Virunga National Park Reopens for Tourism 2021

Virunga National Park Reopens for Tourism After its Sudden Closure in 2018 following the Abduction of Two British Tourists by Mai Mai Rebels

Virunga National Park popularly known and ranked as the oldest National Park in Africa formerly called Albert National Park has finally reopened for a clear progress of tourism in Democratic Republic of Congo after its closure in 2018.

This sudden closure of the Park was brought about by the death of a ranger and abrupt abduction of two British tourists who were in for different activities y the rebels.

Virunga National Park is geographically located in the Eastern part of Democratic Republic of Congo, from north to south it extends largely along the borders with Uganda and Rwanda in the East. Virunga National Park covers a total area of 8090 square kilometers and it was established in 1925.

In the year 1994, this park was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage site, it includes two active volcanoes known as Mountain Nyiragongo and Nyamuragira which boasts a diverse range of habitats and Wildlife.

When it comes to tourism in Democratic Republic of Congo, this Park is popularly known for inhabiting the mostly wanted species of Mountain Gorillas which boasts a huge percentage of tourists from different countries of the World, although some security threats still appear.

Before the Park was closed and set illegal for tourism, Emmanuela De Merode a Belgian Aristocrat who is now the managing director for this Park, said that the decision had been taken reluctantly to close this Park until the end f the year to allow for a through review of the security status and deployment of 700 rangers to keep the animals and visitors safe.

Highlighting briefly about the recent attacks which led to the closure of the Park is of importance, in may last year(2018) a local militia group popularly known as Mai Mai attacked the Safari jeep which was transferring two British tourists from park headquarters in the town of Goma heading towards their place of residence.

This Saga left one park ranger by the names of Rachael Makissa Baraka shot dead, Congolese driver shot dead and the two British tourists abducted for a night until they were set free the following day.

Referring to the Closure of this Park last year, its now my pleasure to inform that the Park is now announced open for tourism in 2019 by the Virunga Foundation following their email statements issued on Saturday indicating the official opening of the Park on 15 February 2019.

Following the reopening of this Park, the Park has promised to offer exceptional tourism services to visitors including a set of packages which includes both Mountain Nyiragongo hiking and Gorilla treks.

Some changes have come up where by all transportation services from, to and inside park will be particularly provided by the Virunga Foundation in partnership with your local tour operator used.

After these good news, its high time you arrange, get prepared and pack for an amazing Safari in Democratic Republic Republic of Congo’s Virunga National Park with Eco Tours Rwanda, a suitable local tour operator offering tailor made Safaris in Rwanda, Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo.

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