Virunga National Park, National park in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Virunga National Park is a national park in eastern Congo, stretching across northwestern mountain slopes and valleys down to portions of Lake Albert and Lake Edward. The protected zone covers lava fields, dense rainforest, open grassland, and several active volcanic peaks.
Belgian colonial administration created the protected zone in 1925 and named it Albert National Park, after the Belgian king at the time. Following independence in 1960, the area received its current name and was later added to the World Heritage list for its exceptional wildlife and plant life.
The name comes from the Virunga volcanic chain, which includes eight dormant and active volcanoes shaping the landscape here. Visitors often see fishermen along the lake shore and farmers in villages at the edge, where protected zone and cultivated land meet.
Guided tours are arranged by the Institute for Nature Conservation, which provides rangers for trekking and observation activities. Weather conditions shift depending on altitude and season, so visitors should bring warm and waterproof clothing.
Three great ape species inhabit different elevations and forest sections here, making this protected area especially important for primate research. The Nyiragongo lava field south of the main lake shows solidified lava flows from eruptions in recent decades.
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