Virunga National Park
Democratic Republic of the Congo ·
Description
Virunga is the cradle of mountain gorillas and home to Africa's most active volcano. Nyiragongo holds a permanent lava lake lighting nights in apocalyptic red. On Virunga slopes, gorilla families feed among bamboos while hippos swim in volcanic lakes. It's nature at its most extreme.
Why It's a World Heritage Site
Virunga is Africa's oldest national park (1925) and one of the most biodiverse. It harbors mountain gorillas, Nyiragongo volcano with its lava lake, and ecosystems from glaciers to savannas.
UNESCO Criteria
Frequently Asked Questions
For being Africa's oldest park with exceptional biodiversity, mountain gorillas and active volcanoes.
It was inscribed in 1979; has been on the List of World Heritage in Danger since 1994 due to conflicts.
Check current situation; the region has suffered armed conflicts.
Nyiragongo has a permanent lava lake visible at night from the crater.
In eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, near Goma.