100 Years
Of Virunga National Park

On 21 April 1925, Virunga became Africa’s first national park. A century later, it remains one of the world’s most important protected areas – a sanctuary for iconic wildlife, and a source of life, resilience, and hope for millions in eastern Congo.

But today, the challenges are more urgent than ever.

Much of the park and surrounding region is once again under rebel control. In the face of conflict, the Virunga Alliance continues its mission: to protect nature, drive sustainable economic development, and lay the groundwork for lasting peace.


Visit Our Timeline

  • 3,000 square miles actively conserved

  • Improving water accessibility for 300,000 people

  • 44 endangered species actively conserved

  • Supplying electricity to 70% of Goma

  • 11,275 jobs created in the green economy

Powering People

Protecting Nature

At Virunga, we believe that the future of Africa’s oldest national park is inseparable from the well-being of the communities that surround it. Through the Virunga Alliance, we are unlocking the park’s vast potential – creating jobs through eco-tourism, delivering renewable energy to fuel businesses and homes, and empowering farmers through sustainable agriculture. This work is not just about conservation – it’s about building a thriving green economy that uplifts people while safeguarding one of the world’s most extraordinary landscapes. Explore our project map to see how together, we are shaping a brighter future for Virunga and its communities.

Explore Project Map

  • Virunga, 100 Years of an Exceptional Park

    Discover the story of Virunga National Park — Africa’s oldest and most biologically diverse protected area. From active volcanoes and misty rainforests to glaciers and open savannahs, this remarkable landscape is home to rare wildlife, including the last mountain gorillas.

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  • Chocolate Gorilla

    Celebrate 100 years of Virunga National Park with this limited-edition chocolate gorilla. Handmade with 63% dark chocolate from cocoa grown by small farmers near the Park, this vegan treat supports the dedicated Rangers and the rare mountain gorillas that call its rainforests home.

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