DRC's stunning parks, such as Virunga and Kahuzi-Biega, are prime locations for mountain and lowland gorilla trekking. Gorilla permits cost $400. The country also features diverse landscapes, including lush forests, long rivers, and waterfalls.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is an untapped African destination offering authentic wilderness experiences. This vast Central African country, with Kinshasa as its capital, is rich in wildlife, including unique primates and birds. Despite negative media reports and historical instability, parts of the DRC are safe for tourism, with government and park warden efforts ensuring visitor safety.
Key parks include Virunga National Park, known for its gorilla trekking and Nyiragongo volcano hikes, and Kahuzi-Biega National Park, ideal for Eastern Lowland gorilla trekking. Garamba and Salonga National Parks, along with Lola Ya Bonobo Sanctuary, offer unique wildlife encounters. The best time to visit is during the dry season, June-September.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) still remains as the untapped destination in Africa. As experts in planning unforgettable moments, a Congo safari is worth your trip to Africa.
Think of a virgin destination with authentic African wilderness experience and think not beyond DRC. Congo is popular for its untold wealth of wildlife which range from unique primates to birds.
Lying in Central Africa, DRC is Africa’s second largest country and Kinshasa is its capital city. The neighboring countries include Gabon, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Uganda and Rwanda.
The Congo safaris’ history dates back to when a visit was paid to the Congo river that later played a significant role as a trade path for the Bantu Kingdom and later the Portuguese explorers, French colonial masters who constructed rail routes to link to Brazzaville.
However, the tourism sector in DR Congo has had a negative impact due to exaggerated reports from the media. This has scared most potential holidaymakers.
Yes, it is true that some parts of the country have experienced prolonged instabilities as a result of armed conflicts, epidemics and disastrous volcanic eruptions, among others.
But the country is gradually recovering and safaris are possible in other parts of Congo because not the whole country is unsafe like it is claimed.
What is important is that before you get to DRC for your Congo safaris, ensure that you get in touch with your ground tour operator/embassy/check through the current security alerts.
This will guide you on where to visit and not to go for a safari. Note, the government of D.R.C and park wardens are committed to ensuring visitor safety and security is maintained.
On every Congo safari activity, you conduct in and outside the parks, you will be accompanied by an armed ranger.
Away from security issues, the Democratic Republic of the Congo generally has a great tourism potential and above all, you will encounter the warm welcoming and hospitable people.
Congo has some of the most stunning parks in the world with untold wealth of wildlife species.
On Congo safaris, you will testify about the country’s breathtaking landscape, scenic water bodies, expansive green forests, unique species of wildlife including Okapis, mountain gorillas, and bonobos. If peace prevailed, the DRC would definitely be the top safari destination in Africa.
Kinshasa which is the capital city of DRC is known for its strong diplomatic community and has an estimate of about 10 million residents. This is a beautiful city of its own with amazing places including historical sites, markets for you to explore while on a Congo safari.
To have an in-depth exploration about Congo, just contact us and we shall have your trip arranged within your budget.
Uniqueness.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is a distinct destination with unique species and landscape. It is a must-visit destination to see the rare mountain gorillas in the wild, bonobos, Okapis and diversity of birds.
Congo is blessed with not only abundant minerals but also lush tropical forest, long rivers including the Congo river, waterfalls, magnificent parks most of which have not been fully explored by tourists. This makes it an exceptional place to experience authentic African wilderness.
Gorilla safaris in D.R. Congo.
The top gorilla safari destinations in the DRC are Virunga National Park for mountain gorilla trekking and Kahuzi-Biega National Park for Eastern Lowland tracking. Whether you are on eastern lowland gorilla safari or mountain gorilla adventure, the permits cost the same. D.R. Congo authorities issue out gorilla permits to holidaymakers on gorilla safari at US Dollars 450 per person.
Only visitors above 15 years are permitted by DRC’s park authorities to go trek gorillas. Note, Eastern Lowland gorillas also live in Maiko National Park but this has not been developed to offer gorilla trekking safaris yet.
During a D.R. Congo gorilla trekking safari, take note of the essentials you must have including a camera without flashlight, waterproof daypack, sturdy hiking boots, long-sleeved shirt, medical kit/first aid kit, trousers, insect repellents, rain jacket or poncho, hat, gorilla permit, yellow fever certificate, passport, visa, sunscreen, snacks, bottle of drinking water. These are essential whether you are interested in Lowland gorilla trekking or mountain gorilla trek in Virunga National Park.
Virunga National Park.
Also, popular as the Parch National des Virunga, the Virunga National Park is undoubtedly Africa’s oldest safari park. It was established in 1925 to offer refuge to mountain gorillas making it one of the only 4 parks where mountain gorilla trekking adventures are conducted in the world. This designated UNESCO heritage site lies in the Eastern side of Congo and it is popular for its amazing landscape and biodiversity.
Virunga National Park is extensive park with area coverage of 7800sq.kms and shelters more than mountain gorillas. It is also blessed with Okapis (the Okapi is a cross-breed of giraffes and zebras), antelopes and warthogs.
While on Congo safaris in the Virunga National Park, the 2 top activities to explore include mountain gorilla trekking and Nyiragongo volcano hiking. There are 8 gorilla families which have already been habituated and can be trekked in Virunga. These include Rugendo, Kabirizi, Munyaga, Lulengo Mapuwa, Bageni, Humba and Nyakamwe gorilla family groups.
There are also over 400 species of birds and the park also shelters the world’s only orphanage for mountain gorillas called the Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage just next to Mikeno Lodge. Gorilla permits for Virunga National Park cost only $450 per visitor which also makes Congo the most affordable gorilla trekking destination compared to Rwanda.
Kahuzi-Biega National Park.
Named after Mt. Kahuzi and Biega, Kahuzi-Biega National Park is a magical gorilla destination in DRC. It is found in the southern side of Kivu and it is also a designated heritage site. This is a perfect place to trek to see the Eastern Lowland gorillas while in their natural habitat and this makes Congo an amazing gorilla destination. Compared to mountain gorillas, trekking eastern lowland gorillas is a little simple but permits cost the same amount $450 per person.
Garamba National Park.
Garamba National Park is among the least visited parks in DRC and Africa yet it is a remarkable destination and UNESCO heritage site of its own. This park is known for its spectacular views of endless savannas and grassland with opportunity for you to come across diversity of wildlife. Garamba is blessed with species of wildlife such as hippos, giraffes, antelopes, rhinos, and birds to mention but a few.
But the unfortunate side of it is that most of the park’s big mammals have been threatened as poaching is still severe in the protected area. As well, visitors cautioned while on a holiday in Garamba National Park as rebels and armed groups from the other countries tend to take refuge in the deeper parts of the park.
Mt. Nyiragongo.
Located in the Virunga National Park Congo a home to mountain gorillas, Mt. Nyiragongo (3470m) is a beautiful and world’s powerful volcano. It is one of the popular 8 Virunga volcanoes worth trekking through for jaw-dropping views. This volcano features world’s largest Crater Lake on its top and still remains as the world’s active volcano.
Hiking to the summit of this volcano lets you witness the boiling lava on its top. A trek to the peak of Mount. Nyiragongo covers 4-6 hours depending on your level of physical fitness and few hours will be spent when returning the following day.
Salonga National Park.
Salonga National Park is the largest rain-forest park and also one of the designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites in D.R. Congo. It is credited for its huge profusion of flora and faunal species making it a must-visit destination on Congo safaris. On a tour in this park, you stand a chance to sight the peacocks, dwarf chimpanzees, slender snorted crocodiles, forest elephants to mention but a few.
Lola Ya Bonobo Sanctuary.
This is one of the most beautiful tourist sites worthy exploring on Congo safaris in Kinshasa. Lola Ya Bonobo Sanctuary is a home to the endangered bonobos, pygmy chimpanzees which thrive in the wild and only in the DRC.
What to do in D.R. Congo.
Other than mountain gorilla trekking and Eastern Lowland gorilla tracking, the other activities to engage in while on Congo safari in DRC include game drives, visiting the great River Congo/Lake Kivu, explore the Boyoma and Livingstone falls, hike on the lower slopes of Nyamuragira volcano just next to Mt. Nyiragongo, visit the Stone age caves of Dimba, Kakanda, Thysville and Matupi. You shouldn’t also miss to pay a visit to Okapi Wildlife Reserve to see the unique Okapis.
When to go on Congo safaris?
DRC is open to holidaymakers all-year-round. But the best time to go enjoy your safari holiday in Congo is during the dry season especially for travelers who plan to visit Virunga or Kahuzi-Biega national park for gorilla trekking. The dry months range from June-September and this is when these parks record the least rainfall amount.
A short dry period normally occurs around January till February. But most significantly, carry a rain-jacket, waterproof daypack, hiking boots – lightweight but waterproof, hat, camera without flashlight, first aid kit, long sleeved shirt, sun glasses and insect repellents.
