Virunga National Park Temporarily Closes Mountain Gorilla Tourism Due to COVID-19

As a result of the rapidly unfolding situation regarding the global spread of COVID-19, Virunga National Park has today taken the difficult decision to temporarily close mountain gorilla tourism as of Monday 23rd March. In accordance, no new bookings for mountain gorilla treks will be accepted before Monday 1st June.

The Park’s temporary closure of mountain gorilla tourism is being undertaken as a precautionary measure and is in line with the World Health Organization’s recommendation to restrict movement and limit social contact. For Virunga in particular, it has been taken following advice from scientific experts indicating that primates, including mountain gorillas, are likely susceptible to complications arising from the COVID-19 virus. As such, we must remain steadfast in safeguarding our population of this endangered species.

We sincerely apologize to those visitors that have been impacted and are committed to reopening mountain gorilla tourism as soon as the situation allows. Our tourism team will be in touch with those individuals who have booked a trip during the period indicated above (23rd March-1st June).

We will continue to provide updates on this situation as and when we have any further information. Thank you for your understanding and continued support during this challenging time.

All press inquiries should be directed to press@virunga.org.