
🌎 Democratic Republic of the Congo 🇨🇩
⭐
📍 Virunga National Park
✈️ Mbarara Airport (MBQ)
🚗 206.6 KM
⏱️ 5 hours, 37 minutes
Virunga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site in the Democratic Republic of Congo, is an exceptional but challenging destination primarily known for mountain gorilla trekking and the active Nyiragongo volcano. Accessibility typically involves flying into Kigali, Rwanda, and then an overland transfer, or directly into Goma, DRC, with all travel requiring careful security planning and coordination with park authorities or approved tour operators. Visits are exclusively guided by park rangers; solo exploration is strictly forbidden due to safety concerns and conservation efforts. While open year-round, the dry seasons (January-February and June-September) are generally preferred for easier trekking conditions. The approximate cost is substantial, with gorilla permits costing around $400 for foreign non-residents (as of recent information, subject to change), and total multi-day trip expenses often ranging from $1,500 to $3,000+ per person when accounting for accommodation, transport, other activities, visas, and park fees. A typical visit duration ranges from 3 to 5 days to experience both gorilla trekking and the overnight Nyiragongo volcano hike, offering an unparalleled and immersive wildlife and adventure experience in a region with complex security dynamics. Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory.