Birdlife in Virunga National Park
Birdlife in Virunga National Park : Over 1185 bird species have been reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo as a whole, with 32 of them being internationally endangered. This nation boasts the highest avian biodiversity in Africa, and ardent birders should not miss the opportunity to visit one of the greatest birding locations, Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, to see various kinds of birds. Continue reading this article to find out about the birdlife at virunga national park.
Beautiful noises and calls of massive bird species emerge from the woods as early as 5:00 a.m., waking up birders. This type of encounter is extremely unusual and can only be had by visiting the huge Virunga National Park.
Congo’s Virunga National Park is an incredibly unexplored bird-watching site in Africa. Over 706 species may be found in the park, including 24 endemic species. In recent years, Virunga has become a highly popular bird viewing national park, and tourism is being actively encouraged as a result of better infrastructure, security, and competent service providers at various lodges and ranger guides.
Birdlife in Virunga National Park.
Every birder should visit Virunga National Park. There are over 706 bird species in the various plant areas, 24 of which are indigenous to Congo’s Virunga National Park. Among the common birds seen in the woodlands are the Rwenzori Turaco, Francolinus nobilis, forest ground thrush, Musaphaga, and others. Skimmers, shoebills, storks, egrets, grey herons, and ibises are common in wetlands. Grey-throated barbet, white-headed woophoopoes, Angolan swallow, Rwenzori Batis, alpine swift, African olive pigeon, tropical boubou, and papyrus yellow warbler are among the other bird species found in the Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The park’s rare birds include the Rockefeller’s sunbird and Nectarinia Rockefeller, which can be found in the bamboo, the Grauer’s swamp warbler, which can be found near marshes on the mountains, and many more that will be seen on the safari to this area.
When is the Best Time for Bird watching Tours in Virunga National Park?
As a result, bird watching is best and easiest from June to August, and to a lesser extent in December and January, when there is less rain. This is also a wonderful time to go mountain gorilla trekking. If you wish to see migratory bird species, the best time would be from November to April yearly.
Other Activities to do during your visit to Virunga National Park;
Gorilla Trekking
Meeting endangered mountain gorillas, animals who share 98% of our genes, is a magical event that will last a lifetime. Mountain gorillas can only be found in three countries: the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda.
They dwell in the tropical rain forest on the slopes of the Virunga mountains in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The park is one of the world’s few unspoiled biologically diversified places, and it was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. The park is located on the eastern side of DRCongo and is gaining popularity due to gorilla trekking, which is a highlight for most people that visit the area.
Each gorilla family can only be visited by a party of eight persons. Gorilla trekking is available during the day from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. The gorillas are active between those times. When you find the gorillas, you can only stay with them for one hour before leaving. You must be at least 15 years old to undertake gorilla trekking.
Chimpanzee Trekking.
Visitors exploring Virunga National Park in Congo will undoubtedly love spending time with the habituated Tongo tribe of chimps. Chimpanzees can be seen in the Democratic Republic of the Congo on the wooded island of Tongo. In Congo, chimpanzee trekking permits cost $100 USD.
Hike Nyiragongo Volcano and Mount Rwenzori
Hiking on Nyiragongo Mountain is an option for visitors to Virunga National Park. Mountain Nyiragongo is a stratovolcano located within the national park, and tourists may go on hiking trips to the mountain’s lava lake. Hiking activities to the mountain begin at the Kibati Patrol post, which is 30 minutes from Goma and an hour from Mikeno Lodge. Hiking trips to Nyiragongo Volcano begin at 9 a.m. and take between 1 and 6 hours.
From the Congo side, visitors to Virunga National Park can begin on a climbing trip to Mount Rwenzori, which is shared by Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Mount Rwenzori hiking treks from the Congo side take between 4 and 6 days and are best done in March, June, and August.
Getting to Virunga National Park.
Virunga National Park can be found in the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s eastern area. The park is accessible by both road and air. Tourists can travel from Rwanda’s Kigali International Airport to Gisenyi Airport, then board/hire a car from Gisenyi to Goma in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. There are also direct domestic flights between Kigali International Airport and Goma Airport.
Alternatively, one may take a cab from Kigali to the ‘Grande Barrier’ in Gisenyi, which is a three-hour ride to Goma. A taxi ride from Kigali in Rwanda to Goma in the Democratic Republic of the Congo will cost you $100 USD one way.
