Virunga National Park

When to go

There is currently no tourist season. According to the park's official website, gorilla and Nyiragongo treks are closed until further notice; the British Foreign Office advises against all travel to North Kivu. This page provides information about nature and conservation work, but does not recommend a trip.

Things to see and do

Follow conservation reports, virtual content and official news about gorillas, rangers and ecosystems. Independent visits, unofficial guides or attempts to reach closed sectors are not acceptable. At present, support is safer through official conservation programmes.

Practical tips

Do not travel to North Kivu: the situation is unstable, armed groups are active, kidnapping and violence risks are high, and consular assistance is severely limited. Also check current advice on disease outbreaks, borders and airports. Old tour offers and prices must not be treated as current.

Getting there and getting around

Historically, tourist routes passed through Goma with official park transfers. However, Goma Airport is not operating for normal commercial traffic, and borders or roads can close at short notice. Under current conditions, there is no safe tourist route to Virunga.

Where to stay

Lodges and camps mentioned in older materials must not be considered bookable during the closure. Do not transfer money to intermediaries promising park access. Future accommodation must be confirmed only after an official reopening and exclusively through the official Virunga channel.

What to try

There is no tourist catering in the closed park. Cassava, plantains, beans, rice and fish are common in the region; wildlife products should be rejected. On a future trip, drinking water and hygiene conditions would need to be checked professionally.