What is special about Virunga National Park?
Are you looking for what is special about Virunga National Park, searching for why Virunga National Park is famous, are you interested in knowing the interesting facts about Virunga National Park, this article answers all.
Virunga National Park located in the Democratic Republic of Congo, is not only Africa’s oldest national park but also one of its most diverse and enthralling. Virunga National Park was gazetted in 1925 and was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979 due to its excellent biodiversity, including uncommon and endangered species, as well as its magnificent landscape. More so, the park is home to a chain of eight volcanoes, including the active Nyiragongo and Nyamuragira volcanoes. Nyiragongo is famous for its exciting lava lake, making it one of the few in the world. Here are some of the key features that make Virunga National Park a special destination for your safari in Congo.
A Biodiversity Hotspot Like No Other:
One of the most special things about Virunga National Park is its diversity of wildlife. Virunga National Park encompasses a variety of plants and habitats, making it the top African National Park for biological diversity. The Park is a dwell for an impressive number of mammal species, bird species, reptile species, and amphibian species. It also serves as a refuge to 22 primate species of which three are the great, with a third of the world population of mountain gorillas. Some of the mammal species you may spot while on a Congo wildlife safari in this stunning national park include elephants, buffalos, lions, hippos, leopards, okapi, bongo, warthogs, waterbucks, bushbucks, red river hogs, giant forest hogs, topi aardvark, Kob, blue duikers, yellow-backed duikers among others.
The park is also home to other primate species such as red-tailed monkeys, De Brazza’s monkeys, blue monkeys, golden monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabey, blue and white colobus monkeys, Dent’s mona monkeys, central Africa red colobus mantled Guereza and olive baboons. Nile crocodiles and monitor lizards are also sights along the shores of lakes such as Edward, albert, and Semuliki rivers.
The park is one of the best birding destinations in the democratic republic of Congo, housing over 700 species of birds, among 24 are recorded as endemic species in Virunga National Park. During your birding tour here, you’ll have the chance to spot birds such as White-faced Whistling Duck, Fulvous Whistling Duck, Egyptian Goose, Southern Pochard, Garganey, Hottentot Teal, Red-billed Teal, Northern Pintail, White-backed Duck, Spur-winged Goose, Comb Duck, Helmeted Guineafowl, Crested Guineafowl, Common Quail, Harlequin Quail, Heuglin’s Francolin, Hildebrandt’s Francolin, Red-necked Spurfowl, Handsome Francolin, White-throated Francolin, Greater Flamingo, Little Grebe, African Olive Pigeon, Western Bronze-naped Pigeon, Dusky Turtle Dove, Mourning Collared Dove, Red-eyed Dove mentioned by few.
Home to the Critically Endangered Mountain Gorillas
Perhaps the most iconic residents of Virunga are the mountain gorillas. These gentle giants, found nowhere else on Earth except in a few protected areas in this region, are critically endangered, meaning they are on the brink of extinction. Virunga plays a crucial role in their survival. Other national parks include Mgahinga Gorilla National Park found in Uganda and Volcanoes National Park found in Rwanda all these national parks are home to the endangered mountain gorillas. More so, the park is home to over a third of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, and gorilla trekking tours are a popular activity in the park. The park contains over 400 mountain gorillas of the 1000 remaining in the wild. These fascinating primates in Virunga National Park inhabit the lush forest and volcanic slopes of the park residing in 8 habituated gorilla families such as the Kabirizi group, Humba group, Rugendo group, Mapuwa group, Lulengo group, Munyanga group Bageni groups.
Gorilla trekking is a daily activity done in Virunga National Park in Congo, the trek normally starts with a briefing at 7:45 am, then you are you will be allocated a gorilla for your trek that day and you will start the walk into the Virunga Forest to find the gorillas once you find them you will spend one hour encounter with them as they do with their daily activities such as playing, feeding, grooming among others. You’ll have a chance to take photographs, see other attractions like birds and primates depending on your luck, and learn more about the mountain gorilla habitat and how they survive in Virunga National Park.
A gorilla permit in Virunga National Park costs $400 per person per trek for the high season months of mid-December to mid-March then June to October. To see a mountain gorilla in its natural habitat is an experience that will stay with you forever; it’s a reminder of the beauty and vulnerability of our planet.
A Landscape Shaped by Volcanoes:
Virunga is a land forged by fire. The Virunga Mountains, a chain of volcanoes, dominate the park’s skyline. These volcanoes, some still active, have shaped the landscape over millions of years, creating fertile soils and unique habitats. The presence of active volcanoes adds a dramatic element to the park, reminding us of the powerful forces that have shaped our planet. Mount Nyiragongo, with its perpetually erupting lava lake, is a particularly awe-inspiring sight. Nyiragongo Volcano is one of the most active volcanoes in the world with an elevation of 3,470 m (11,380 ft), Not much is known about how long the volcano has been erupting, but since 1882, it has erupted at least 34 times and most recent eruption happened in 2002. This volcanic activity, though dangerous, is essential to the region’s ecosystem; the volcanic ash enriches the soil, supporting a lush vegetation that sustains a wide variety of animal life. Hiking the Nyiragongo Volcano is another adventurous activity to do while on a Congo safari in Virunga National Park.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site:
Because of its outstanding universal value, Virunga National Park has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This recognition acknowledges its importance to the world and highlights the need for international cooperation to ensure its protection for future generations. More so, this stunning park was recognized for its exceptional wildlife and habitats. Explore one of the most biodiverse protected areas in the world. The designation helps raise awareness about the park’s unique features and the challenges it faces, encouraging global support for its conservation.
In conclusion, Virunga National Park is a truly special place. Its unique location, diversity of wildlife, and active volcanoes make it a fascinating place to visit. The park’s cultural significance and importance for conservation also make it a place that’s worth learning about and protecting. While the park faces many challenges, there, are many people working hard to protect it. By learning more about Virunga National Park, we can all play a role in helping to protect this incredible place.
