Virunga National Park: gorillas, volcanoes and the current situation

Why Virunga matters

Founded in 1925, Virunga stretches along the border with Uganda and Rwanda, from the Virunga volcanoes in the south to the Rwenzori mountains in the north. Its range of habitats, from lava plains and savannah to glaciers and montane forest, made it a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It protects about a third of the world's mountain gorillas, as well as eastern lowland gorillas, chimpanzees, okapi, elephants and hippos on Lake Edward.

Before the latest fighting, the park was famous for gorilla treks from Bukima, overnight climbs to the rim of Nyiragongo to look down on its glowing lava lake, and stays at the Mikeno Lodge. Its rangers are known worldwide for their dedication, and many have lost their lives protecting the park.

The current situation

The M23 armed group took control of Goma and much of North Kivu in early 2025, and of Bukavu in South Kivu soon after. Peace talks have continued, but the situation remains volatile. Virunga's tourism programme is suspended, and the UK, US, Canadian and Australian governments advise against all travel to North Kivu. Travel insurance is unlikely to cover a trip against official advice.

We will update this page as the position changes. Until then, the best way to support the park is through its official website, where you can follow news and donate to its rangers and community programmes.

When it reopens

When tourism resumes, trips have traditionally started in Goma, often reached overland from Gisenyi in Rwanda. Gorilla permits, Nyiragongo climbs and lodges were all booked through the park directly. Expect a valid DR Congo visa, a yellow fever certificate and strict rules on gorilla visits, including minimum distances and mask wearing.

Seeing gorillas now

If gorillas are your dream, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda offer mountain gorilla trekking in the same ecosystem. Within DR Congo, Lola ya Bonobo near Kinshasa lets you see bonobos, the country's own great ape, safely.

The wildlife of Virunga

Beyond the mountain gorillas, Virunga protects an extraordinary range of wildlife. The Senkwekwe Centre near Rumangabo has cared for orphaned mountain gorillas, and the park's lowland areas hold elephants, buffalo, lions and many antelope. Lake Edward supports huge numbers of hippos, birds and fishing communities. The Rwenzori mountains in the north rise to glaciers and alpine plants found nowhere else. More than seven hundred bird species have been recorded across the park.

Nyiragongo

Nyiragongo is one of the most active volcanoes in Africa, and its crater has often held the largest lava lake in the world. The volcano erupted in 1977, 2002 and 2021, sending lava towards Goma. Before the conflict, an overnight climb with rangers to sleep in shelters on the rim was one of Africa's great adventures.

Communities and the park

Millions of people live around the park, and its management has invested in hydropower, jobs and community projects to share its benefits. Supporting the park from afar helps these programmes continue during difficult times.