Lulimbi, Bukima, Kibumba, Mikeno
Virunga national park is situated in Democratic Republic of Congo. This was the first national park to be established in African continent in 1925 as Albert national park but the name later changed to Virunga. It was recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site in 1979.
Virunga national park is home to the endangered mountain gorillas only found in three countries in the world that is Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and Rwanda. It’s also home to Africa’s most active volcanoes that is Mount Nyiragongo and mount Nyamuragira. Mount Nyiragongo recently erupted in May 2021.
The park covers an area of 8,090 kilometers squared and it’s divided into sectors. It’s advisable to know the a sectors of the park as each provides a unique experience and accommodation for example if your going for a game drive at Bukima sector then you need to book accommodation in that sector.
Central sector (Lulimbi sector)
The central sector also known as Lulimbi sector is found around areas of Lake Albert near the Ugandan border, this sector is characterized by savannah grasslands extending from Queen Elizabeth national park in Uganda therefore, you can have chances of seeing tree climbing lions, elephants, Ugandan kobs, hippos at the Ishasha river and various wildlife species.
This sectors boasts with rich diversity of flora and fauna, it’s the best place for birding and nature guided walks at Virunga national park. Visitors at this sector can sleep at Lulimbi tented camp.
Northern sector
The northern sector of the park is less developed, it covers the Rwenzori mountain ranges and Semuliki river shared by Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo.
Eastern sector(Bukima sector)
The southern sector also called Bukima sector is one of the best sectors at Virunga national park and this is where the park headquarters is situated. This is where mountain gorilla trekking takes place from and you can also visit the Senkwekwe mountain gorilla orphanage while at this sector of the park. There is also a chimpanzee family habituated in this sector so you can combine your gorilla trekking experience with chimpanzee trekking
There are various accommodation options in this sector so visitors can sleep at Mikeno lodge, Bukima tented camp and the rest. This sector is also the starting point for may activities at Virunga national park, this is where the briefing takes place.
Southern sector(Kibumba sector)
The southern sector of Virunga also known as Kibumba sector is also one of the famous sectors of the park, this is where you find Mount Nyiragongo, mount Nyamuragira and mount Mikeno. It also extends to parts of lake Kivu.
Kibumba sector is an ideal place for mountain gorilla trekking, nature guided walks and birding. Mountain hiking and so much more. Tourists sleeping in this sector can sleep at Kibumba tented camp.
