Looking for a gorilla safari lodge in Congo? Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has all categories of safari lodges for Congo tour travelers to consider for their overnight stay. Located on the extreme Eastern side of Congo, Virunga Park is set near the border of Uganda and Rwanda. The 3 African countries are home to endangered mountain gorillas and visits to explore these large apes are possible when you have where to stay.
Before or after the long day Congo gorilla safari in the Virunga Park, guests get back to retire at the accommodation they prebooked with their tour operator. At Virunga National Park, you can book budget, midrange, or luxury lodges.
Top accommodation in Virunga Park
Mikeno Lodge
Mikeno Lodge is a luxury accommodation facility located in Virunga Park Congo. It is one ideal area for guests visiting the park for mountain gorilla trekking via Mikeno region. Mikeno is built near Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage, a great opportunity for you to also explore the orphaned mountain gorillas that live here.
At Mikeno Lodge, there are 12 rooms all uniquely decorated with walls built with Lava stones and mahogany poles offering an absolute state of luxury. This luxurious lodge is strategically located overviewing the rift valley and Nyiragongo Mountain. It is found right at Rumangabo Area in Virunga National Park, occupying over 35 hectares of land with its rooms fully furnished featuring African and colonial styles.
The rooms at Mikeno Lodge are fitted with comfortable beds, ceiling fans, and mosquito net, and there is a fireplace for guests to keep themselves warm during cold nights/days. There is also a private patio in each room offering visitors that ultimate relaxation atmosphere.
Accessing Mikeno Lodge takes about 1 and a half hours to drive from Goma. This lodging facility provides full board accommodation and guests are guaranteed 3 meals a day with a chance to tour Senkwekwe Orphanage at a free cost.
Bukima Tented Camp
Bukima Tented Camp was once a research station but turned into a lodge offering mid-range/standard lodging services. It is set a few minutes off from Bukima patrol station where briefing about mountain gorilla trekking rules and allocation of park guides is done by Virunga National Park officials. Bukima Tented Camp is comprised of 6 luxury tents and each features advanced bathrooms with water running, beds, and with a chance to enjoy an exceptional view of the surrounding areas.
The amazing bit about spending a night at Bukima Tented Camp is that guests enjoy personalized service despite the fact that fewer visitors are accommodated here. This is perfect for travelers on Congo safaris who prefer privacy and are guaranteed exceptional views including Mikeno and Nyiragongo volcanoes.
Kibumba Tented Camp
Located along the Nyiragongo volcano trailhead, Kibumba Tented Camp is one of the best-budget lodges in the Virunga National Park. At Kibumba Camp, guests are guaranteed not only delicious cuisines in the wild but also ultimate comfort. This budget camp has a fully stocked bar, comfortable beds, tents, en-suite bathrooms, and showers. Its strategic location at the trailhead of Mt. Nyiragongo makes it an ideal place to retire for the night before or after your hiking adventure.
Nyiragongo summit shelters
The Nyiragongo summit shelters are set right at the top of Mt. Nyiragongo – the world’s most active volcano. It is at these summit shelters where climbers spend a night when they finally get to the top of the Nyiragongo volcano. 12 Nyiragongo volcano summit shelters offer an uninterrupted view of the Lava Lake as it bubbles the whole night. Each summit shelter has 2 single beds and basic breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all provided.
Tchegera Island Camp
Tchegera Island Camp is another incredible place for visitors on a gorilla tour in Virunga National Park to spend a night after their guided gorilla trek. The camp is set near Lake Kivu, at close proximity to Virunga Park. It is also an ideal place for a family gateway or honeymoon holidays.
Activities to do while at Virunga National Park
Gorilla trekking
Trekking mountain gorillas remains the leading attraction and wildlife experience visitors can enjoy while at Virunga National Park. 8 habituated gorilla families live in Virunga and these represent about 64 gorilla permits, each permit costs USD400.
Nyiragongo climbing
Nyiragongo hiking is another top adventure hikers on Congo safari can enjoy while at Virunga National Park. Nyiragongo volcano stands at an elevation of about 3470m, and hiking takes about 6 hours, and descending back takes a slighter shorter time. For an overnight stay, there are Nyiragongo summit shelters where you will also enjoy the breathtaking view of the bubbling Lava Lake, and take pictures. Nyiragongo volcano is powerful and it has recorded multiple eruptions, and the most recent one took place in 2021.
Birding
Bird watching in Virunga National Park allows you to search for most of the forest and Albertine rift endemic bird species. 706 bird species reside in this park, and they include Madagascar bee-eaters, white-headed wood hoopoe, grey throated barbet, narrow-tailed starling, stripe breasted tit, olive sunbird, Rwenzori batis, yellow billed barbet, double toothed barbet, African olive pigeon, handsome francolin, white throated francolin, harlequin quail, laughing dove, dusky turtle dove, ring-necked dove, tambourine dove, emerald spotted wood dove, etc.
What to pack
The list of essentials you should consider carrying on safari in Congo includes a waterproof daypack, hiking boots, long-sleeved shirts, cameras, trousers, insect repellent, a first aid kit, and more.
Getting to Virunga Park -Congo
There are many options in which guests can connect to the Virunga National Park. By road, several tourists often connect from Kigali to Congo’s Virunga National Park and your journey takes about 5 hours for you to drive. Drive up to the Gisenyi-Goma border (Grande barrier) and cross to Virunga NP. From Grande Barrier to Virunga Park, it is 15kms away. Visitors in Congo can drive from Goma Airport to Virunga National Park or take a boat to cross through Lake Kivu to Congo where you can transfer to the park for gorilla safaris, birding tours, or hiking adventures.
