- EXPERT'S HELP
- +256789210067
- +256200955001
- info@kenlinktours.com
Congo Safaris
Congo safaris are not very popular with tourists due to exaggerated media reports that have negatively impacted potential visitors. It’s true that the country, formerly known as Zaire, has experienced prolonged instability caused by armed rebellions, corruption, and poor governance. Indeed, caution is advised when visiting certain parts of the Congo, which hosts the largest UN peacekeeping mission.
However, it is important not to generalize the security situation across this vast country. Not all areas are unsafe as sometimes claimed. The government and park wardens prioritize tourist safety, with visitors undergoing several security protocols and being escorted by armed rangers within and outside the parks. Mountain Gorilla trekking in Congo is typically suspended if the management of Virunga National Park deems it unsafe for tourists.
Putting security concerns aside, the country boasts great tourism potential. The people of Congo are extremely welcoming and friendly to visitors. DR Congo is home to some of the world’s most beautiful parks, teeming with a wide variety of plant and animal species. It is one of the best places in Africa to see wildlife. Visitors on a Congo wildlife safari will witness stunning landscapes, endless green forests, water bodies, and unique species like the elusive Okapi. With total peace, the country could easily become Africa’s top safari destination.
The capital, Kinshasa, with its strong diplomatic community and over 10 million residents, offers interesting places to visit such as the “Symphonies Naturelles” with its cool forests and beautiful paths. In Kinshasa, one can marvel at the street art, visit historical buildings, the Musée National de Kinshasa, the snake farm (Serpents du Congo), and the central Market of Matongé (Marché Central). Kenlink Tours is pleased to organize Congo safaris. Many of our tour packages involve combined safaris that include hopping between DR Congo, Uganda, and Rwanda.
Popular Tours And Safaris
Kahuzi-Biega National Park
Named after the Kahuzi and Biega mountains, Kahuzi-Biega National Park is located in the south of Kivu. This UNESCO World Heritage site is renowned for its habituated Lowland gorilla trekking. Eastern Lowland Gorillas, once threatened by poaching, have seen their numbers increase thanks to efforts by the government, conservationists, and other supporters. Unlike mountain gorillas, tracking Eastern Lowland Gorillas is relatively easy. Gorilla permits for Kahuzi-Biega can be obtained on short notice, and the trekking avoids long distances on steep mountain slopes. Besides gorillas, visitors on a Congo wildlife safari can spot elephants, chimpanzees, and various antelope species.
Virunga National Park
Virunga National Park, the oldest park in Africa, was established in 1925 to protect mountain gorillas. Located near Congo’s borders with Uganda and Rwanda, this park is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The stunning landscapes and biological diversity make Virunga one of the most beautiful places to visit on earth. The two main activities here are mountain gorilla trekking and hiking the Nyiragongo volcano. Visitors can also spot the endangered okapi, a unique animal resembling a cross between a giraffe and a zebra. The park features forests, valleys, plains, savannas, and swamps, where visitors might see lions, hippopotamuses, and over 400 bird species. After trekking in Virunga, visitors can visit the Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage near Mikeno Lodge, the world’s only mountain gorilla orphanage.
Garamba National Park
Though less visited, Garamba National Park is one of Africa’s great national parks and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visitors can expect stunning views of unending African savanna and grasslands. The park is home to giraffes, hippos, rhinoceroses, antelopes, and numerous bird species. Unfortunately, Garamba’s wildlife is threatened by massive poaching. Visitors should exercise caution, as rebels and armed groups from neighboring countries sometimes take refuge in the deeper areas of the park.
Salonga National Park
Salonga National Park, Africa’s largest rainforest, is another UNESCO World Heritage site in DR Congo. The park’s vast and varied fauna and flora make it a must-visit destination. Visitors can see peacocks, forest elephants, dwarf chimpanzees, and the slender-snouted crocodile, among many other species.
Mount Nyiragongo Volcano
Mount Nyiragongo volcano illuminates the skies of Goma city and Virunga National Park. Its last eruption in 2011 left over 100,000 people homeless and covered the surrounding areas with ash. The solidified lava created the world’s largest Crater Lake, which continues to emit smoke and attracts thousands of visitors annually. Trekking up Nyiragongo is a two-day event, culminating in a night spent at the summit, offering a breathtaking view of the boiling crater.
Lola Ya Bonobo Sanctuary
In Kinshasa, the Lola ya Bonobo sanctuary is a prime attraction. Bonobos, or pygmy chimpanzees, are endangered and only found in the wild in DR Congo. Compared to their larger cousins, bonobos are relatively peaceful but face persecution and are hunted for their meat. The 30-hectare sanctuary protects orphaned young bonobos after the killing of adults. Staff and volunteers feed and care for them, protecting them from being sold as pets in illegal markets.
