Is Gorilla Trekking in Virunga Safe?

Is Gorilla Trekking in Virunga Safe? This is a question that every visitor who wishes to embark on a Virunga safari in the Democratic Republic of the Congo asks. This country is one of the African countries that has been plagued by insecurity as a result of the amount of rebel groups that have invaded the area. The Democratic Republic of the Congo is one of Africa’s largest countries, inhabited by Congolese as locals. East Congo has borders with Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, and Uganda, as well as the Central African Republic in the north, Zambia in the south, and Angola in the west.

All occurrences of instability in the Virunga region were considered to be the result of Rwandan and Mai Mai rebels who used to start from the Rumangabo sector, which is part of the Virunga national park. According to the records, many people died and many wildlife species died as a result of this, which is why every visitor wonders if it is safe to visit the Virunga region. However, the government and park administration have worked hard to drive these rebel groups out of the region, and the Virunga region is currently quite peaceful.

In the past, two visitors were abducted in the Virunga national park, and park guards were attacked by rebel groups, forcing the government and park administration to increase security in the Virunga region. Virunga National area was recently closed due to insecurity and will reopen when the director, Emmanuel, and the government come up with methods to strengthen security and keep people coming into the area.

Yes, gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park is really safe. Many trained security personnel, including park rangers, have been developed in accordance with international standards to increase security in the Virunga region in order to safeguard tourists and their belongings.

Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is one of Africa’s best-managed parks. It is home to one of East and Central Africa’s most stunning resorts. Stakeholders include conservationists, as well as local and foreign personnel.

So, on your arrival day, go to the Grande Barrier post, which serves as a checkpoint for all travelers visiting the Virunga National Park. A security convoy will accompany you into the park and safeguard you till you end your safari and return to your home country or visit other gorilla trekking destinations.

The security personnel at Virunga National Park is trained in a variety of skills such as how to safeguard visitors, evacuation techniques, first aid procedures, and so on.

Another security strategy identified by the park’s administration is to urge tourists wishing to visit Virunga National Park to book their safaris in advance so that they may be secure and identify the security personnel when they arrive. It is also a good idea to book your Congo Visa three weeks before your trip because you will be required to show this document before entering the Virunga National Park.

Following the restoration of the Virunga National Park, the management park began to create standard safari packages that include all crucial information such as the pathways that every visitor uses to reach the park. This is one of the methods utilized to safeguard tourists while also making entrance to the park simpler.

Every day, all of these Virunga safari packages are organized from the Grande Barrier border facility, which serves as a checkpoint for visitors to the Virunga National Park. These are some of the Virunga safari packages, which include the Virunga classic, which departs on Wednesdays and Mondays, the Mikeno mist package, which departs from Goma at 10 a.m. each day, and the Le petit Mikeno, which departs from Goma at 11 a.m. on Fridays, among others.

The security forces of Virunga National Park maintain the park and the local population situated on its borders, as these local members profit from the park. They now recognize the importance of the park in maintaining regional peace and building good relationships with village groups, local authorities, community leaders, national embassies, and others.

What can I do in Virunga National Park after Gorilla Trekking?

If you want to experience an incredible attraction on your Congo safari, travel to the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and participate in various activities such as trekking the endangered mountain gorillas, wildlife viewing along with the Lulimbi sector, guided nature walks, birding, visiting the Senkwekwe orphanage center, and spending more time with chimps. When everything is finished, go to Tchegera island in the evening and relax while admiring the wonderful views around the island.

Where can I stay in Virunga National Park during Gorilla Trekking?

After learning that gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park is safe, you should visit the park without hesitation because the park is bordered by several safari lodges where you may spend the night after or before doing gorilla trekking.

The luxurious Mikeno lodge, Lulimbi tented camp, Kibumba tented camp, Nyiragongo summit shelter, Bukima tented camp, Tchegera island tented camp, and others are some of the accommodation facilities in Virunga national park for different tourists ranging from luxury to mid-range to budget travelers. All of these lodges have security teams who guard their buildings, pleasant employees, comfy mattresses, and offer both foreign and local cuisine, among other things.

Tips to remain safe during gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park.

Although your guide will always be on hand to provide advice when you’re near the gorillas, it’s a good idea to brush up on how to behave before venturing into the lush foliage of the mountain forests.

• If you look into a gorilla’s eyes, spend a little minute to savor the sensation before taking your sight away from the gorilla’s eyes and looking down. This tells the gorilla that you are not a threat, and everyone can rest.
• Keep a safe seven-meter (about 23-foot) distance from the gorillas. This prevents any human infections from passing to the gorillas. If a gorilla approaches you, remain still and let him pass. If you happen to be standing exactly where a gorilla wants to be, give him some room and let him wander around as he pleases. If the gorilla approaches and then sits, gently back away to maintain the seven-meter gap. But don’t worry if you’re unsure what to do: your advisers will be monitoring you attentively and will coach you on the best course of action.
• If you must cough, be careful to cough into your arm. This helps to keep the gorillas from catching anything you have. If you become unwell before the walk, it is preferable to reschedule until you feel better.
• When you come across a group in a mountain forest glade, be calm and advance carefully, as instructed by your guide. Gorillas are gentle giants, yet they may be shocked and feel angry if you get too close and too quickly. When approaching the gorillas, you may hear your guide make a belching noise; this isn’t poor manners on their side; it’s merely gorilla-language to convey that they’re not a threat.

In conclusion, while all of the above-mentioned security measures have been implemented in the Virunga region to boost security, it is also recommended that you be security conscious so that you may enjoy and conclude your safari knowing that your property is safe. It is vital to note that, while security measures have been implemented in the park, it is always prudent to consult with any tour operators and be informed of the region’s current security condition.