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Take a poll and you may find that observing gorillas up-close in the African wild tops many a bucket list. Yet, for many, just the thought of planning such a trip keeps it woefully out of reach. Re-opened to tourism in 2014, Virunga National Park in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo's (DRC) is making this goal ever more attainable. Virunga is a professional conservation operation that is gaining a reputation for quality hospitality too. The park's newest addition, Kibumba Tented Camp, provides excellent, good-value lodging. It's the answer for anyone who's ever dreamed of meeting gorillas.
From $240 person/night
The view from the lounge area over the volcano valley by day, and the red glow of bubbling lava by night - it will take your breath away.
The steps from the car park to the camp will make you feel like you're climbing a volcano, but the view is well worth it!
This is the closest lodge if you are hiking to Nyiragongo, but a little further away from the gorilla trekking area. It is, however, one of the best and newest lodges in the region it's still a great option if you don't mind a slightly longer drive to reach the gorillas.
The beautiful thatched-roof and wood-framed main area sits perched atop a hill, with mesmerising tree-canopy views. The lovely open-sided dining and bar areas are where both meals and icy cocktails are served and downtime is spent between activities. There's a wood-burning fireplace that keeps things cosy when temperatures drop, as they do at night. Electric fencing surrounds the camp, so wildlife wandering in and out of camp is unlikely – however, listen out for woodland owls and other jungle sounds.
The 18 two-person tents are not only adequate but extremely comfortable, furnished with queen-sized beds and starched white linens, with hot-water bottles tucked neatly between the sheets for chilly evenings. En-suite bathrooms have flush toilets and hot showers. There are even two wall outlets for your camera or phone, overhead lights and plenty of bottled drinking water that is readily replenished.
Guided gorilla treks and hikes to Nyiragongo volcano require permits, available at the Virunga office. For the former, anticipate 1–2 hours of hiking each way, and an hour with the gorillas. Nyiragongo can be summited in a day, although we recommend an overnight stay at the top as the best time to view and photograph the lava lake is at night. (Temperatures at the top can be icy – pack or hire a thermal sleeping bag and hiking gear.)