Eco-tourism

From the 1960’s to the 1980’s, Virunga National Park was the francophone equivalent of the Serengeti – a truly world-class wildlife destination – but almost continual conflict in the decades since has caused a dramatic decline in tourism. 

Eco-tourism in Virunga National Park holds massive potential for eastern Congo, offering a path towards growth for the entire region. The creation of highly skilled and profitable employment that is also sustainable has the potential to generate billions of dollars in revenue for the country.

A Pathway to

Economic Growth

Tourism has the potential to revitalize North-Kivu, particularly through the nature-based tourism sub sector which is known for having some of the largest multipliers for regional economies by creating jobs, attracting tourist spending, and driving infrastructure development. Since the relaunch of eco-tourism in Virunga in 2014, over 15,000 visitors have experienced its unique offerings, from trekking to see iconic mountain gorillas, exploring the paradisiacal Tchegera Island, hiking the Nyiragongo volcano for breathtaking views, to visiting Rumangabo, the Park’s headquarters and a reforested haven for chimpanzees.

Promoting ecotourism not only supports conservation efforts but also generates jobs, strengthens livelihoods, and fosters a global community invested in preserving Virunga’s biodiversity.

Sustainable Tourism

Outlook

Over the past four years, tourism in Virunga National Park has faced a series of disruptions. Following the COVID-19 epidemic, the initial excitement of 2021’s return of tourism in the Southern Sector was quickly dampened by the eruption of Mt Nyiragongo. As well as lava flows destroying chalets at its summit, M23 rebel attacks caused damage in the gorilla-viewing area. These challenges led to further suspensions of eco-tourism activities. Throughout this period, only Tchegera Island on Lake Kivu remained consistently open to visitors. Additionally, the savanna zone in the Park’s Central Sector, as well as Mount Rwenzori in the Northern Sector, were closed due to prevailing security concerns. Despite these setbacks, the potential for successful eco-tourism in the Park continues to be high. The establishment of a direct flight route from Nairobi to Goma by a Kenyan airline alongside existing routes from Kinshasa and Addis Ababa signal strong interest and accessibility from within Africa, while the increase in short getaways to Tchegera Island underscore a growing market for domestic tourism.

Future

Lake Edward is the next focus area for the development of eco-tourism in the Park. Lying close to its shores, Lulimbi will host six rentable glamping tents complete with dining areas and outdoor bathing facilities. The camp, which is solar-powered and constructed with eco-friendly materials, will also feature a raised-platform mess tent with a bar, dining room, and a seated area overlooking the river. The lodge aims to provide the best coffee experience in the Park, while also offering evening sundowners by the river and various activities: walking tours, bird-watching of over 210 recorded species, limited safari excursions and educational interactions with the lion conservation team.

Education

As part of its commitment to engaging with local communities, the Park works in partnership with the Virunga Alliance and local schools to integrate environmental education into curriculums. The aim is to foster a deep appreciation of the Park and raise awareness of the importance of biodiversity and conservation efforts. As part of this forward-thinking initiative, students and teachers are regularly invited to visit the Park, where they can experience guided tours and learn about the park's unique fauna and flora, conservation strategies, and the importance of protecting natural resources. By witnessing its beauty firsthand, students can develop a strong connection to the Park, its wildlife, and habitats, benefitting Virunga and its communities for generations to come.

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