Congo safaris

Congo safaris are not widely sought after by tourists, largely due to exaggerated media reports that have discouraged potential visitors. Indeed, the nation once known as Zaire has faced extended periods of instability caused by armed conflicts, corruption, and ineffective governance. It is true that caution is necessary when exploring certain parts of Congo, which hosts the largest UN peacekeeping mission.

However, it is important not to generalize the security situation across the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), as it is an expansive country. Contrary to common perceptions, not all areas are unsafe. The government and park wardens are committed to ensuring the safety of tourists, and visitors should anticipate undergoing various security checks and being escorted by armed rangers in and around the parks. For example, mountain gorilla trekking in Congo is suspended whenever the Virunga National Park management deems it unsafe for tourists.

Despite security concerns, the DRC boasts immense tourism potential, and the local people are exceptionally hospitable and welcoming. The country is home to some of the world’s most stunning national parks, teeming with diverse plant and animal species. The DR Congo stands out as one of the top destinations for wildlife enthusiasts in Africa. Tourists on a Congo wildlife safari will marvel at breathtaking landscapes, sprawling forests, water bodies, and rare species like the elusive Okapi. With sustained peace, the DRC could easily become Africa’s premier safari destination.

Kinshasa, the capital city with a vibrant diplomatic community and a population exceeding 10 million, offers a variety of attractions. Visitors can explore the “Symphonies Naturelles,” featuring serene forests and picturesque paths. In Kinshasa, you can admire street art, visit historical landmarks, tour the Musée National de Kinshasa, explore the snake farm (Serpents du Congo), or experience the lively central market of Matongé (Marché Central). Into Africa Safari is proud to organize Congo safaris, many of which include combined itineraries with Uganda and Rwanda.

Congo Wildlife Safaris – Destinations for Your Journey

Kahuzi-Biega National Park:

Kahuzi-Biega National Park derives its name from the Kahuzi and Biega mountains and is situated in South Kivu. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is renowned for habituated lowland gorilla trekking. Although eastern lowland gorillas have faced threats from poaching, conservation efforts have helped their numbers recover. Unlike mountain gorillas, tracking lowland gorillas is relatively straightforward. Permits for Kahuzi-Biega are often available on short notice, and the treks avoid steep mountain slopes. In addition to gorillas, visitors on a Congo wildlife safari can encounter elephants, chimpanzees, and various antelope species.

Virunga National Park:

Established in 1925, Virunga National Park is Africa’s oldest park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located near the borders of Uganda and Rwanda, the park is famed for its dramatic landscapes and biodiversity. The primary activities for visitors include mountain gorilla trekking and hiking the Nyiragongo Volcano. Tourists on an Into Africa Safari may also spot the rare okapi, which resembles a cross between a giraffe and a zebra. Other highlights include observing the park’s forests, valleys, plains, savannahs, and swamps, as well as lions, hippos, and over 400 bird species. After trekking gorillas, visitors can explore the Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage near Mikeno Lodge, the only orphanage for mountain gorillas in the world.  

Garamba National Park:

Though less frequented, Garamba National Park is one of Africa’s remarkable national parks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors on a tour of the park can enjoy stunning savanna landscapes and grasslands. The park is home to giraffes, hippos, rhinos, antelope, and numerous bird species. Unfortunately, poaching has endangered its rich diversity of large mammals. Visitors should exercise caution, as armed groups and rebels from neighboring regions have occasionally sought refuge in remote areas of the park.

Salonga National Park:

Salonga National Park, Africa’s largest rainforest, is yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site in the DRC. This park is a must-see for nature lovers, offering a plethora of flora and fauna. Tourists can expect to encounter peacocks, forest elephants, dwarf chimpanzees, and the slender-snouted crocodile, among many other species.

Mount Nyiragongo Volcano:

Mount Nyiragongo illuminates the skies above Goma city and Virunga National Park. Its most recent eruption in 2011 displaced over 100,000 people and left the surrounding region blanketed in ash. The solidified lava flow created the world’s largest lava lake, which continues to emit smoke and attracts thousands of tourists each year. Climbing Mount Nyiragongo is a two-day adventure, culminating in an overnight stay at the volcano’s summit and a mesmerizing view of the boiling crater. 

Lola ya Bonobo Sanctuary:  

The Lola ya Bonobo Sanctuary, located in Kinshasa, is a haven for endangered pygmy chimpanzees. Bonobos, unique to the wilds of the DR Congo, are gentler than their larger relatives but are hunted for their meat. The sanctuary spans approximately 30 hectares and provides a safe environment for orphaned bonobos, which are cared for by dedicated staff and volunteers.

Additional Activities for Congo Safaris

Travelers on an Into Africa Safari have numerous other activities to choose from, such as:  

• Game drives in parks like Maiko, near Kinshasa.  
• Exploring water bodies, including the majestic Congo River and Lake Kivu with its scenic islands and methane gas deposits.  
• Visiting the Livingstone and Boyoma Falls.  
• Hiking mountains such as Nyamuragira, Africa’s most active volcano.  
• Discovering Stone Age caves like Dimba, Matupi, Thysville, and Kakanda.  
• Touring the Okapi Wildlife Reserve.