Parc national des Virunga

Parc national des Virunga is a protected area in Uganda.

Parc national des Virunga at a Glance

Location
Southwestern Uganda (Gorillas & Mountains), Uganda, East Africa
Coordinates
-0.357458, 29.515158
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Very Quiet
Malaria Risk
High
Best Time to Visit
June to September and December to February (dry seasons) for gorilla trekking and wildlife.

Getting to Parc national des Virunga

Nearest airport: Gangara, 451 km away.

Big Five in Parc national des Virunga

2 of the Big Five can be found here: Lion, African Buffalo.

Weather & Climate in Parc national des Virunga

The warmest temperatures in Parc national des Virunga occur in February, averaging 20.4°C (up to 23.1°C). The coolest conditions are in November at 18.9°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in January with average rainfall of 18.5mm. Average humidity: 63.1%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 19.8°C (rainfall: 18.5mm)
  • February: 20.4°C (rainfall: 21.1mm)
  • March: 20.4°C (rainfall: 113.8mm)
  • April: 20.0°C (rainfall: 221.0mm)
  • May: 20.2°C (rainfall: 222.9mm)
  • June: 20.3°C (rainfall: 107.8mm)
  • July: 20.1°C (rainfall: 61.0mm)
  • August: 19.6°C (rainfall: 125.6mm)
  • September: 19.1°C (rainfall: 150.7mm)
  • October: 19.4°C (rainfall: 176.2mm)
  • November: 18.9°C (rainfall: 249.2mm)
  • December: 19.5°C (rainfall: 80.4mm)

Best Time to Visit Parc national des Virunga

The best months to visit Parc national des Virunga are January, February, July, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Great, temperature 19.84°C, rainfall 18.5mm, sunshine 10.6 hrs, humidity 63.1%
  • February: Great, temperature 20.41°C, rainfall 21.1mm, sunshine 10.5 hrs, humidity 61.8%
  • March: Good, temperature 20.37°C, rainfall 113.8mm, sunshine 10.3 hrs, humidity 64.4%
  • April: Good, temperature 19.98°C, rainfall 221mm, sunshine 10.4 hrs, humidity 66.3%
  • May: Good, temperature 20.19°C, rainfall 222.9mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 64.8%
  • June: Good, temperature 20.3°C, rainfall 107.8mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 60%
  • July: Great, temperature 20.11°C, rainfall 61mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 58.9%
  • August: Good, temperature 19.65°C, rainfall 125.6mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 63.7%
  • September: Good, temperature 19.15°C, rainfall 150.7mm, sunshine 10.6 hrs, humidity 68.5%
  • October: Good, temperature 19.45°C, rainfall 176.2mm, sunshine 10.6 hrs, humidity 68%
  • November: Good, temperature 18.88°C, rainfall 249.2mm, sunshine 9.9 hrs, humidity 70.1%
  • December: Great, temperature 19.46°C, rainfall 80.4mm, sunshine 11.1 hrs, humidity 66.4%

Wildlife in Parc national des Virunga

Home to 109 recorded species including 41 waterbirds, 38 iconic birds, 18 birds of prey, 3 big five, 3 tropical birds, 2 primates.

Recommended Packing List for Parc national des Virunga

Based on average temperature of 19.8°C, typical conditions, humidity 65%.

  • Light layers - comfortable for 20°C weather
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Similar Parks in Southwestern Uganda (Gorillas & Mountains)

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Uganda

Travel advisory for Uganda

Parc national des Virunga FAQs

What makes gorilla trekking in Parc national des Virunga a unique experience compared to other parks?

Trekking in Virunga offers an incredibly intimate encounter with mountain gorillas, often amidst dramatic volcanic landscapes. The park's low crowding level ensures a more personal and serene experience as you track these magnificent primates through dense forest.

Can visitors hike to an active volcano within Parc national des Virunga, and what does that entail?

Yes, visitors can embark on an overnight trek to the summit of Mount Nyiragongo, one of Africa's most active volcanoes. This challenging hike culminates in breathtaking views of a churning lava lake at the crater's rim, offering a truly unique geological spectacle.

Given its low crowding level, when is the ideal time to visit Parc national des Virunga for optimal wildlife viewing and a serene experience?

The dry seasons, typically June to September and December to February, are generally best for gorilla trekking due to drier trails and clearer skies. However, thanks to the park's consistently low crowding, a tranquil and intimate safari experience is possible year-round.

What safety measures are in place for visitors exploring Parc national des Virunga, especially given its remote nature?

The park prioritizes visitor safety with well-trained rangers accompanying all trekking groups and providing security escorts. Regular security assessments are conducted, and visitors are advised to follow all park guidelines and stay updated on current travel advisories.

What are the primary costs associated with visiting Parc national des Virunga, particularly for its signature wildlife experiences?

The most significant costs are the permits for mountain gorilla trekking and the Mount Nyiragongo volcano hike. These permits are essential for conservation efforts and must be booked well in advance, in addition to accommodation and transport expenses.

Recommended Books

  • Stuarts' Field Guide to National Parks & Game Reserves of East Africa by Chris & Mathilde Stuart - Park-by-park guide with maps, species lists, and practical information. Perfect for planning which parks to visit and what to expect.
  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Birds of East Africa by Terry Stevenson & John Fanshawe - Covers Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi - 1,388 species illustrated with range maps. The essential birding companion for East African safaris.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Lonely Planet East Africa by Lonely Planet - Comprehensive travel guide covering Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and beyond. Practical information on visas, transport, accommodation, and detailed park guides.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • A Field Guide to the Reptiles of East Africa by Stephen Spawls, Kim Howell, Harald Hinkel & Michele Menegon - Comprehensive coverage of snakes, lizards, turtles, and crocodilians found across East Africa. A niche but appreciated guide for the thorough naturalist.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Wildlife of East Africa (Princeton Pocket Guide) by Martin B. Withers & David Hosking - Compact pocket guide covering mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects of Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda. 500+ colour photographs. The best quick-reference guide to carry on game drives.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Bradt Guide: Uganda by Philip Briggs - The definitive guide to Uganda - gorilla trekking, Queen Elizabeth NP, Murchison Falls, and chimp tracking. Detailed practical information from Africa's leading guidebook author.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.