If you are planning to take a gorilla safari Congo’s in Virunga National Park, there several safari lodges where you can stay before and after the experience. We have reviewed the best places where travelers can stay during their visit to Africa’s oldest park.
Mikeno Lodge
The most popular place where tourists on a gorilla trek stay in the Virunga National Park is the Mikeno Lodge. Located in Ruamangabo, Mikeno is a hidden gem within Virunga National Park that will not take long to be discovered. It is a 90 minute drive from Goma. The bungalow accommodation is spacious, luxurious & very private, each with fabulous tree or valley views. Each bungalow has its own fireplace, which the staff light every evening while you are out enjoying the scrumptious dinner. 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.
Bukima Tented Camp
Bukima Tented Camp is just outside the Virunga National Park boundary. 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. Across the valley is Nyiragongo volcano, whose lava lake colors the night sky with a red glow. Every few years, Nyamuragira volcano erupts and steals the nighttime show by spewing hot lava hundreds of feet into the air. Occasionally, the mountain gorillas themselves wander into the Bukima tented camp. Although this is highly frowned upon by park staff, it never ceases to impress the guests.
Nyiragongo summit shelters are also in Virunga National Park at the top of the Mount Nyiragongo. Each of the twelve summit shelters contains two single beds on which visitors can put their sleeping bags. Although these shelters aren’t plush, they offer a welcome escape from the elements.
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 birdlife 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.
All bookings are favorably done by Nature Adventure Uganda depending on your rightful choice. Enjoy gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park at your preferred accommodation status.