Dr Congo Safaris

Congo is also gifted with a number of natural resources, such as diamonds, coltan, gold, cobalt and copper. Though, despite all its massive naturally given wealth, it has over the years gone through political conflict and instability hence causing a widespread of underdevelopment and poverty.

Since 1999, the United Nations (UN) has had a peacekeeping mission for the country and many international efforts have continued to address all humanitarian and political crises in this nation.

The good news is that, despite all the challenges, the Congo has a beautiful and diverse culture seen from their traditional dances, music, art and drama.  It is also home to the endangered species known as the gorillas which are found in Virunga National Park and very many other wildlife species such as chimpanzees, elephants and last many natural wonders including the active volcanoes, hills, rivers, mountains, valleys and forests.

Why Should I visit Congo?

Natural Beauty

Congo is home to a number of spectacular natural wonders such as National Parks including Virunga which is home to mountain gorillas and Kahuzi-Beiga, home to the eastern lowland gorillas, the Congo Basin which is where we find some of the oldest rain forests and the Congo River which is the second longest river after the Nile River.

Congo has a fascinating history, from its colonial past to its struggles for independence and recent conflicts. Tourists can learn more about its historical background by visiting historical sites, museums and through interacting with the natives in the communities.

Cultural Diversity

DRC is gifted with a very rich cultural heritage, this is seen in its cuisine, music, dress code, dance, art and other traditional customs. The country is home to over 200 ethnic group and each of these has its own authentic and unique culture and customs. A visit to Congo is a great opportunity to learn more about its different cultures.

Wildlife

In Congo’s top National Parks are various wildlife species such as the lowland gorillas, mountain gorillas, monkeys, wild bonobos, hippos, elephants and chimpanzees. Tourists can see some of them by going for wildlife viewing or gorilla trekking in Virunga and Kahuzi-Beiga National Parks in order to see them. 

Adventure Tourism

In Congo, activities entailed in adventure tourism such as mountain climbing, hiking and other water sports are available hence a great destination for adventure travellers. Congo also offers some of the best experiences in whitewater rafting. This is done on River Congo and enjoyed by many tourists.

When to Visit DR Congo

When to visit the DR Congo depends on the area you plan to visit and the activities would like to engage in while there.  DR Congo is gifted with tropical climate hence having two main seasons: he dry season and the wet season.

The dry season starts from June all through to September and is regarded as the best time to visit the country. During this time, the weather is sunny and dry hence making it perfect for travelers to carry out activities such as gorilla tracking, wildlife viewing, hiking and mountain climbing.  Also the conditions of most roads are generally better during this time, making it easier to travel around the country.

On another hand, if you’re interested in viewing the Congo River with its highest water levels, then the wet/rainy season is the best time to visit, this runs from October to May. The rains also bring out lush vegetation, which can make wildlife spotting more challenging but more rewarding.

It is very important for you to check travel guidelines as you plan for your safari to Congo since it is still undergoing recovery from a period of political instability and conflict. In case you plan to travel alone and not going through a tour company, we advise you to book a skilled ranger guide who is well conversant with your desired activities and attraction and also one who will ensure your safety during your stay in the country.

Top Things to do/Tourist Attractions in DR Congo

DR Congo has a diversified ecosystem with many activities to do and things to see. Below are some of the main activities and tourist attractions to consider while on Safari in DR Congo;

Virunga National Park

Virunga is among Africa’s most bio-diverse parks and also considered to be among the oldest national parks on the continent, it is situated in the eastern region of DRC covering an area of 7,769 square kilometers.

The park is also a recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site and with the main highlight being the Mountain gorillas and the main activity done is gorilla tracking. The park hosts over 350 gorillas and other wildlife species such as over 700 bird species, over 200 mammal species plus numerous primate species, fish, amphibians, butterflies and reptiles. The common wildlife species spotted while in the park are the Gorillas, elephants, okapis and chimpanzees.

The park, is also home to different active volcanoes such as Mount Nyiragongo, famously known for its beautiful lava lake. Virunga Congo’s famous destination for hiking, trekking, conservation and wildlife viewing.

Mount Nyiragongo

Mount Nyiragongo is an active strato-volcano sound in the Eastern region of DRC near Goma town. It is counted part of the Virunga Mountains and one of the world’s most active and dangerous volcanoes.

Its most recent volcanic eruption happened in May 2021 where by lava flowed to the city known as Goma, affecting thousands of people and forcing them to leave their homes and infrastructure.

Nyiragongo offers a unique hiking experience for tourists. It is surrounded with striking landscape with an active lava lake within the crater. Hiking to the top of this Mountain takes approximately 6 hours but worth all your effort.

It is also near this volcano that you find the famous Virunga National Park a home to Mountain Gorillas.

Congo River and its Rapids

Congo River is Africa’s second longest river and a famous spot for thrilling boating safaris and cruises. Visitors can watch the beautiful sunsets during the cruise and also see various wildlife and bird species along the river such as crocodiles and hippos.

The Congo River rapids offer the best adventurous experiences including the thrilling water rafting. Tourists usually book tours to the rapids basing on the grade of the rapids they wish to raft and the duration.

Lola Ya Bonobo Sanctuary

This is a sanctuary is dedicated to the preservation of orphaned bonobos. Bonobos are a species of apes that are only found in Congo forests. This sanctuary has helped preserve their existence hence offering visitors an opportunity to see wild bonobos in a habitat. 

Idjwi Island

Idjwi is located in Lake Kivu, it is a scenic area which offers peace and tranquility to the visitors away from the bustle and noise of the towns and cities. Visitors can participate in hiking, swimming, and nature walking and bike riding while on this island.

Cultural experiences

As earlier mentioned, DRC has diverse ethnic groups of people, and each of them has its own authentic and unique culture and customs. Tourists within the country can visit some local communities and try to learn more about the country’s rich cultural heritage expressed through music, art, dance and drama.

Kahuzi-Beiga National Park

This park derives its name from extinct volcanoes; Mount Kahuzi and Mount Beiga which are great spots for hiking. The park was established around 1970 to protect and conserve the famous Eastern low land gorillas, hence this is also a great place for gorilla tracking. It also harbors other wildlife species such as elephants, antelopes, serval cats and chimpanzees.

Markets and Shopping

DRC has an exciting market culture, made up of many vendors selling traditional textiles, crafts, and souvenirs. The biggest market is found in Kinshasa and it is known as Marché Central, it offers a great shopping experience to both locals and visitors.

Museums and Historical Sites

Congo also has many museums and historical sites that where you can find many things that display its rich history and cultural heritage. These include; the Slave Route Site at Mbudi and the National Museum of Kinshasa.

Tasting Food and Drinks

Of course, the cuisine in Congo is diverse and very delicious. These foods and drinks are influenced by its various ethnic groups and the imported foods from neighboring countries. Congo’s common foods are; cassava, fufu, fish and many more. There are also locally made beers such as Skol and Primus which the visitors can taste while in the country.

Other tourist sites in Congo include; Maiko, Garamba National Park, Okapi Wildlife Reserve, Salonga National Park, Lake Kivu, Boyoma Falls, Kisangani and Kinshasa.

Is the Democratic Republic of Congo Safe?

The safety of Congo (DRC) varies depending on the part of the country you are visiting. Some regions are not safe due to the ongoing terrorism, violence and different conflicts, whereas other regions are relatively safe to stay or visit.

Over the years, areas with in the Eastern part of DRC such as Ituri provinces, North and South Kivu have experienced high levels of conflict and violence due to the presence of many armed groups of people. These areas have also be associated with a high risk of robbery, kidnap among other crimes.

However, the western region especially in the major cities like Kinshasa are safer for the visitors. We advise travelers to take caution while in the country and also before traveling to Congo make research about the safety of the specific regions you are visiting. Also consult with travel experts and the local authorities in DRC about the latest information about the safety in the area you wish to visit and follow their advice.

Where to Stay in DR Congo

When traveling to the Democratic Republic of Congo, it’s very important to make thorough research and plan your accommodations options in advance to ensure a comfortable and safe stay. Below are some options;

Hotels: Congo has different hotels allover its major cities; such as Goma, Kinshasa, Lubumbashi. Some of the famous options include Ihusi Hotel in Goma, Hotel Memling in Kinshasa, and Pullman Lubumbashi Grand Karavia Hotel in Lubumbashi. The hotels offer a range of services such as Wi-Fi restaurants, air conditioning.

Lodges:  These are a popular option for travelers especially those visiting National Parks such as Viriunga National and here are some of them, Mikeno Lodge, Kibumba Tented Camp, Tchegera Tented Camp among others.

Airbnb: Tourists who desire a more personalized experience, booking an Airbnb is a good option. There are a variety of Airbnb options available in cities like Goma, Kinshasa and Lubumbashi. Just be sure to read the reviews and check the host’s cancellation policy before booking.

Hostels: Hostels are a great option for those on a tight budget or solo travelers. Some of the famous hostels in DR Congo include Kinshasa Backpackers located in Kinshasa and Green House Hostel in Goma.

Also note that, no matter the accommodation type you choose, ensure that you research about the location and safety of the area before making your booking. It is also advisable to check with your embassy for more travel information or advisories about the country.

Gorilla Tracking in Congo

Tracking gorillas in DR Congo is a very incredible and rewarding experience for travellers interested in ecotourism and wildlife conservation. Congo hosts two species of gorillas; the Western Mountain Gorillas and the Eastern Lowland Gorillas found in Virunga and Kahuzi-Beiga National Parks respectively.

Before you start tracking gorillas, it is important that you make research about the country and where you would want to go, and this information can be received from a reputable tour company like Tranquil Safaris. You also need to have a Gorilla Permit which costs $400 for foreign nonresidents.

Upon arrival in Congo, you will be received by a skilled and professional tour guide who will lead you to the park headquarters and there after embark on tracking gorillas. Tracking gorillas, can be physically challenging, since it is done through rugged terrain and dense forests, so it’s important that you prepare well with the appropriate tracking gear and also physical fitness.

Upon meeting the gorillas, follow your ranger guide’s rules or instructions and also ensure that you keep a safe distance between you and the gorillas as directed to avoid any likely harm to you or to them. Also note that, gorillas are great and intelligent animals hence should be observed with caution and much respect.

In a nutshell, gorillas tracking in Congo is a very unforgettable experience, offering an opportunity to witness these magnificent giants in their natural habitat, in doing so also supporting local conservation and sustainable tourism programs.

Hiking Mount Nyiragongo

Hiking Mount Nyiragongo is an exciting and rewarding adventure activity however, also challenging since it requires careful preparation and prior planning. Below are some tips to help you prepare for your hike to the top of Nyiragongo;

Make reservations and get hiking permits: Before hiking Mount Nyiragongo, you will need to make inquiries, then reservations and obtain hiking permits from the Virunga park authorities. You can do this through a tour operator or through Virunga Park website.

Keep fit/In shape: Hiking any raised area requires the person to be physically fit and so it is for Nyiragongo. So since it is a long hike, you are advised to keep in shape and ensure that you practice different physical exercises before you go for the hike.

Dress up as a hiker: The climate on Nyiragongo varies and that is why all hikers should dress appropriately and also carry along a hiking gear with warm clothes, gloves, hat, rain gear and hiking boots.

Hire a skilled guide: You cannot hike this volcano without the guidance of a park ranger guide.  Having one ensures your safety and also in a way helps to support the local community.

Carry along necessary supplies: You will need to carry some snacks, insecticides, flashlight/headlamp, camera, enough drinking water.

Respect the Environment: The volcano is a protected area hence it is very important that during your hike you respect its surroundings as you avoid littering trash around and also following all the rules and regulations put in place by the park.

Be prepared for altitude sickness: Nyiragongo is 3,470m high hence hiking for this high can result into altitude sickness for some hikers. That is why we advise you to take enough breaks during the hike, bring along medication and drink a lot of water.

A hike to the summit of Mount Nyiragongo can tend to be challenging to some people but a very rewarding experience. However, when you properly plan for your hike, you can really enjoy it from the start to the end with great sights and breathtaking views of the summit and the lava lake.