Attractions in Virunga & Eastern DRC (gorillas)
Africa's most dramatic and dangerous wilderness 🦍🌋
Showing 12 attractions · Sorted by importance
Kahuzi-Biega National Park
📍 Bukavu
🌲 NatureA UNESCO World Heritage site offering unique guided treks to see the world's last remaining Eastern Lowland Gorillas in the wild.
Lake Kivu
📍 Goma
🏔 Scenic ViewOne of Africa's Great Lakes, known for its emerald waters, scenic shorelines, and being safe for swimming as it lacks crocodiles and hippos.
Mount Nyiragongo
📍 Goma
🏔 Scenic ViewAn active stratovolcano featuring one of the world's largest persistent lava lakes, offering a spectacular but challenging hiking experience.
Virunga National Park
📍 Goma
🌲 NatureAfrica's oldest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its mountain gorilla treks and incredible biodiversity.
Mount Nyiragongo Volcano Trek
📍 Kibati
🥾 Hiking & Cycling13km round trip challenging hike to the world's largest persistent lava lake. 2-day duration with an overnight stay at the summit rim (3,470m), featuring a 1,438m elevation gain. Equipment rental including sleeping bags and warm gear is available through Virunga National Park (virunga.org).
Rwenzori Mountains Mutwanga Trail
📍 Mutwanga
🥾 Hiking & CyclingApproximately 60km expert-level mountaineering trek. 7-9 day duration reaching Margherita Peak at 5,109m. Elevation gain is approximately 3,800m from the park entrance. Technical gear for glacier crossing is provided by Virunga National Park (virunga.org).
Tchegera Island
📍 Goma
⛱ BeachA tranquil, crescent-shaped volcanic caldera on Lake Kivu offering a unique retreat for birdwatching and panoramic views of the Virunga volcanoes.
May-ya-Moto Hot Springs
📍 Rutshuru
♨ Hot SpringNatural geothermal springs where water emerges at temperatures near 100°C. The site features bubbling vents and mineral-rich runoff pools used for therapeutic bathing in the cooler downstream sections, set against a volcanic landscape.
Mount Kahuzi Hike
📍 Tshivanga
🥾 Hiking & Cycling14km challenging day hike with a 1,100m elevation gain, taking approximately 6-7 hours to complete. The trail leads to the summit of Mount Kahuzi (3,308m), the highest peak in the Mitumba Range, offering views of Lake Kivu. Access via Kahuzi-Biega National Park (kahuzibiega.org).
Senkwekwe Center
📍 Rumangabo
🦁 ZooThe world's only sanctuary for orphaned mountain gorillas, allowing visitors to see rescued primates being cared for in a natural forest environment.
Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-la-Paix
📍 Bukavu
🏛 LandmarkA striking brick architectural landmark of the city, this cathedral offers a peaceful hilltop retreat with panoramic views over Lake Kivu.