Reptile and Amphibian species in Virunga National Park

A total of 109 reptile species and 78 Amphibians has been recorded in Virunga National Park of DR Congo; making the park one of the richest protected areas with a good number of reptiles and Amphibian Species.

These species include crocodiles which are seen at the shores of Lake Edward and R. Semuliki, monitor lizards, snakes including the Rwanda forest green-snake (Philothamnus ruandae) which can be spotted around areas of Rumangabo, blue-headed tree agama, Rwenzori three-horned chameleon, geckos, frogs, Anthracosauri, torrent salamander, Efulen Forest Tree Frog, Rugegewald Screeching Frog, Brown Reed Frog, Kivu Reed Frog, White-snouted Reed Frog, Günther’s Green Tree Snake, Sparse-scaled Forest Lizard, Great Lakes Bush Viper, Speckle-lipped Mabuya among others

You should note that Virunga national park has the highest number of amphibian species in the Albertine Rift, an area that covers several parts of Uganda, DR Congo, Burundi, Rwanda, and Tanzania.

Best time to see reptiles & Amphibian species in Virunga National Park

Virunga national park can be visited any time of the year however, the dry season is the best time to book a tour in search for reptile species and amphibians of the park. The dry season normally runs from June to September and December to February.

In the dry season, the park receives less rainfall hence making clear views of reptiles and amphibians due to short grass. The forest trails also tend to be drier compared to the wet season which makes easy movement into the deep jungles. While during the rainy season trails tend to be muddy and slippery which affects the movement of travelers and at times delays the reptile and amphibian watching sessions.

While preferring visiting the Virunga National Park during the dry season, tourists can also opt to book their trip to see reptiles & Amphibian species in the wet season which happens from March to May and October to November. The wet season is also referred to as the low season and during this time tour operators offer crazy discounts on hotels and those looking at combining gorilla trekking with watching amphibians and reptile experiences, the park offers discounted gorilla permits to visitors. The park is also less crowded during that time.