Virunga National Park holds three taxa of great apes: Mountain Gorillas, Lowland Gorillas and Chimps.
Visitors travelling into Virunga have the possibility of coming into contact with two of these; Mountain
Gorillas and Chimps.
As is now apparent and had been suspected for a while, Great Apes can contract COVID-19. As a result
of this, we have put together the following requirements for all tourists wishing to visit Virunga National
Park.
The following procedures are in place for visitors who will encounter Mountain Gorillas and/or Chimps:
- All tourists must provide a certified negative PCR test for COVID 19 taken in the last
three days or a COVID vaccination certificate. - A rapid COVID-19 test prior to departure for Kibumba or Mikeno Lodge will be
compulsory for all visitors and administered at Grande Barriere. - On arrival at all locations and daily whilst they are in the park, visitors will have their
temperature taken. If they have any symptoms of COVID 19 or stomach issues, they are
requested to please inform the management. - Visitors are asked to bring their own facemasks and hand sanitizer.
- Visitors will have to maintain social distancing during all treks and throughout their stay
in the park. - All rangers and trackers who will accompany clients on gorilla treks will have a rapid
COVID-19 test every two weeks or will receive vaccines as soon as possible.
COVID 19 testing for Departure. - All visitors should be aware of the COVID 19 test requirements to leave DRC ahead of
arrival - PCR testing is available in Goma at Hopital General. There is a fast track line at a cost of
$50. - COVID 19 tests in DRC can take up to 48 hours to be processed. Depending on their
requirements, visitors should anticipate their tests for before the departure to their
lodge of choice, after their return from Nyiragongo or on the way to Tchegera
COVID-19 Procedures No.1, issued 11/02/21