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Virunga National Park is in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

[edit] Understand

[edit] History

[edit] Landscape

[edit] Flora and fauna

[edit] Climate

[edit] Get in

[edit] Fees/Permits

The standard permit now to see gorillas is $500 US (2007). The same fee applies for gorilla tracking in Uganda, Rwanda and D. R. Congo.

[edit] Get around

[edit][add listing] See

[edit][add listing] Do

• Climb Nyiragongo Volcano — This volcano, famous for its lava lake, is a technically easy climb from the direction of Goma. A trip to the top should take ~6-8 hours, so most climbers spend the night at the top. Entrance permits cost US$100. Due to the rebel occupation in late 2009/early 2009, the park is closed until May 2009.
  • Hakuna Matata Tours, [1]. Offers a 2-day climb and tour of Goma. Owner is a native of the region and very friendly. ~$250.  edit

[edit][add listing] Buy

[edit][add listing] Eat

[edit][add listing] Drink

[edit][add listing] Sleep

[edit] Lodging

[edit] Camping

[edit] Backcountry

[edit] Stay safe

D.R. Congo is renowned as the African country that never seems to experience peace. If you intend to visit Virunga to track gorillas, you would wiser to book early and go to Rwanda or Uganda. Guerilla fractions hide out in the border region between D.R. Congo and Rwanda, and violence is common. Furthermore the authorities in D.R. Congo are renowned for corruption, and it is not uncommon to be detained by border controls until you pay a "special fee" for your release. If you have to go to Virunga, flying into Goma would the safest way (although more expensive), and it would be desirable to leave soon after your trek (although Goma is a very interesting place to visit).

[edit] Get out