Virunga Park in Congo
The DRC, Democratic Republic of Congo might not be the first destination which comes to mind when planning your next Africa safari. While we admit that the tourism industry is still young in Congo, it is now that you should visit this magnificent part of central Africa.
We are known for not tailoring for the masses at Atelier Africa as we believe that Africa shouldn’t be experienced in large groups but should rather be an intimate venture. Now, what is more, unique than being a pioneer and exploring the most beautiful areas of Congo with only a handful of people?
What can you see on a Congo Safari?
As you might have guessed, the major attraction of a Congo Safari and the Virunga National Park are the mountain gorillas. But you can also spot those in Uganda or Rwanda, so why would you choose Congo? The reason is simple, the tourism industry being fairly new in Congo is a major advantage.
The gorilla trekking is extremely popular in the neighbouring countries, resulting in very high prices and large groups. Thanks to the novelty of Congo as a tourism destination, prices are still fairly reasonable and we are able to include two visits to the gorillas in every itinerary. You will have plenty of time to photograph, observe and especially enjoy the gorillas!
While the mountain gorillas are the main “bait” for most visits to Congo, the Virunga National Park has so much more to offer. The oldest national park in Africa with its enormous biodiversity is the number one reason to visit Congo.
This includes the gorillas and the chimpanzees but also two of the worlds most active volcanos and the largest lava lake! Simply, this part of the world feels like the real Africa to us and that is why you should visit Congo today.
Virunga National Park
Virunga National Park is biologically one of the most diverse national parks in the world! More than half of all biological life in sub-Saharan Africa can be found in the Virunga National Park. But not only biologically, also geologically it is a very interesting place on this planet, as it contains two active volcanoes and the largest lava lake in the world!
For many years Virunga Park has suffered during periods of conflict in the area, but thanks to the devotion of the rangers and guards, the park still exists! Virunga was founded by King Albert I of Belgium in 1925 and then also named the Albert National Park. At the time, it was created to protect the mountain gorillas and was the first national park in Africa!
From the beginning, the sustainable tourism thrived and the first 35 years the park was a success until the Belgians granted Congo independence in 1960. The new government soon lost control over the security of the park and the local population started using the park resources. In 1969 however, President Mobutu took a personal interest in the conservation of the park and renamed it the Virunga National Park. Since that day, the Congolese Wildlife Authority is in charge of the park.