The Democratic Republic of Congo is an African jewel of adventure, found in the Central African region and spreads towards the Atlantic Ocean. Its vastness of strolling hills, mountains, tropical forests and a network of rivers serenade tourists from all over the world.
The country covers over 905,355 square kilometers of land, making it the second largest country on the continent after Algeria, and eleventh on the planet. Seventy-eight million people inhabit this vast land, 17.07 million of whom live in the capital city Kinshasa.
Even though frequently disturbed by conflicts, DR. Congo is still one of the most endowed countries with rare minerals like diamonds and gold especially in the region of Kisangani. These minerals have ironically attracted rebel activity in the area thereby hindering growth of tourism. However, DR. Congo’s magnificence eclipses the effects of conflict. To dare the jungles of DR. Congo, is to live in the foot prints of Dian Fossey, the great primatologist who brought to light and entire world, the beauty of Virunga massif which spreads into eastern D.R. Congo.
Here is a snippet of what the Democratic Republic of Congo has to offer.
Gorilla trekking. 3 Days Virunga Gorilla Trekking Congo
Gorilla trekking is one of those popular activities that a tourist can get engaged in while on a safari in D.R. Congo. The Virunga National Park is home to over 200 hundred individuals that grace the lush tropical vegetation of the park. Both lowland and mountain gorillas can be sighted in this park unlike in Uganda and Rwanda which have only the mountain gorilla species.
Trekking gorillas in D.R. Congo is far much cheaper than in other East African countries. A permit here goes for 400 USD in peak season, while off peak seasons attract 50 USD discount. In comparison, Uganda and Rwanda charge 700 USD and 1500 USD for a similar one-hour experience respectively. However, there are fewer habituated groups in D.R. Congo than in the other countries.
Gorilla trekking experience in Virunga National Park is phenomenal, given the sheer beauty of the terrain and landscape of inter twining ranges of canopies that form the tropical rain forest that inhabit the gorillas. Sweet sounds of colorful birds are a complimentary item of the trek.
Nyiragongo Mountain Climbing. 3 Days Mount Nyiragongo Hiking Safari
In the life of an adventurous soul, danger is an ultimate calling! Nyiragongo mountain climb is a dangerous adventure as the mountain is a stratovolcano that is always on the verge of eruption. Most recent eruption of this mountain was in May 2021, having erupted 34 times since 1884.
Climbing this mountain is an adventure into the scars left by the 22 May 2021 eruption which led to evacuation of thousands of inhabitants of Goma city. The trail bears black soils and lava rocks, which marks effects of the most recent eruption.
At an elevation of 11,385 ft above sea level, the views beneath are rewarding, the top is a vast lava lake whose red plumes are glowing red beauty of the night as observed from a distance.
The thrill and fear that engulfs one at the summit with red lava in full view is an amazing moment to behold.
What is the best time to visit D. R. Congo?
The Democratic Republic of Congo is open for tourism throughout the year and a tourist need not worry about congestion. However, given the heavy rains that are received within the tropical region, adventure is best experienced when the terrain is dry as rains can lead to impassable roads. Dry season occurs between June and September, and a shorter dry season lasting between December and February.
