Congo

The Democratic Republic of Congo is a wondrously biodiverse land with 11% designated protected areas.

A large ecosystem, especially in the Congo Basin is home to various endemic species like birds and other wildlife.

Among these animals are the famous critically endangered Mountain Gorillas of Virunga National Park and the Eastern Lowland Gorillas of the Kahuzi Biega National Park, which the country is renowned for.

The unique weather in the country also makes it a favorable home to endemic species like the Okapi, the Congolese Peacock, and the Bonobo which are also known as the Dwarf chimpanzees.

Other than the wildlife, you will be awe-struck by the breathtaking natural scenery of the country. They range from beautiful waterfalls like the Boyoma Falls which flow from the Congo River, the Atlantic Coastline, lakes, mountains, and captivating contours.

DR Congo has 7 national parks together with 57 reserves and hunting areas and 5 of these protected areas are listed among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Congo are Virunga National Park, Kahuzi Biega National Park, Salonga National Park, Garamba National Park, and Okapi Wildlife Reserve.

Discover the great riches of Congo as we discuss them below.

Types of Safaris in Congo

The amazing attractions in the Democratic Republic of Congo provide unforgettable safaris.

Read below to find the most common and amazing safaris in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

1.     Gorilla safaris

2.     Wildlife safaris

3.     Birding safaris

4.     Cultural safaris

Gorilla Safaris in Congo

Gorillas are an endangered species, endemic to the Virunga Conservation Area which spans Congo’s Virunga National Park, Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, and Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

DR Congo protects two gorilla species, and these are the Mountain Gorillas in Virunga National Park and the Eastern Lowland Gorillas in Kahuzi Biega National Park.

Upon meeting the Gorillas, you will spend one hour with them as you take photos, and watch them play, feed, and groom, among others.

Mountain Gorillas in Virunga National Park

Virunga National Park protects about 300 Mountain Gorillas out of the over 1063 remaining in the world.

The park has 8 habituated Mountain Gorilla families and you can track one of them during your Gorilla trip.

These habituated Gorilla families in Virunga National Park include

1. Kabirizi Gorilla Family

2. Bageni Gorilla Family

3. Mapuwa Family

4. Lulengo Family

5. Rugendo Family

6. Munyaga Family

7. Humba Family

8. Nyakamwe Family

A Gorilla trekking permit costs $400 in Congo.

Eastern Lowland Gorillas in Kahuzi Biega National Park

The Eastern Lowland Gorillas are also one of the most endangered animals in DR Congo endemic to the country.

Kahuzi Biega National Park has about 4 habituated Gorilla Families that you can track on your gorilla tours. These are the Mpungwe Gorilla Family, Chimanuka Gorilla Family, and Nganwe Gorilla Family.

Just like in Virunga National Park, the Gorilla trekking permit at Kahuzi Biega National Park is $400.

Wildlife Safaris in DR Congo

The wildlife safaris in Congo will lead you to watch animals, and different plant species, among others.

The country is home to over 500 mammal species and over 10,000 plant species.

The best destinations to have wildlife safaris in Congo include Virunga National Park, Kahuzi Biega National Park, and Garamba National Park, among others.

Birding Safaris in the Democratic Republic of Congo

DRC has the largest diversity of avifauna in the whole of Africa.

There are about 1188 bird species with 21 that are endemic to the country. This thus makes the country one of the best birding destinations for birding enthusiasts.

Cultural Safaris in the Congo

Congo cultural safaris will introduce you to the diversity of different people and their way of life, for example, music and dancing. You will discover unique ways of the river and the jungle people.

Congo has more than 200 tribes spread throughout the country, therefore it is a fertile place for travelers who are passionate about history and anthropology.

The most common tribes in Congo are the Luba, Mongo, Kongo, and Mangbetu-Azande.

Best Time to Visit Congo

Congo has two seasons; the dry season and the rainy season. The dry season runs from about December through the whole of February and the about June to September.

The wet season on the other hand runs from about March to May and October to early December.

The best season to visit the Democratic Republic of Congo is the dry season. This is because the season offers more flexible and comfortable experiences, especially during trekking adventures. The tracks are usually dry and easier to pass through than in the rainy season when they are muddy and wet.

What is the Cost of Travel in Congo

Various factors affect the cost of travel in the Democratic Republic of Congo including the season of visit, the length of travel, the safari activities, and the type of safari.

Let us look at them below.

1. Season of Visit:

Even though the best season to visit Rwanda is the dry season, it is also the high season which is more expensive to travel in than the wet season.

The rainy season is a low season with fewer travelers thus tourists have the chance to enjoy discounted costs on accommodation and some permits during their trips in the country.

2. Length of Travel:

The longer the travel, the higher the costs of the safari, and the shorter the safari, the less costly it will be.

3. The number of safari activities:

Other than the famous Gorilla trekking, DR Congo also offers other amazing safari activities to experience in addition for example birding, nature walks, and cultural tours.

The number of activities on your itinerary will determine the cost of travel.

4. Type of safari:

Travelers plan for luxury, midrange, or budget safaris. A budget safari will cost about $50 to $100 per day, a midrange safari will cost about $100 to $300 per day and a luxury safari will cost about $250 to $400 per day.

What to Carry or Pack for your Congo Safaris

Enjoy the best experiences in Congo by packing the most important items for your safari trip while in the country.

Below, we list the different things to pack or carry for your Congo safari in Africa.

1. Insect repellent: This will keep disturbing insects away as you explore the forest.

2. Sunscreen lotion: This helps keep your skin from being damaged by the sunshine, especially in the dry season.

3. Notebook and pen: Keep important records during your safari trip by writing them down in a notebook for future reference.

4. Travel back bag: This bag will allow you to keep all your important belongings in one place, for example, travel documents, clothes, and snacks, among others.

5. Sunglasses: In case of very hot sunshine, your eyes will be covered and protected.

6. Camera: Capture the best memories through the lenses of your camera during your safari trip to the Democratic Republic of Congo.

7. A pair of binoculars: For additional experiences like birding, a pair of binoculars will allow you to zoom closely into the distant wildlife for a more amazing experience.

What to Wear for Your Congo Safaris -h2

What to wear for your safaris in Congo also determines more comfortable experiences in the country and some of these important apparel travel include,

1. Trousers/Long shirts or blouses: This will keep your body covered so you are not disturbed by external conditions like insect bites.

2. Strong sturdy hiking boots: For easily hiking

3. A hat or cap: Keep your head warm, and safe from the excess sunshine or the light rain by having the best hats and caps during your trip.

4. Garden gloves: As you move in the Congo forests, you may be tempted to touch some of the beautiful plants as you study them. Therefore, wearing garden gloves will allow you to have this amazing experience without the fear of getting hurt.

5. Pair of socks: You can wear your warm pair of socks with your strong, sturdy hiking boots as you visit the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Safari Lodges in the Democratic Republic of Congo -h2

As you safari Congo, you will be led to some of the most comfortable safari lodges, especially in the national parks. They range from luxury to midrange, and budget.

Below are some of the top and best safari accommodation facilities to stay in while in Congo.

Luxury Lodges: Mikeno Lodge in Virunga National Park, Ihusi Luxury Hotel in Goma, Orchid Safari Lodge in Kahuzi Biega National Park, and Lac Kivu Lodge in Goma.

Midrange Lodges: Coco Lodge in Kahuzi Biega National Park, Bukima Tented Camp in Virunga National Park.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Congo Safe to Visit?

Congo has had a history of rebel activities, natural disasters, chronic diseases, and wildlife attacks, not just on the tourists but also on the local people. However, it is a safe country to travel to, given the right travel tips from your professional and trustworthy tour operator.

A guide and an armed ranger will always be with you during your adventures for safety. On the other hand, avoid moving alone, especially at night.

Do I Need a Visa to go to Congo?

While some countries are exempted from having a visa to enter Congo, others are required to have a visa to enter the country.

Please consult with your experienced tour operator about the visa requirements to the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Book with us your amazing Congo safari today for exclusive experiences and adventures.