UncategorizedGame Parks in Congo
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) boasts numerous national parks due to its vast size. As the second-largest country in Africa and the largest in Central Africa, it is bordered by Uganda, Rwanda, Central African Republic, Angola, Burundi, Republic of the Congo, Sudan, Tanzania, and Zambia. Congo is blessed with extraordinary biodiversity, including diverse wildlife and vegetation, and is poised to become one of Africa’s top tourist destinations in the future.
The Democratic Republic of Congo is the only nation where visitors can encounter both lowland and mountain gorillas. However, Congo offers more than just gorillas. Visitors can hike volcanoes, experience fascinating cultures, meet unique tribal groups such as pygmies, and see Africa’s renowned wildlife. A safari in Congo, especially with Into Africa Safari, provides an opportunity to observe rare species like the Congo peafowl, okapi, bongo, and pygmy chimpanzees (bonobos). Congo remains untamed, unspoiled, and raw a place that echoes the Africa described in classic adventure and safari literature.
Despite its incredible natural wealth and biodiversity, Congo has faced prolonged conflicts, leaving many of its national parks under-visited and undiscovered. The eastern region is particularly unstable, with one of the largest UN peacekeeping missions in the world stationed there. Nevertheless, there is optimism for the future of tourism in Congo.
This article highlights Congo’s national parks. For related topics, explore articles on things to do in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kinshasa tourism activities, or attractions in Goma. Into Africa Safari offers packages such as the 3-day Mount Nyiragongo hike, 3-day Eastern Lowland Gorilla tour in Kahuzi-Biega, or the 3-day Mountain Gorilla tour in Virunga National Park.
National Parks in Congo:
- Mangroves National Park
- Kahuzi-Biega National Park
- Salonga National Park
- Virunga National Park
- Lomami National Park
- Garamba National Park
- Upemba National Park
- Kundelungu National Park
- Maiko National Park
Top Game Parks in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Mangroves National Park
Mangroves National Park, also known as Muanda Marine Reserve, is the smallest national park in the DRC, located along the mighty Congo River. Covering just 768 square kilometers, it was gazetted in 1992 and recognized as a Ramsar wetland due to its exceptional biodiversity and extensive mangrove forests. It is the only marine park in Congo, with distinct mangroves unlike those in South Asia. Wildlife includes snakes, crocodiles, hippos, bushbucks, southern reedbuck, and various primates.
Kahuzi-Biega National Park
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is in southeastern Congo near Bukavu and Lake Kivu. Established in 1970 by Belgian conservationist Adrien Deschryver, it spans 6,000 square kilometers, featuring lowland rainforests, bamboo forests, swamps, and marshlands. Named after Mounts Kahuzi and Biega, the park is home to Eastern Lowland Gorillas (Grauer’s Gorilla), the largest gorilla subspecies. Additional wildlife includes eastern chimpanzees, forest elephants, bongos, owl-faced monkeys, and bush buffaloes. Activities include gorilla trekking, bird watching, mountain climbing, and city tours of Bukavu.
Salonga National Park
Salonga is Africa’s largest forest national park, covering 36,000 square kilometers along the Congo River basin between Kisangani and Kinshasa. Gazetted in 1956 and expanded in 1970, it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. The park features wetlands, grasslands, woodlands, and dense rainforests. It shelters rare species such as the Salonga monkey, bonobos, Congo peacocks, leopards, and long-tailed pangolins. Salonga is a top birding destination, with species like yellow-billed storks and black storks. Accessibility remains a challenge due to poor infrastructure.
Virunga National Park
Virunga, Africa’s oldest national park, was established in 1922 and is another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located near Rwanda and Uganda, the park features three volcanoes—Mikeno, Nyamuragira, and Nyiragongo. It houses mountain gorillas, okapi, chimpanzees, forest elephants, lions, hippos, and more than 700 bird species. Popular activities include gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, and Nyiragongo volcano hiking. However, threats such as poaching, rebel activity, and crude oil exploration loom large.
Lomami National Park
Located along the Lomami River, this park spans 8,879 square kilometers and was formally opened in 2016. Its terrain includes rainforest, savanna, and hilly regions. Lomami is home to species such as bonobos, Congo peacocks, and the rare lesula and dryas monkeys. While the park’s interior remains pristine, poaching and bushmeat hunting pose threats to its wildlife.
Garamba National Park
Established in 1938, Garamba covers 5,200 square kilometers in eastern Congo near South Sudan. This UNESCO World Heritage Site features woodlands, savannas, rivers, and forests. The park is home to lions, elephants, forest hogs, and the endemic Congolese giraffe. Managed by African Parks, conservation efforts are ongoing despite threats from poaching and militant activity.
Upemba National Park
Upemba, located in southeastern Congo’s Lualaba Province, spans 13,000 square kilometers. Established in 1939, it protects cheetahs, zebras, Katanga impalas, and various bird species like the wattled crane. The park faces challenges such as human encroachment, poaching, and deforestation.
Kundelungu National Park
Neighboring Upemba, Kundelungu is located in Haut-Katanga Province and covers 7,600 square kilometers. It was once a private hunting ground but now protects lions, leopards, hippos, and the stunning 1,120-foot Lofoi Falls. The park is classified as a Category II conservation site by the IUCN.
Maiko National Park
This remote park, covering 10,885 square kilometers, was gazetted in 1949 and is an important sanctuary for Congo’s unique wildlife, including the aquatic genet, Congo peafowl, and Eastern Lowland Gorillas. Unfortunately, rebel activity and illegal mining threaten Maiko. However, conservation groups like the ICCN and WWF continue efforts to protect the park.
