The Rainforests of the Virunga National Park

Within one of Africa’s most conflicted nations – the Democratic Republic of Congo – is the Virunga National Park, home to the elusive and highly threatened mountain gorilla. The park has survived the nation’s long-troubled history, providing a safe refuge for the gorillas. The Virunga National Park was the first African national park and was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1979. Though there is an ongoing battle with poachers, the park is currently experiencing a resurgence of tourist activity.  In addition to both mountain and low-land gorillas, it’s home to chimpanzees, forest elephants, giraffes and buffalo.