Where to Stay in Virunga National Park Congo
Where to Stay in Virunga National Park Congo
Virunga National Park Congo is a big park that spreads across the edges of the Democratic Republic of Congo, close to Rwanda and Uganda. It started back in 1925, making it the oldest park in Africa. The park is famous for its stunning sights like the boiling orange Lava Lake of Mount Nyiragongo and its diverse wildlife, including mountain gorillas, which the park works hard to protect. Gorilla trekking here is an incredible experience because the park isn’t as crowded as other places like Uganda and Rwanda. Virunga National Park is part of the Virunga massif and is home to about 400 mountain gorillas.
Mikeno Lodge: Hidden Luxury
Mikeno Lodge is a special place hidden in the Virunga mountain range. It’s hard to find, but once you do, you’ll be amazed. The lodge sits right in the middle of Virunga, offering breathtaking views of the forest, Nyiragongo and Mikeno Volcanoes, and the rift valley. The bungalow accommodations are luxurious and comfortable, with fantastic views of the valley and trees. You can get there easily from Goma in less than 2 hours. Each bungalow has its own fireplace, perfect for cozy evenings. The restaurant serves delicious local and international dishes. There are also activities like nature walks and birdwatching. Mikeno Lodge is home to many bird species, chimpanzees, and monkeys.
Mikeno Lodge Pricing
The rates are affordable, starting from $390 for single occupancy and $490 for double occupancy per night, including meals.
Tchegera Island Tented Camp: Tranquil Retreat
Tchegera Island Tented Camp is a peaceful camp on the northern shore of Lake Kivu. It’s a great place to relax after hiking Mount Nyiragongo. You can enjoy stunning views of Lake Kivu and four volcanoes, especially when Nyamulagira and Nyiragongo light up the night sky with their lava. The camp has 8 comfortable tents with hot/cold water and electricity. You can watch birds or go on primate walks, boat trips, or kayaking. The beautiful views of the lake and volcanoes make this camp a must-visit.
Tchegera Island Pricing
Room rates range from $175 for single rooms to $216 for double rooms per night.
Bukima Tented Camp: Gateway to Gorilla Trekking
Bukima Tented Camp is a simple camp outside the park boundary, perfect for gorilla trekkers. It has 6 tents with cozy beds and views of Mount Mikeno and Nyiragongo Volcano. Some lucky guests even spot mountain gorillas around the camp. The camp is a starting point for gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park.
Bukima Tented Camp Pricing
Rates start from $390 for single occupancy and $490 for double occupancy per night, including meals and government VAT.
Lulimbi Tented Camp: Nature’s Haven
Lulimbi Tented Camp is one of the newest camps in Virunga. It’s nestled on the Ishasha River with views of Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda. The camp has 10 tents with en-suite bathrooms and views of the river. You can relax in the lounge tent or explore the nearby wildlife.
Lulimbi Tented Camp Pricing
Rates start from $340 for single occupancy, $450 for double occupancy, and $760 for triple occupancy per night, including meals and government VAT.
Kibumba Tented Camp: Budget-Friendly Comfort
Kibumba Tented Camp is a budget-friendly lodge near the Rwanda border and Nyiragongo Volcano. It has 18 tents with all the necessities for a comfortable stay. There are mess tents for meals and a lounge for relaxing after a day of adventure.
Nyiragongo Volcano Summit Shelters: Camping in the Wilderness
The Nyiragongo Volcano Summit Shelters offer basic camping accommodation for those trekking the volcano. Each shelter has two single beds, and there’s a communal area for meals. The camp offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
Nyiragongo Volcano Summit Shelter Pricing
Rates are included in the Nyiragongo Volcano trekking permits, starting from $25 for Congolese children and $125 for international children, and $90 for Congolese adults and $300 for international adults. Porters can be hired for $12 per day or $24 for the entire trip.
Conclusion
With a variety of accommodation options in Virunga National Park Congo, including Mikeno Lodge, Bukima Tented Camp, and Nyiragongo Volcano Summit Shelters, tourists are guaranteed a memorable experience during their gorilla trekking safaris.