A trip to Virunga affords the traveler the opportunity to see some of the world’s most spectacular wildlife, in a stunning landscape, seen by relatively few people.
With some wonderful accommodations available, providing luxurious bases and organized excursions, the time to visit this gem of a national park is now.
Visit Virunga National Park for gorilla trekking tours. It offers stays at Mikeno Lodge, Bukima Tented Camp, Tchegera Island Camp, Lulimbi Tented Camp.
Mikeno Lodge
Mikeno Lodge is a luxurious lodge set into a forested hillside at Virunga National Park Headquarters and the perfect base for visiting mountain gorilla safaris in Congo or climbing a volcano.
The Mikeno Lodge is a 90 minute drive from Goma and offers large bungalows and a good restaurant. The lodge and restaurant are located within a forest and offer beautiful views of the rift valley and Nyiragongo and Mikeno volcanoes.
Nature walks and visits to local places of interest can be arranged. There is an abundance of bird life, as well as resident blue monkeys, Colobus monkeys, and baboons. Chimpanzees are also frequent visitors to the area.
Whether your stay is the starting point for gorilla, volcano, and chimp adventures, or purely for a relaxing time-out in a peaceful location, Mikeno Lodge provides an exceptional experience among the wildlife and beauty of Virunga National Park.
Accommodation and facilities
Mikeno Lodge offers twelve unique bungalows; each have stunning views into the surrounding forest. Fashioned with lava stone, mahogany and thatch the bungalows are nestled amidst the thick forest greenery and reaching trees.
Comprised of a comfortable lounging area and fireplace to ward off the crisp evening air, the spacious bungalows enjoy en-suite bathrooms with stone carved baths and curved stone showers.
The decor merges Congolese ethnicity and classic simplicity with patterned rugs, soft tones and sleek wooden furniture; whilst the private deck allows guests to enjoy the performance of the Blue and Colobus monkeys in the forest. Enjoyed beneath the thatched Boma at the main lodge, dining is delicious and flavour some.
Mikeno lodge costs per day include accommodation prices for breakfast,
lunch, dinner, and 16% Gov’t VAT but the price excludes transportation costs.
Single person USD 316
Double occupancy USD 450
Bukima Tented Camp
Just outside the boundaries of Virunga National Park lays the Bukima Tented Camp, one of the main starting points in Virunga mountain gorilla treks. The camp was originally built for researchers, but is now used primarily by trekkers.
As the name suggests, overnight guests at Bukima sleep in platform tents, but by camping standards they are quite plush. Each tent features an adjoining bathroom with running water and a nicely appointed bed and dresser for clothes.
The views from the tent sites or anywhere in camp for that matter – are spectacular. To the south, the view is dominated by Mt. Mikeno, whose summit towers over the gorilla sector. Across the valley is Nyiragongo volcano, whose lava lake colours the night sky with a red glow.
Prices for the camp include breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Alcoholic beverages are available for an additional charge. Of the six tents, four feature double beds and two are outfitted with twin beds.
Bukima Tented Camp cost per day and accommodation prices include breakfast, lunch, dinner, and 16% Gov’t VAT but the excludes transportation costs
Single: $316
Double occupancy: $450
Tchegera Island Camp
Tchegera Island Camp is the perfect way to escape the hustle and bustle of Goma or to relax after climbing Nyiragongo volcano.
Situated off the northern shore of Lake Kivu, Tchegera camp offers spectacular views of the lake and four volcanoes. On clear nights, Nyiragongo and Nyamuragira volcanoes add to the drama by turning the night sky red with their glowing lava.
There is also an abundance of bird life on the island, including African eagles, cormorants, herons and gulls.
Whether one chooses to relax on the beach or explore other parts of the island in a sea kayak or by paddle board, Tchegera is the perfect place for rest and relaxation.
Tchegera Island Tented Camp
Permit, round trip ground/boat transport from Goma: $100 per person
Single with all meals: $160 per night, per person
Double with all meals: $216 per night, per person
Double w/ twin beds with all meals: $216 per night, per person
Accommodation prices include breakfast, lunch, dinner, and 16% Gov’t VAT
Lulimbi Tented Camp
Lulimbi is located in the heart of Virunga and is home to a large percentage of the park’s elephants and hippos. Buffalo, warthogs, giant forest hogs, Topi, Ugandan Kob, crocodiles, and a wide variety of bird life also abound.
Lulimbi lies in the Ishasha Valley, on the eastern edge of the park’s Central Sector. In striking contrast with the volcanoes and gorillas of the south, this beautiful area is dominated by savannah plains, through which the Ishasha River cuts its way.
The Lulimbi Tented Camp is nestled into the shoreline of the Ishasha River, which winds through Virunga’s vast savannah plains.
Lulimbi is the first such camp in this area of the park and was created for two main reasons: to showcase Virunga’s spectacular savannah wildlife and to give visitors the chance to actively participate in conservation.
The nature experience in Lulimbi starts at the steps of one’s tent. Hippos wallow away their days in the Ishasha River, which is just meters away.
Nearby, elephants can be seen wandering slowly through the bush. This gorgeous nature scene is closely watched by Virunga’s rangers, who welcome the participation of guests on their monitoring patrols.
Under the guidance of the rangers, guest will participate in wildlife counts, visual health checks of the various species, and learn about the history of the park and the challenges the future presents.
The camp is made up of eight canvas tents, each with running water, flush toilets and solar showers. Although relatively simple, these are comfortable and well equipped.
The tents all face the Ishasha River, with private verandas perfectly positioned to watch a nearby pod of hippos.
The Lulimbi Tented Camp consists of 10 private tents: 4 with two twin beds, 4 with double beds, and 2 set up with three twin beds. Each tent features an en suite bathroom with hot showers and other standard amenities.
The dining tent features a full restaurant and bar service. After meals, guest can retire to the well-appointed lounge tent. The lounge tent features a full bar and is the perfect place to relax and take in the natural world just outside the netting.
While at Lulimbi Tented Camp, visitors can take part in the following activities: elephant monitoring with rangers, chimpanzee habituation walks, birding, game drives, Lake Edward boat excursions, tilapia fishing, visits to the Nyakakoma fishing village.
Prices for the camp include breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Alcoholic beverages are available for an additional charge. Of the six tents, four feature double beds and two are outfitted with twin beds.
Lulimbi Tented Camp cost per day
Single occupancy: $340
Double occupancy: $450
Triple occupancy: $760
A $40 permit must also be purchased upon arrival
Accommodation prices include breakfast, lunch, dinner, and 16% Gov’t VAT
