The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is one of Africa’s most remarkable destinations for wildlife, tropical rainforests, rare primates and dramatic natural landscapes. Located in Central Africa, the country contains part of the Congo Basin rainforest, one of the world’s most important tropical forest ecosystems.

From mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park to eastern lowland gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega National Park and bonobo conservation near Kinshasa, the DRC offers wildlife experiences that differ from the traditional savannah safaris found in East and Southern Africa.

However, travel planning in the DRC requires particular care. Security conditions vary considerably between regions, and several well-known wildlife destinations are in eastern provinces affected by serious insecurity. As of October 2026, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advises against all travel to North Kivu and South Kivu, among other areas. Virunga National Park also states that gorilla trekking and Nyiragongo volcano treks are closed until further notice. Travellers should consult current official advisories before making plans.

Here are five notable wildlife and nature destinations to know about when researching the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

1. Virunga National Park

Virunga National Park is one of Africa’s best-known conservation areas. Established in 1925, it is recognised as Africa’s oldest national park and became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.

Located in eastern DRC, Virunga protects an extraordinary range of habitats, including tropical forests, volcanic landscapes, wetlands and open savannah. This variety supports numerous mammals, birds and other wildlife.

Mountain gorilla conservation

Virunga is internationally recognised for its endangered mountain gorillas. These great apes inhabit forested mountain slopes, where conservation teams have worked to protect gorilla families and their habitat.

A mountain gorilla encounter can be one of Africa’s most memorable wildlife experiences. Visitors who trek with gorillas learn about their social behaviour, family relationships and the conservation work required to protect them.

However, gorilla trekking should not be advertised as currently available in Virunga. The park’s official tourism website states that gorilla and Nyiragongo treks are closed until further notice.

Nyiragongo Volcano

Mount Nyiragongo is an active volcano known for its steep-sided crater and historically significant lava lake. Its dramatic volcanic landscape has made it a famous destination for adventure travellers.

The volcano is an important geographical feature of the Virunga region, but access for hiking must not be assumed. Check the park’s official notices and current travel advice before considering a visit.

Is Virunga National Park open to tourists?

Virunga remains a major conservation area, but the existence of wildlife and tourism facilities does not mean that every activity is available or safe. North Kivu is subject to severe security warnings, and the park has announced the closure of gorilla and Nyiragongo treks until further notice.

2. Kahuzi-Biega National Park

Kahuzi-Biega National Park is one of the DRC’s most important protected areas for eastern lowland gorillas, also known as Grauer’s gorillas. These gorillas are different from mountain gorillas and are endemic to the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The UNESCO-listed park covers more than 600,000 hectares and protects a wide range of habitats, from lowland tropical rainforest to montane forest and bamboo vegetation.

Eastern lowland gorilla trekking

The eastern lowland gorilla is the largest living gorilla subspecies. Compared with mountain gorillas, these animals inhabit different forest environments and have distinct ecological adaptations.

Where responsible tourism is operating and access is authorised, guided gorilla visits can help visitors learn about the species and the importance of protecting its forest habitat.

Gorilla trekking requires appropriate permits, trained guides and strict rules designed to reduce disturbance and the risk of disease transmission between humans and gorillas.

Forest wildlife and birdwatching

Kahuzi-Biega supports a rich variety of wildlife, including other primates, forest mammals and bird species. Its different elevations create diverse habitats and make the park important for biodiversity conservation.

The park is also significant to researchers and conservation organisations working to protect threatened species and maintain the ecological integrity of the Congo Basin and Albertine Rift landscapes.

Is Kahuzi-Biega suitable for a safari now?

Kahuzi-Biega is in South Kivu, where the UK FCDO advises against all travel as of October 2026. This makes it essential to distinguish the park’s conservation value from its current suitability for tourism. Do not plan a visit based solely on an old itinerary, tour listing or permit offer.

3. Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage

Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage, also known as the Senkwekwe Centre, is a mountain gorilla conservation facility associated with Virunga National Park in the Rumangabo area.

The centre cares for orphaned mountain gorillas that cannot simply be released into the wild without considering their welfare, social needs and chances of survival. Its work highlights the challenges involved in rescuing and caring for young gorillas affected by poaching, conflict and other human pressures.

Why Senkwekwe Centre is important

Mountain gorillas depend on long-term conservation efforts, including habitat protection, veterinary care, ranger patrols and community engagement. Orphan care is a specialised part of that broader work.

The centre also draws attention to the wider threats facing great apes. Illegal wildlife trafficking, habitat loss and insecurity can undermine conservation efforts and make the protection of individual animals especially difficult.

It is important to distinguish Senkwekwe’s residents from the eastern lowland gorillas found in Kahuzi-Biega National Park. Senkwekwe is associated with orphaned mountain gorillas, not eastern lowland gorillas.

Can visitors tour Senkwekwe Centre?

The centre is located in the Virunga region, where severe security restrictions apply. Do not assume that visits are available or that independent travel to Rumangabo is safe. Contact the park through its official channels and review current government travel advice before considering any visit.

For more background, read Epic Uganda Vacation’s Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage guide.

4. Lake Kivu

Lake Kivu is a large freshwater lake in the Albertine Rift, shared by the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda. Its scenery includes green hills, lakeside communities, islands and striking views across the water.

The lake is known for its beautiful landscapes and its importance to the surrounding communities. Depending on the location and prevailing conditions, lake-based activities may include sightseeing, boat excursions and cultural experiences.

Lakeside scenery and local culture

Lake Kivu offers a different experience from a conventional wildlife safari. Rather than focusing primarily on large mammals, visitors may explore lakeside settlements, observe daily life around the water and appreciate the region’s distinctive scenery.

On the Rwandan side, established tourism areas include Rubavu, also known as Gisenyi, and parts of the western lakeshore. Activities and access should still be checked locally before travelling.

Important safety distinction

The lake is shared by two countries, but their tourism conditions should not be treated as identical. The eastern DRC shoreline includes areas affected by the security situation in North Kivu and South Kivu. As of October 2026, the UK FCDO advises against all travel to both provinces.

Do not recommend the DRC side of Lake Kivu as a safe destination without current, location-specific evidence. Travellers considering a lakeside holiday should review the latest official advice for the precise destination and route. Rwanda’s lakeside tourism areas require separate checks under Rwanda’s own travel guidance.

5. Lola ya Bonobo Sanctuary

Lola ya Bonobo, located near Kinshasa, is a sanctuary dedicated to the rescue, care and conservation of bonobos. Bonobos are great apes found naturally only in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The sanctuary provides care for bonobos affected by the illegal wildlife trade and supports conservation education. It is particularly significant because bonobos face threats from habitat loss, hunting and the capture of young animals for illegal trade.

Learn about bonobo behaviour

Bonobos are closely related to chimpanzees, but they have their own social behaviours and ecological characteristics. Observing them in a managed sanctuary can help visitors understand their intelligence, family relationships and need for protection.

A responsible visit should prioritise animal welfare, follow sanctuary rules and avoid any activity that causes unnecessary stress to the animals.

Conservation and education

Lola ya Bonobo contributes to public awareness of the threats facing bonobos and the importance of protecting the forests on which wild populations depend. Its educational work also helps explain why wildlife trafficking harms individual animals as well as wider conservation efforts.

Planning a visit

Lola ya Bonobo is outside Kinshasa, in western DRC, rather than in the conflict-affected North Kivu or South Kivu provinces. Nevertheless, visitors should check current national travel advice, local security conditions, transport arrangements and the sanctuary’s visitor information before travelling.

Which DRC wildlife destination should you choose?

The best choice depends on the wildlife you hope to learn about, the type of landscape that interests you and, above all, the current security situation.

Destination	Main attraction	Important consideration
Virunga National Park	Mountain gorillas, volcanoes and diverse habitats	Gorilla and Nyiragongo treks are closed until further notice; North Kivu has severe travel warnings
Kahuzi-Biega National Park	Eastern lowland gorillas and rainforest biodiversity	Located in South Kivu, where all travel is currently advised against by the UK FCDO
Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage	Care of orphaned mountain gorillas	Located in the Virunga region; visitor access and security must be confirmed
Lake Kivu	Lakeside scenery, communities and water-based landscapes	Conditions differ between the DRC and Rwandan shores
Lola ya Bonobo Sanctuary	Bonobo conservation and education	Check official visiting arrangements and current national travel guidance

Is the Democratic Republic of the Congo good for a safari?

The DRC has exceptional wildlife and conservation value, particularly for travellers interested in rainforest ecosystems, rare primates and species that are less familiar than Africa’s savannah wildlife.

However, it is not appropriate to judge a destination only by its wildlife attractions. Security, road access, permit availability, medical support, insurance conditions and official park operations are essential considerations.

As of October 2026, the serious security warnings affecting eastern DRC mean that destinations such as Virunga, Senkwekwe and Kahuzi-Biega should not be marketed as straightforward safari options. The situation can change, so consult official advisories and park authorities before making travel arrangements.

Alternatives for gorilla trekking in East Africa

Travellers primarily interested in mountain gorillas may wish to research established gorilla trekking options in Uganda and Rwanda, subject to current official travel guidance and permit availability.

In Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is known for mountain gorilla trekking across its designated sectors. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park offers another mountain gorilla trekking location. Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is also internationally recognised for mountain gorilla experiences.

These are separate destinations with their own entry requirements, permit arrangements, prices and operating rules. Gorilla permits are limited, and availability must be confirmed for the intended travel dates.

Epic Uganda Vacation can help travellers research Uganda safari itineraries that combine gorilla trekking with chimpanzee tracking, wildlife viewing, birdwatching and cultural experiences. Every itinerary should be designed around confirmed availability, realistic travel times and current destination guidance.

Explore our Uganda safari options to learn more.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best wildlife destinations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo?

Virunga National Park, Kahuzi-Biega National Park, Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage, Lake Kivu and Lola ya Bonobo Sanctuary are notable places associated with wildlife, nature and conservation. Their current accessibility and suitability for tourism differ significantly.

Where can you see mountain gorillas in the DRC?

Virunga National Park is known for mountain gorillas. However, its official tourism website states that gorilla trekking is closed until further notice. Travellers should not book on the assumption that trekking is operating.

Where can you see eastern lowland gorillas?

Kahuzi-Biega National Park is internationally recognised for eastern lowland gorilla conservation. It is important to distinguish these gorillas from the mountain gorillas associated with Virunga and Uganda’s Bwindi and Mgahinga parks.

Is the DRC safe for tourists?

Safety varies by region, and serious security risks affect parts of the country. As of October 2026, the UK FCDO advises against all travel to North Kivu and South Kivu, among other provinces. Check your own government’s current travel advice before planning a trip.

Can I combine a DRC safari with Uganda or Rwanda?

Cross-border itineraries may be possible in some circumstances, but they depend on border operations, security, visa requirements, transport and the availability of tourism activities. Do not assume that a border crossing is open or that an eastern DRC itinerary can be completed as advertised. Confirm all arrangements with official authorities before booking.

Final thoughts

The Democratic Republic of the Congo holds some of Africa’s most important rainforest and great-ape conservation sites. Its mountain gorillas, eastern lowland gorillas, bonobos and diverse forest ecosystems make it a remarkable country for nature enthusiasts.

Yet responsible travel information must be honest about the difference between a destination’s conservation importance and its present accessibility. Check official travel advisories, park notices and visitor arrangements before making plans. Where eastern DRC is not suitable for travel, Uganda and Rwanda may offer alternative ways to experience mountain gorilla conservation, depending on current conditions and permit availability.