Why I want to travel to the Virunga in Congo?

By Srinivasa Shenoy Africa, Congo 0 Comments

“Congo” – the movie, is a chilling story about the discovery of a lost city guarded by blood thirsty gorillas. Unfortunately, this movie also furthered the myth of ‘dangerous’ gorillas. However, the movie rekindled the mystical fascination I had for the jungles of Central Africa. It all started with Phantom (comics) and the mythical state of Bangalla supposedly situated somewhere in the heart of the sub-Saharan tropical jungles. Now today, I am planning hard to visit the Virunga National Park in Congo in the heart of Africa.

The Virunga

Recently, I watched the Netflix documentary – ‘Virunga’. It opened my eyes to a whole new world of scary! This time not with the Gorillas as the antagonists – but as the victims! The Virunga narrates the story of human greed, corruption,and violence in this piece of nature’s paradise. It shows the brave efforts of the rangers of the Virunga National Park in defending the Park, its residents – the Mountain Gorillas and the local people around the park. It shows how one man assisted by an incredibly brave team can bring about change and prevent disaster. Every nature lover, every individual who believes in conservation should watch this documentary.

Ever since I saw this story of the Virunga, I have wanted to discover more about this region. A consequence of the buildup of reading, watching about Congo and this park; now, I am clear in my intention that I have to visit the Virunga National Park someday soon.

Virunga is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Read more about Virunga on visit.virunga.org

What is so special about Eastern Congo and the Virunga?

Other the sheer pleasure of visiting one of the last remnants of pristine rainforests of the Virunga, there is plenty to experience here .

Mountain Gorilla tracking

The Virunga (called the Volcanoes on the Rwandan side) and Bwindi Impenetrable forest is the last refuge of the endangered Mountain Gorilla. The experience of spending an hour with a habituated Mountain Gorilla family is a once in a life time experience. While Gorilla tracking is possible in Bwindi and Volcanoes as well, it is much cheaper in the Virunga.

I have done Gorilla tracking in Bwindi and the Volcanoes, but I still want to experience it again in the Virunga. It is my way of contributing to the Park!

An Aside: Since we started this note with a mention of the movie ‘Congo’ – we might perceive and conclude that Gorillas are very dangerous primates. Nothing could be as far from the truth! These plant eating giants are anything but dangerous. After your Gorilla tracking, you will realise how gentle and like us, these near cousins of ours are. Of course, if the silverback senses a danger to his family, the massive primate ensures that there is hell to pay!

Living on the rim of volcanic crater and peering down into a lava lake

Another unique experience, I think living on the rim of an active volcano crater with a lava lake is possible only here at Mt Nyiragongo in Congo! Trekking up 10,000 ft to the crater rim of mountain would be adventure enough. But peering down into a churning lava lake and hearing hot gases exploding through molten lava has to rank as an otherworldly experience! Read about this hike in https://www.nationalgeographic.com/adventure/destinations/africa/democratic-republic-congo/nyiragongo-volcano-hike/

While it is not possible for ordinary mortals to get so close to the Lava lake – but watch this fascinating talk about the journey of getting closer to hell.

Gorilla orphans at the Senkwekwe Center

If you have seen the documentary Virunga, you will definitely want to visit the Senkwekwe centre housing orphaned Gorillas. I personally want to meet and thank the caretakers here for their wonderful service. Read more here on:

https://virunga.org/wildlife/primates/mountain-gorillas/gorilla-orphans/

Check out this video about the orphanage:

Meet the Congo hounds

This is another unique aspect of the park. Congo Hounds is an interesting conservation program that uses Blood hounds to work the rangers in tracking down poachers in the park.

Check out more about this program on https://www.congohounds.org

What are the risks of travelling to Congo?

Everyone calls me crazy to want to go to Congo due to the risks involved:Ebola and the security situation.

Ebola scare

The Ebola scare is definitely a major factor to be considered before travelling here. However, the scare is no longer valid – as WHO has officially declared the Ebola Outbreak over in June 2019. But this does not negate the need for due care during the travel.

Security situation

This is a reality – Eastern Congo has had a dire security situation. Trying to backpack or go alone in this area is an invitation to disaster. However, since I would be going to this area under the aegis of the Virunga Park authorities, I think this risk is significantly reduced. Reduced yes, but the risk remains.

Almost there!

In the past 2 years, I have been to Rwanda and Uganda – both neighbours of the DRC (Democratic Republic of Congo). In both the trips, I had the tremendous fortune to do Gorilla and Chimpanzee tracking in the thick tropical jungles. But I have hesitated to enter Congo (just next door –I have been within 2 kms of the border) due to safety and health concerns. The last trip I planned to Goma and the Virunga was cancelled last minute – as the Ebola scare raged. I was afraid not of contracting the disease but more that I may not be allowed back in my own country due to the fear of disease transmission!

After these failed attempts, I am now raring to go!

Why am I still so keen to go to Congo?

I have experienced Gorilla tracking twice already and have spent some time in the tropical ecosystem of Central Africa (in Uganda and Rwanda). Then why am I still keen on visiting the Virunga in Eastern Congo – despite the risks?

Though it sounds odd – for me, the main reason to go is to meet the brave rangers of the Virunga National Park and as a way of contributing to Park. The Rangers of Virunga are doing a fantastic job of protecting the Virunga ecosystem and the Mountain Gorillas – in the face of incredible personal danger. They are the true warriors, the true conservationists who are ready to give up their life for protecting mother nature and their way of life. My visit is a small personal contribution and a token of appreciation of the work being done by these brave people.

And yes, if possible, I would love to meet the formidable inspiring warden of Virunga – Emmanuel de Merode. A Belgian Prince by birth, this down to earth gentleman is truly an inspiring figure. Do watch the documentary – Virunga on Netflix or if you don’t have access to it – watch the videos at the end of this blog for inspiration.

When is the Congo adventure?

I am trying to get together a band of people who love nature, are wild at heart and genuinely interested in conservation; people who want to contribute their bit to conservation activities through tourism.

I am planning to go in the months of October / November 2021. Would love to have like-minded individuals joining in. Do contact me for more information to help you decide. Would love to speak to you. But then, hey, in case I don’t manage to interest someone in this adventure – I will go alone! Look forward to it!

Beyonder’s initiative to contribute to Conservation efforts

Beyonder continuously endeavours to create a sustainable and responsible tourism model. To this end, we try to contribute our bit towards conservations efforts in an attempt to either offset the negative impacts of the travel by our guests or to contribute financially to admirable efforts like the one by Virunga.

In line with this thought, for every guest who travels with Beyonder to Sub-Saharan Africa, we contribute a small sum to Virunga National Park, on behalf of our guests. Though tiny, it is a start and quite important to us – “Little drops of water make the mighty ocean”! The contributions are made in the name of our guests and it also serves as a medium to raise awareness about Virunga and its rangers / volunteers amongst this small group of guests who are wildlife enthusiasts.

This is our way of contributing towards a better world. Read more on the below links.