Just outside the Virunga National Park boundary lays the Bukima Tented Camp, which is one of the main starting points to the Virunga mountain gorilla treks. The camp was originally built for researchers, but is now used primarily by trekkers. As the name suggests, overnight guests at Bukima sleep in platform tents, but by camping standards they are quite plush. Each tent is equipped with a nicely appointed bed and dresser for clothes. The views from the tent sites – or anywhere in camp for that matter – are spectacular. To the south, the view is dominated by Mount Mikeno, whose 4,437m summit towers over the gorilla sector. Across the valley is Nyiragongo volcano, whose lava lake colours the night sky with a red glow. Every few years, Nymulagira volcano erupts and steals the nighttime show by spewing hot lava hundreds of feet into the air.

Occasionally, the mountain gorillas themselves wander into Bukima Tented Camp. Although this is highly frowned up by park staff, it never ceases to impress the guests.

The gorilla treks start directly from camp, so no further transfers are needed, making Bukima the perfect spot to be the first in the forest in the morning.

WHY CHOOSE BUKIMA TENTED CAMP?

• Nyiragongo is a beautiful stratovolcano that features the world’s largest lava lake.
• The volcano’s forested lower slopes are home to a variety of animals, including chimpanzees, monkeys, and bushbuck.
• Virunga National Park also offers spectacular trekking and climbing trips to the Rwenzori mountains in the north of the park