Current Status of Virunga National Park, Congo – June 2025 Update
Virunga National Park status. Virunga National Park, Africa’s oldest and most biodiverse national park, remains at the center of both remarkable conservation success and ongoing armed conflict. As of June 2025, large parts of the park are inaccessible due to insecurity, but conservation and community work continues in safer areas.
Where Things Stand Today
Virunga National Park, located in eastern DRC, has faced escalating threats from armed groups, particularly M23 rebels. Since early 2024, these groups have expanded their control over key territories surrounding the park, including areas near Rutshuru, Bunagana, and Kibumba.
In January 2025, M23 forces entered parts of Goma, the provincial capital, destabilizing access routes to the park. This surge forced the closure of park tourism activities and limited ranger patrols in rebel-held zones. Virunga has not yet reopened for tourism in these affected areas.
Ongoing Conservation Work
Despite the violence, conservation has not stopped.
Over 770 park rangers continue their work in safer parts of the park. They patrol for poachers, monitor wildlife, and protect ecosystems through satellite and drone surveillance. Anti-poaching efforts have recently led to multiple wildlife rescues and the removal of dangerous snares from gorilla habitats.
A major highlight in 2025 was the successful reintroduction of four eastern lowland gorillas in Mt. Tshiaberimu, an area within the Virunga landscape. These gorillas, once held in captivity, have adapted to the wild and even started mating—offering hope for future gorilla populations.
However, challenges persist. Rangers recently reported a deadly anthrax outbreak in hippo populations, with dozens of deaths recorded near Lake Edward. Surveillance and biosecurity measures have since been strengthened.
Community and Environmental Projects
Even under threat, Virunga continues to support local communities. Its hydropower projects—like the Matebe and Luviro plants—remain vital sources of clean energy for nearby villages and businesses. These projects aim to reduce dependency on charcoal and help curb deforestation.
The park also promotes chocolate-based economic alternatives. Through its sustainable cacao initiative, Virunga farmers have launched a “Chocolate Gorilla” campaign to support conservation through responsible trade and tourism branding.
In April 2025, Virunga celebrated its 100-year anniversary. Although tourism was suspended, conservationists worldwide acknowledged this milestone as a symbol of the park’s resilience and ecological importance.
Tourism Status: Still Suspended
Tourism in Virunga remains suspended, especially in areas controlled by rebels. Park authorities and the Rwanda Development Board have stated that activities will only resume when security allows safe access.
Currently:
- Gorilla trekking, Nyiragongo hikes, and chimpanzee tracking are all paused.
- The Bukima and Kibumba sectors, once popular with tourists, are unstable.
- Security around Rutshuru, a key park gateway, is volatile.
Travellers are strongly advised to avoid all non-essential travel to eastern DRC, according to global travel advisories.
However, limited conservation visits and research collaborations continue under strict security.
What the Future Holds
Park management hopes to resume tourism in late 2025 or early 2026, depending on peace negotiations and regional stability. In the meantime, support for Virunga comes through donations, conservation partnerships, and responsible advocacy.
Efforts are also underway to expand ranger welfare, enhance community protection, and ensure that wildlife and natural resources are preserved through technology and international support.
Why Virunga Still Matters
Even without tourism, Virunga remains a critical biodiversity hotspot. It shelters:
- Over 1,000 mountain gorillas
- Rare species like the okapi, forest elephant, and Grauer’s gorilla
- Over 700 bird species and thousands of endemic plants
Its protection supports the survival of species found nowhere else on Earth. The resilience shown by its rangers and communities is a powerful example of conservation under crisis.
