Parc National de Virunga Off The Beaten Path

In September 2005 I went on a day trip trekking through Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo with Africa Travel Company.

There is a lot of information floating around on different websites saying the Congo is a dangerous place to visit, you must be mad to visit there etc etc etc. I can only describe my experience and maybe help out with decision making when considering where to go gorilla trekking.

At no stage during my time in Virunga National Park, did I feel unsafe or threatened in any way or form. The border control was as any other border control in under developed countries, a little slow but overall no hassels at all. The villagers we met along the way were the most delightful and happy people you could wish to meet. Running alongside the vehicles, waving and saying hello. Yes, most likley wanting money or goodies, but they definately didn't seem that they would hurt us. Every local I spoke to had comments along the lines of "You going gorilla trekking, you bring money to our country'. They seem to realise that a proportion of the money from gorilla permits goes towards such projects as education and public health to name a couple.

I also rationalised that a reputable company like Africa Travel would not take clients into a dodgy area and risk their reputation. As anywhere in the world things can happen in the Congo and you do need to take care, but my experience whilst in the Congo was a positive and special time.