Is It Safe to Visit Virunga National Park in 2025? Security, Travel Advice & Tips

Is it safe to visit Virunga National Park? Learn about current security, ranger protection, travel advice, and tips for visiting safely.

Virunga National Park, Africa’s oldest and most biodiverse protected area, offers unparalleled wildlife experiences like mountain gorilla trekking and hikes to active volcanoes. However, due to ongoing armed conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the park is currently closed to tourists as of December 2025.

Gorilla trekking and Nyiragongo volcano hikes are suspended until further notice, according to the official Virunga website. Safety conditions remain highly volatile, and major governments strongly advise against travel to the region.

Where Virunga National Park Is Located

Virunga National Park spans 7,900 square kilometers in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), along the borders with Uganda and Rwanda. It stretches from the Virunga Mountains in the south—home to active volcanoes like Nyiragongo—to the Rwenzori Mountains in the north. Key access points include Goma on Lake Kivu’s northern shore.

This location in North Kivu province places it near historically volatile areas affected by armed groups. Proximity to international borders facilitates conservation collaboration but also exposes it to regional instability. Keywords: Virunga National Park location, Virunga National Park DRC.

Why Safety Is a Common Concern

Questions about Virunga’s safety stem from the DRC’s long history of conflict in the east, involving over 100 armed groups fighting for control of mineral-rich territories. Media coverage of rebel activity, ranger attacks, and occasional tourist incidents heightens perceptions of risk.

In reality, when open, the park operates in controlled tourist zones with strict security. However, broader regional instability—exacerbated by groups like M23 rebels—leads to periodic closures.

Travelers often compare it to safer alternatives in neighboring countries, seeking clarity on whether the adventure justifies the risks.

Current Security Situation in Virunga (2025 Update)

As of late 2025, Virunga National Park remains closed to tourism due to escalated conflict. M23 rebels and associated forces have intensified operations in North Kivu, capturing areas around Goma and impacting park access. Reports from mid-2025 indicate large sections inaccessible, with poaching rising in unoccupied zones.

UNESCO’s 2025 State of Conservation report highlights deteriorated security from M23 offensives, hindering patrols. No major tourist incidents occurred in 2025 because of the closure, but rangers face ongoing threats.

The park prioritizes safety, suspending activities when risks rise—evident in the current indefinite closure of gorilla and volcano treks.

Role of Virunga Rangers & Park Management

Virunga’s 700+ rangers, managed by the Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature (ICCN), are among Africa’s best-trained forces. They conduct anti-poaching patrols, wildlife monitoring, and—when tourism resumes—mandatory escorts for visitors.

Rangers risk their lives daily; over 200 have died since conflicts began. In safer periods, they ensure controlled zones, briefings, and armed protection. Park management collaborates with security forces and uses drones/satellites for surveillance.

This commitment makes Virunga one of the continent’s most dedicated protected areas, supporting conservation even amid closures.

Tourist Activities & Safety Measures (When Open)

When operational, activities include:

• Gorilla Trekking: Small groups (max 8) with armed ranger escorts, pre-trek briefings, and emergency protocols.
• Nyiragongo Volcano Hike: Guided overnight climbs with rangers, limited group sizes, and evacuation plans.
• Nature Walks and Chimpanzee Tracking: Escorted in secure sectors.

Safety relies on group discipline, ranger instructions, and real-time monitoring. Tours cancel if risks emerge.

Is Gorilla Trekking in Virunga Safe?

Gorilla trekking in Virunga occurs only in monitored, secured zones like the Mikeno sector. Permits issue after safety assessments, with armed escorts standard.

When open, incidents are rare due to protocols. However, in 2025, trekking is paused amid conflict.

Travel Restrictions & Government Advisories

Major governments issue strong warnings:

• US State Department: Level 3 (Reconsider Travel) overall for DRC; Level 4 (Do Not Travel) for North Kivu due to armed conflict, crime, and kidnapping.
• UK FCDO: Advises against all travel to North Kivu, including Virunga and Goma.
• Many others (Canada, Australia) echo do-not-travel advisories for eastern DRC.

Guided park visits differ from independent travel, but advisories encompass the region. Always check updates; insurance may be invalid against advice.

How to Visit Virunga Safely (Current Advice)

Currently, visits are not possible. When reopened:

• Book exclusively through official channels (visitvirunga.org).
• Use licensed operators for transfers and permits.
• Avoid independent travel; follow all instructions.
• Monitor official site and advisories.

Prepare with comprehensive insurance, visas, and contingency plans.

Virunga vs Uganda & Rwanda (Safety Comparison)

• Virunga (DRC): Unique biodiversity and lower costs, but highest risk due to conflict. Strict security when open, but frequent closures.
• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Uganda): Stable, well-developed tourism infrastructure; rare incidents.
• Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda): Safest option—excellent security, efficient operations, minimal risks.

Uganda and Rwanda offer reliable alternatives for gorilla trekking without regional instability.

Visitor Experiences & Responsible Tourism

When open, visitors praise intimate gorilla encounters and ranger dedication. Tourism funds conservation and communities, employing locals and supporting ranger families.

Responsible visits contribute to gorilla population growth (over 1,000 mountain gorillas worldwide). Even closed, donations via virunga.org aid ongoing efforts.

FAQs

Is Virunga National Park open to tourists in 2025?

No, gorilla trekking and Nyiragongo hikes are closed until further notice due to security concerns.

Can foreigners visit Virunga National Park?

Not currently; check visitvirunga.org for reopenings. Visas and permits required when open.

Is Nyiragongo hike safe?

Suspended in 2025; when available, guided with escorts, but volcanic and security risks exist.

Do tourists need armed escorts?

Yes, mandatory for all activities when tourism operates.

What happens if security worsens?

Park closes immediately; evacuations arranged if needed.