Congo destinations. The Democratic Republic of Congo, to be sure, is one of the most beautifully endowed African safari destinations that travelers on African safari tours can visit and enjoy the diversity and incredibly wild nature. Congo is the second-largest country in Africa after Algeria, and as such, it has much to offer.
Our Congo safaris take travelers to the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo, as it is easily accessible from Rwanda and Uganda by road. While on a Congo safari tour, below are the different Congo destinations we would most likely take you to.
Virunga National Park
Virunga National Park is one of the oldest African safari parks, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that hosts some of the last remaining endangered mountain gorillas that many travelers get to encounter when on a Congo gorilla safari.
Virunga National Park is also home to an active volcano, Mount Nyiragongo, which travelers can hike for a view of the molten red lava at the crater. Mount Nyiragongo has erupted about 34 times since 1984, with the most recent eruption in May 2021.
Virunga National Park also has the only mountain gorilla orphanage in the world, the Senkwenkwe Mountain Gorilla Orphanage, which protects about 7 mountain gorillas. Though Virunga National Park is currently closed due to ongoing conflicts, upon its reopening travelers can explore the different attractions therein throughout the year.
Kahuzi Biega National Park
Kahuzi Biega National Park is another of the most visited of the Congo destinations throughout the year. Kahuzi Biega National Park is home to about 400 Eastern Lowland gorillas that travelers can encounter on a gorilla trekking safari in Kahuzi Biega National Park. With the Eastern Lowland gorillas in Kahuzi Biega National Park, travelers who visit Congo get to encounter 2 different gorilla species at a very subsidized price compared to the gorilla permit costs in Rwanda and Uganda.
Okapi Wildlife Reserve
Okapi Wildlife Reserve is a wonderful UNESCO World Heritage Site that visitors on a Congo safari tour can visit to encounter the elusive Okapi in its natural habitat.
Salonga National Park
Salonga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located near the Congo River basin. Animals in Salonga National Park to look out for include Forest Elephants, Salonga Monkeys, Okapi, Tshuapa Red Colobus Monkeys, Congo Peafowl, Bonobos, and so much more.
Lake Kivu
Lake Kivu is one of the largest and most visited waterbodies, or lakes, in Africa. Lake Kivu is located in both Rwanda and Congo. Lake Kivu is a beautiful Congo destination for relaxation, with activities like canoeing, kayaking, swimming, sport fishing, and so much more. Accommodation in the area rewards travelers with amazing views that can be quite relaxing.
Things to Do in Congo
With the above Congo destinations, there are a number of activities travelers can enjoy while on a Congo safari. Activities like gorilla trekking, Eastern Lowland gorilla trekking, volcano hiking, guided walking trips, bird watching, canoeing, primate watching, and so much more should be expected while on a Congo safari, anytime of the year.
What is the Best Time to Visit Congo?
The Democratic Republic of Congo is an all-year-round Africa safari destination. With the different UNESCO World Heritage Sites, you would be amazed at what you can explore or experience anytime of the year. Though open throughout the year, the best time to visit Congo is during the dry season, when the roads are passable and trekking is much easier.
The rainy season, which is in the months of March to May and November, comes with muddy roads that make it harder to navigate the parks, especially when trekking. The green or rainy season, however muddy it gets, illuminates the natural beauty of nature as it is in full bloom, thus creating an amazing scenic experience. The lodges and safari costs are also usually lower in the rainy season, so travelers after subsidized Congo safari packages would consider traveling then.
The Democratic Republic of Congo is a large country with much more to offer that is not mentioned above. If you are interested in exploring the eastern Congo, get in touch with us to help you organize unforgettable safaris to the true African wilderness that has been rarely touched.
What an amazing way to extend your Congo safari with a safari in Tanzania; get to explore Tanzania tours in addition to your Congo safari for an all-around Africa safari experience.
