Plan your trip
GETTING THERE
Fly Johannesburg to Kigali on RwandAir (approximately R6 000 return, a three-and-ahalf-hour flight). rwandair.com The next morning, transfer via road to Gisenyi, on the border of DRC. The drive takes about three hours and costs about R1 300 pp for a vehicle taking four people. Accompanied by a guide, the border crossing to Goma is usually quick, friendly and efficient, taking about half an hour. The following morning, transfer via armed ranger escort to Rumangabo (prices vary depending on group size and time of year), the park’s headquarters, which is about 80km north, or about two hours’ drive.
WHEN TO GO
There are two rainy seasons, from October to November and from March to May, but it can rain at any time. The best is to visit Virunga between December and February, when there is a lower chance of rain, there are fewer tourists, the skies are clear and the landscape is particularly lush. Also, gorilla permits are discounted during this time.
NEED TO KNOW
Accepted currency in the DRC is US dollars. Ensure that you have enough cash on hand as credit card facilities aren’t always available. South Africans need a visa for Rwanda (about R400, payable in dollars at the airport) and can pre-arrange a visa for DRC (R1 200) and a permit via Virunga National Park’s tourism office. visitvirunga.org For everything else, including transfers, accommodation bookings, border crossings, wildlife and general sightseeing, the advice of a knowledgeable safari guide is essential. Given its recent turmoil, eastern DRC can be a tricky place to visit, so it’s important to plan your trip carefully. If it’s your first time in DRC then it’s easiest – and offers the most peace of mind – to travel with an experienced guide. Contact Alastair Kilpin from Mammoth Safaris in South Africa for a customised trip to Virunga National Park. 078-152-9479, mammothsafaris.com
GORILLA TREKKING
Virunga’s gorilla treks begin mostly on the western and northern side of Mount Mikeno. Day treks start at Bukima and permits can be arranged for between R2 600 and R5 200 pp, depending on the time of year (compared to Rwanda’s R20 000 and Uganda’s R8 000). The trek begins around 10am, and can take anywhere from two to five hours, depending on where the gorillas are roaming on that day. Overnight at either Mikeno Lodge in a room or Bukima Tented Camp, which is a little simpler and on the edge of the forest. Both options cost R6 000 for two sharing, full board. visitvirunga.org
VOLCANO TREKKING
The overnight trek up Nyiragongo begins at Kibati ranger post, about 20km north of Goma on the way to Rumangabo, so it’s best done at the start or end of your stay. A permit costs R4 000 pp, and is arranged through the park. Armed rangers will accompany you and porters can carry your gear and cameras (about R350 pp, excluding gratuity). Water is included but food and gear hire is extra. visitvirunga.org
STAY HERE
Beauséjour Hotel in Kigali, Rwanda, is a good spot to spend the night before taking the road transfer to Goma. From R800 pp B&B. beausejourhotel.rw Lac Kivu Lodge in Goma, DRC, is on the northern shores of Lake Kivu and a good spot to stay before or after heading into the park. From R920 pp sharing, B&B. www.lackivulodge.com Ihusi Hotel is also on the northern shores of Lake Kivu in Goma. From R1 100 pp B&B. hotels.ihusigroup.com