasses can protect your eyes from the sun. This is optional but recommended.
• Camera with extra batteries: Capturing memories of your gorilla trekking experience is a must! Bring a camera with long-lasting batteries and remember to turn off the flash when photographing the gorillas.
• Binoculars: Virunga is home to a diverse range of birds and primates, so binoculars are handy for spotting wildlife beyond the gorillas.
• Gardening gloves: These will help protect your hands when holding onto branches or trees as you trek through the forest.
• Raincoat: Virunga is a rainforest, and rain can be unpredictable. Carry a waterproof jacket to stay dry during unexpected showers.
• Mosquito repellent: Protect yourself from insects with a strong mosquito repellent, as Virunga’s forest environment can attract various pests.
• Sunscreen: While Virunga is a rainforest, it can get hot during certain seasons. Pack sunscreen to avoid sunburns, especially if you’re trekking during the drier months.
• Neutral-colored clothing: Avoid bright colors that could disturb the gorillas. Also, steer clear of black and blue as they attract Tsetse flies. Opt for neutral colors like khaki or olive.

Virunga National Park is one of Africa’s most diverse tropical rainforests and is well-known for its mountain gorilla trekking. Besides gorilla trekking, you can also enjoy activities like the Nyiragongo volcano hike, bird watching, nature walks, chimpanzee tracking, and habituation experiences. Contact us to help you plan your trip and get more advice on what to pack.

Best Time to Visit Virunga National Park for Gorilla Trekking

Virunga National Park is located in the tropics, and being a tropical rainforest, it can experience rain at any time. However, the best months to visit for gorilla trekking are during the dry season, which includes:

• December
• January
• February
• June
• July
• August
• September

During these months, the trails are drier, making the trek easier, and the vegetation is not fully grown, providing better visibility of the gorillas.

The wet months (March, April, May, October, and November) bring fully grown vegetation and slippery trails, making trekking more challenging. While the park remains accessible year-round, the dry months offer the most favorable conditions for gorilla trekking.

How to Get to Virunga National Park for Gorilla Trekking

To visit Virunga National Park for gorilla trekking, follow these simple travel steps:

1. Fly into Kigali International Airport (Rwanda).
2. From Kigali, take a short drive to Gisenyi Town.
3. From Gisenyi, cross the Rwanda-Congo border to reach Goma in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
4. Drive for about 2 hours from Goma to Bukima, where the park headquarters is located, and where your gorilla trek will begin.

This route makes Virunga National Park relatively easy to access for travelers starting from Kigali, Rwanda. Contact us for assistance in booking your trip and securing gorilla trekking permits.

Top Things to Do in Virunga National Park, Congo

Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo is not only famous for its mountain gorilla trekking, but also offers a variety of other thrilling activities for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Here’s a guide to the top things to do in Virunga National Park beyond gorilla trekking.

1. Chimpanzee Tracking & Chimpanzee Habituation

Aside from gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking and chimpanzee habituation are among the most popular activities in Virunga. Chimpanzee tracking provides a one-hour opportunity to observe these intelligent primates in their natural habitat. If you’re looking for a deeper experience, the chimpanzee habituation trek offers an entire day with the chimps, where you’ll be able to watch them up close as they go about their daily activities, including feeding and nesting.

Both activities begin in the morning, and you’ll be guided by trackers and researchers through the dense Virunga forest to locate the chimpanzees. If you plan to participate, be sure to secure your permit well in advance (at least three months ahead) to guarantee your spot.

2. Nature Walks Through Virunga Forest

Virunga National Park, one of Africa’s oldest tropical rainforests, is a natural paradise. A nature walk in this lush, biodiverse environment allows you to explore the park’s stunning landscape, learn about the various tree species, and spot wildlife like birds, mammals, and reptiles. The park’s dense vegetation offers a true wilderness experience, making it a must-do activity during your visit.

3. Nyiragongo Volcano Hike

For an unforgettable adventure, the Nyiragongo Volcano hike is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Standing at 3,470 meters (11,380 feet), Nyiragongo is one of the most active volcanoes in the world, famous for its massive lava lake. Since its first known eruption in 1882, the volcano has erupted numerous times, with the most recent eruption occurring in 2002. The trek to the summit offers breathtaking views, and once at the top, you’ll witness the awe-inspiring sight of the lava lake. This challenging yet rewarding hike is a must for adrenaline junkies and nature enthusiasts.

4. Bird Watching

Virunga National Park is a haven for birdwatchers, with over 706 recorded bird species. The park’s diverse habitats, which include forests, swamps, and grasslands, attract a wide variety of birdlife, making it an ideal location for a birding safari. Whether you’re a seasoned birdwatcher or a novice, Virunga offers an incredible opportunity to spot some of the rarest and most beautiful bird species in Africa.

Why Book Your Safari to Virunga National Park with Excursia Adventures?

At Excursia Adventures, we organize personalized and unforgettable experiences in Virunga National Park. Our professional team, both in the office and in the field, is dedicated to helping you plan the perfect safari. With years of experience in exploring Congo and a deep understanding of the park’s offerings, we offer expert guidance on every aspect of your journey.

We are highly recommended on TripAdvisor, and our website is a reliable resource to help you prepare for your gorilla trekking adventure and other activities in Virunga. Trust us to handle all your inquiries and create a seamless and memorable experience in Virunga National Park.

Contact us today for more information on what to pack for your gorilla trek and to plan your safari in Virunga National Park.