5 BEST SAFARI DESTINATIONS IN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO
Democratic Republic of Congo (D.R.C) is located in located in Central Africa where it is bordered by the Republic of Congo in the Northwest. Uganda is in the East together with Rwanda, Burundi, and Tanzania. Additionally, Zambia is to the South. Moreover, Angola is to the South-west and then the South Atlantic Ocean is to the West. The country is known for its beautiful sceneries and people who are welcoming to visitors. This hospitality has attracted visitors from all over the world to visit D.R. Congo. Even with the political unrest that is in some parts of the country, it remains safe for tourism. There are armed guards and tour guides all on the look out to protect tourists from any kind of danger. If you are seeking adventure, you will discover the 5 best safari destinations in Democratic Republic of Congo offer an unforgettable experience.
Being a country known for having internal conflicts, it’s important that you connect with a trusted tour operator if you intend to visit D.R. Congo. Additionally, you may also inquire from your tour operator whether the preferred destinations could fit within your budget. In planning your trip, ask about the best safari destinations in DR Congo, especially the top five recommended by local experts.
The five most popular tourist destinations include:
1. Virunga National Park 3 Days Virunga Gorilla Trekking Congo
2. Lake Kivu
3. Sekwekwe Gorilla Orphanage Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage Virunga Congo
4. Kahuzi-Biega National Park
Gorilla Families in Kahuzi-Biega national park
5. Lola Ya Bonobo
VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK
Located in the Eastern Part of the country, Virunga National Park was founded in 1925. This makes it the oldest national park in Africa. Virunga National Park is one of UNESCO’S World Heritage Sites in D.R.Congo and the most visited national park in D.R. Congo. The park is habitat to one of the world’s most endangered animals, the mountain gorillas. For this reason, it’s a famous destination for gorilla trekking. The park is also habitat to different wildlife which includes lions, elephants, hippopotamus, and leopards. In fact, it is recorded to have over 218 mammal species with 22 primates, 706 bird species, 109 reptiles, and then 65 amphibian species. Other than gorilla trekking, there is chimpanzee tracking and hiking at Mount Nyiragongo. You can also enjoy bird watching, nature walks, and landscape viewing and so on. If you are thinking of an adventurous holiday in D.R. Congo, then this is a perfect destination. Virunga is frequently featured as one of Democratic Republic of Congo’s 5 best safari destinations for its wildlife diversity.
LAKE KIVU
It is on the border of D.R. Congo and Rwanda in the Albertine Rift in the Western Branch of the East African Rift. The fish fauna here has been found to have 28 species and is also home to four species of freshwater crabs. Furthermore, with various bird species and blue skies, the lake is a perfect destination for birding as it has over 300 bird species that are recorded. Boat cruises to the different islands in the lake make the experience more adventurous and one of a kind. Lake Kivu is the largest African lake without crocodiles or hippopotamuses. Therefore, it is perfect for swimming and fishing. It’s easy to see why Lake Kivu is counted among the 5 best safari destinations in Democratic Republic of Congo.
SEKWEKWE GORILLA ORPHANAGE Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage Virunga Congo
Being the only gorilla orphanage all-over the world, Sekwekwe Gorilla Orphanage is habitat to 7 gorillas. It is also a rehabilitation center for Eastern Lowland gorilla orphans. For a while, it is used before relocating them to the Eastern Lowland orphanage known as the Gorilla Rehabilitation and Conservation Center. The center is located on an area with a forest that stretches to allow the primates experience the life of the jungle. This center was named after a giant silverback that was known as Sekwekwe who was killed by poachers in 2007. He died as he tried to protect members of his family. The center hosts visitors from all over the world throughout the year. It could be a perfect destination for you or to someone who isn’t fit enough to manage gorilla trekking. Because of its unique conservation efforts, Sekwekwe is recognized as a top site among the 5 BEST SAFARI DESTINATIONS IN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO.
KAHUZI-BIEGA NATIONAL PARK
Founded in 1970, this park spans on over a radius of approximately 6000 square kilometers. This makes it one of the largest national parks in D.R. Congo. Famous for being habitat to mountain gorillas, Kahuzi-Biega is the only national park in D.R. Congo where visitors are allowed to track the Eastern lowland gorillas in their natural habitat. These gorillas have been habituated making them comfortable to be in the presence of people. Hence their trekking is safe for tourists. A gorilla trekking permit at Kahuzi-Beiga National Park goes for $400 per person with gorilla trekking starting in the mornings. Notably, Kahuzi-Biega is featured as one of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s 5 best safari destinations for gorilla tracking.
LOLA YA BONOBO
This is the only world’s sanctuary for orphaned bonobos having been founded in 1994. “Lola ya bonobo” is a sentence in Lingala which is the most common language use, and it is translated to mean “paradise of bonobos.” Its habitat to 60 bonobos with the area stretching to 30 hectares of a primary forest. Bonobos are pygmy chimpanzees, closely, perhaps one of the closest mammals to human beings. They are one of the world’s most endangered animals as they can only be found in D.R. Congo. The sanctuary is located southwest of Kinshasa, the capital of D.R. Congo, in approximately 25 km. The mere visiting of the sanctuary is a contribution to the conservation of the gentle apes. It will be an unforgettable experience that will open your eyes. Indeed, Lola Ya Bonobo is included among the 5 best safari destinations in Democratic Republic of Congo for its rare wildlife.
