Best Safari Activities To Do in Virunga National Park in 2026

Virunga National Park is Africa’s oldest national park and one of the continent’s most biologically diverse destinations. Established in 1922, this UNESCO World Heritage Site covers approximately 7,800 square kilometers in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. From dense tropical rainforests and savannah plains to volcanic mountains and wetlands, Virunga offers one of the most dramatic landscapes in Africa.

In 2026, Virunga National Park continues to attract adventurous travelers seeking authentic and off-the-beaten-path safari experiences. The park protects endangered mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, and golden monkeys, as well as forest elephants, hippos, lions, okapi, and over 700 bird species.

If you’re planning a Congo safari with Experiya Tour Company, here are the best safari activities to do in Virunga National Park in 2026.

Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Virunga National Park

Mountain gorilla trekking remains the most popular safari activity in Virunga National Park. The park is one of only three places in the world where you can see endangered mountain gorillas in the wild, alongside Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.

Virunga is home to eight habituated gorilla families, including the well-known Kabirizi family, one of the largest and most visited groups.

What to Expect During Gorilla Trekking in 2026

Your experience begins early in the morning with a detailed briefing at the park headquarters. Rangers explain trekking rules, safety guidelines, and what to expect in the forest. Afterward, you are assigned a gorilla family and accompanied by an armed ranger guide.

The trek can take between one and four hours depending on the location of the gorillas. As you hike through dense rainforest, you may encounter blue monkeys, Central African red colobus monkeys, De Brazza’s monkeys, forest elephants, buffaloes, and a variety of colorful forest birds.

Once you locate the gorilla family, you spend one unforgettable hour observing them in their natural habitat. You may witness mothers breastfeeding, juveniles playing, and powerful silverbacks calmly guarding their families. It is an emotional, humbling, and life-changing wildlife encounter.

Gorilla Permit Cost in 2026

As of 2026, a Virunga gorilla trekking permit costs approximately $450 per person, making it more affordable compared to Uganda and Rwanda. Permits are limited, so Experiya Tour Company recommends booking several months in advance.

Chimpanzee Trekking in Virunga National Park

In addition to gorillas, Virunga National Park offers exciting chimpanzee trekking experiences. Tracking chimpanzees through the lush rainforest gives visitors the chance to observe our closest relatives in the wild.

The experience begins with a morning briefing, followed by a guided forest walk led by experienced rangers. You track the chimpanzees by listening for their calls and observing movement in the treetops.

Once located, you spend one hour observing their social interactions, grooming habits, feeding behavior, and playful personalities. Their intelligence and expressive faces make this a fascinating and rewarding safari activity. Many visitors combine chimpanzee trekking with birdwatching or guided nature walks for a more immersive experience.

Birdwatching in Virunga National Park

For bird lovers, Virunga National Park is a true paradise. With over 700 recorded bird species, the park ranks among Africa’s top birding destinations.

Thanks to its diverse habitats, including forests, wetlands, swamps, lakeshores, and grasslands, Virunga supports both Albertine Rift endemic species and migratory birds. During your birdwatching safari, you may spot species such as the Rwenzori Turaco, Grauer’s Swamp Warbler, Shoebill Stork, African Olive Pigeon, White-fronted Bee-eater, Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird, Hairy-breasted Barbet, Rwenzori Batis, and Alpine Swift.

Birdwatching is available year-round in 2026, although sightings are often best during the wet seasons when bird activity increases.

Guided Nature Walks in Virunga

For travelers who prefer a slower and more intimate exploration, guided nature walks provide a rewarding way to experience Virunga’s ecosystem. Exploring the park on foot allows you to connect more deeply with the landscape.

During these walks, you may encounter primates, small mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and unique plant species. Scenic areas such as the Sinda and Ishango valleys offer breathtaking views, and on clear days you may even see the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains in neighboring Uganda. Nature walks reveal the smaller ecological details that are often missed during vehicle safaris.

Hiking Mount Nyiragongo Volcano

One of the most thrilling adventures in Virunga National Park is hiking Mount Nyiragongo. This active volcano is home to the world’s largest lava lake, making it one of Africa’s most dramatic hiking experiences.

The hike typically takes two days. On the first day, you ascend to the summit with experienced guides. Although the climb can be challenging, the reward is extraordinary. At night, you witness the glowing lava lake illuminating the sky, an unforgettable and surreal sight. You spend the night in summit shelters before descending the following morning.

In 2026, hiking Mount Nyiragongo remains one of Central Africa’s most iconic adventure experiences.

Wildlife Viewing Safaris in Virunga

While Virunga is famous for its primates, it also offers rewarding wildlife viewing safaris. The park protects nearly 200 mammal species, more than 700 bird species, over 100 reptile species, and around 60 amphibian species.

During a wildlife safari drive, you may encounter African buffaloes, forest elephants, hippos, lions, bushbuck, bay duikers, warthogs, and Nile crocodiles. The Ishasha and Rutshuru sectors are particularly good for general wildlife viewing, offering open landscapes that make animal sightings easier.

Where to Stay in Virunga National Park (2026)

Virunga National Park offers accommodation options ranging from budget to luxury lodges.

Mikeno Lodge provides a luxury forest experience close to the gorilla trekking starting points. Chegera Island Camp offers an exclusive lakeside retreat on Lake Kivu. Bukima Tented Camp is ideal for gorilla trekkers seeking proximity to the trailheads. Kibumba Tented Camp offers a comfortable mid-range option, while Lulimbi Tented Camp provides scenic views near the Ishasha sector.

Experiya Tour Company can help you choose the best lodge based on your travel style, comfort preferences, and budget

How to Get to Virunga National Park in 2026

The most common route to Virunga National Park is through Rwanda. Travelers typically fly into Kigali International Airport in Rwanda. From Kigali, it takes approximately three to four hours by road to reach Gisenyi town. After crossing the Rwanda–Congo border into Goma town in the Democratic Republic of Congo, it is about a one to two-hour drive to the Virunga National Park headquarters.

Experiya Tour Company arranges secure transfers, border assistance, and all necessary logistics to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey.

Why Visit Virunga National Park in 2026?

Virunga National Park offers one of Africa’s most raw and authentic safari experiences. Unlike more commercialized destinations, Virunga combines adventure, conservation, and rare wildlife encounters in one extraordinary setting.

Whether you dream of standing face-to-face with mountain gorillas, hiking an active volcano, exploring pristine rainforests, or discovering Africa’s oldest national park, Virunga promises a safari unlike any other.

If you are ready to plan your 2026 Congo safari, Experiya Tour Company can design a personalized itinerary tailored to your travel goals, comfort level, and spirit of adventure.