What animals are found in Virunga National Park?
What animals are found in Virunga National Park?
The park is a UNESCO world heritage site gazetted in 1925. this stunning national park covers an area of about 7, 800 Square Kilometers and sits along the Great Albertine Rift to the East of Democratic Republic of Congo and bordering Uganda to the West. Virunga National Park is one of the three national parks in the central African region that protects endangered mountain gorillas that free-range on the slopes of the Virunga Mountains. The park is on the side of the Democratic Republic of Congo sharing habitat with Volcanoes National Park on the Rwanda side and Mgahinga National Park on the Uganda side. Virunga National Park is unique with its active chain of volcanoes and rich diversity of habitat. the park is home to two active volcanoes located in the eastern belt of Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Among the best known of these volcanoes are Nyamuragira and Nyiragongo which have erupted over 44 and 34 times since 1882 respectively. However, this article emphasizes what animals can be seen while on a Congo wildlife safari in Virunga National Park and they include;
Primate species
Virunga National Park is the only protected area on Earth that is home to 22 primate species of which three are the great ape. That’s the mountain gorilla, the eastern lowland gorilla, and the eastern chimpanzee, with a third of the world’s population of mountain gorillas. Other primate species that you may also encounter in this fascinating national park include olive baboon, black bad white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, De brazza’s monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabey, central African red colobus mantled guereza, blue monkeys, golden monkeys, Hamlyn’s monkeys and Dent’s mona monkey among others
Mammal species
The Virunga National Park encompasses wetland vegetation, woodlands, rainforest, montane forest, heath, and alpine vegetation in the highlands acting as a rich habitat for a variety of mammal species. This remarkable park is home to over 218 mammal species including okapi endemic to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the red forest duiker endemic to Monts Rwenzori. Other mammal species found here include Aardvark, African Buffalos, African Bush Elephants, African Leopards, Bay Duikers, the Blue Duiker, Boehm’s Bush Squirrel, Bongo, Bushbuck, Checkered Elephant, Crested Porcupine, Emin’s Pouched Rat, Giant Forest Hog, Giant Pangolin, Lord Derby’s Scaly tailed Squirrel, Marsh Mongoose, Red River Hog, Tree Pangolin, Water Chevrotain, Western Tree Hyrax, Yellow Backed Duiker among others
Reptile species
Virunga National Park is home to over 109 reptile species including chameleons, geckos, monitor lizards, and Nile crocodiles. The park is also a refuge for snakes such as the Great Lakes bush viper, olive house snake, Rwanda forest green snake, and rhinoceros viper. You can see reptiles in Virunga National Park during nature walks and boat cruises.
Bird species
Virunga National Park is the best bird-watching destination in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is considered to be a birders’ paradise not only in Congo but also in the entire African continent. The park has different vegetation cover that is home to over 706 bird species and 24 are recorded as endemic species in Virunga National Park. some of the bird species you may encounter during your birdwatching tour here include Grey Crowned Crane, Black-bellied Bustard, Great Blue Turaco, Eastern Grey Plantain-eater, Bare-faced Go-away-bird, Ruwenzori Turaco, Black-billed Turaco, Ross’s Turaco, Marabou, Yellow-billed Stork, African Openbill, Abdim’s Stork, Woolly-necked Stork, European White Stork, Saddle-bill Stork, Great White Pelican, Pink-backed Pelican, Hamerkop, Shoebill, White-crested Tiger Heron, White-backed Night Heron, Black-crowned Night Heron, Striated Heron, Squacco Heron, Cattle Egret, Grey Heron, Black-headed Heron, Goliath Heron, Purple Heron, Great Egret, Intermediate Egret, Black Heron, Little Egret, African Sacred Ibis, African Spoonbill, Hadada Ibis, Glossy Ibis, Long-tailed Cormorant, Great Cormorant, African Darter.
What is the best time to see animals in Virunga National Park
Virunga National Park is situated in the tropics, and is a lush paradise of tropical rainforest vegetation, but with this comes the uncertainty of receiving rain any time of the day or week. The park’s location within the tropics means that the weather can be quite unpredictable, but despite the occasional downpour, there are still some months that are considered ideal for visiting. The dry season, which typically occurs from December to February and June to September, is the best time to experience the park, as the trails are drier and easier to navigate, making the trekking process much more manageable. Not only that, but the dry season also means that the vegetation hasn’t grown too dense, allowing for clearer sightings of the park’s majestic gorillas and other wildlife. It’s during this time that the park’s lush canopy opens up, making it easier to spot these incredible creatures, and the dry underbrush allows for a more pleasant and safe trekking experience. For those who prefer fewer crowds and a more adventurous journey, the months of March to May and October to November can be ideal, although it’s essential to note that the vegetation is fully grown, and the trails can be much more slippery and challenging, making it a better choice for experienced hikers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Best accommodation facilities available in Virunga National Park
Virunga National Park has affordable accommodations that cater tourists while on a Congo safari in Virunga National Park. The accommodation facilities range from Budget, mid-range to luxury levels. Some of these include Mikeno Lodge, Kibumba Tented Camp and Lodge, Lac Kivu Lodge, Bukima Tented Camp, Tchegera Island Camp, and Lulimbi Tented Camp among others.
How to get to Virunga National Park
Virunga National Park is located in the Eastern Part of Congo. First, you’ll fly to Kigali International Airport then connect to Gisenyi town. From there, you’ll need to bead to Gisenyi town, a charming town close to the border. Once you’re in Gisenyi, you’ll cross the border into the democratic republic of Congo and make your way to Goma, a bustling town nearby.
After reaching Goma, it’s about a two-hour drive to the headquarters of Kahuzi Biega National Park, where your gorilla trekking adventure will begin. The journey takes you through some stunning scenery, so be sure to enjoy the views along the way.
