A safari in Congo takes to one of the most amazing tours in Africa with rich natural forests. Bordering D.R.C are other African states including Uganda, Burundi, Zambia, Tanzania, The Central African Republic, South Sudan, Angola, and The Republic of Congo. The D.R. Congo is a rich African country and also untapped destination with diverse resources and attractions.
Aside from the rich minerals like oil, gold and diamonds, the D.R. Congo boasts of its abundant wildlife –offering refuge to all the big five (5) game. Here are some of the amazing attractions in Congo;
Diverse wildlife
Congo protects some of the world’s unique faunal species. Some of the rare wildlife species that survive in the jungles of the D.R. Congo include the bonobos (pygmy chimpanzees), Eastern lowland gorillas (Grauer’s gorillas), mountain gorillas, okapis and bongo. There are also over 1000 bird species, wild pigs, buffaloes, elephants, jackals, cheetahs, hyenas, rhinos, leopards, and others.
Birds of D.R. Congo include the Congo peafowl, African openbilll, cassin’s honey bird, red-billed dwarf hornbill, hammerkops, Eurasian curlew, bar-tailed godwit, fulvous whistling ducks, African wood owl, African fish eagle, papyrus gonoleks, Eurasian reed warbler, Wahlberg’s honey guide, Rwenzori double-collared sunbird, Kivu ground thrush, Mountain masked apalis, Rwenzori turacos, Shelley’s crimson wings, blue-headed sunbird, Archer’s ground robin, handsome spur fowl, red-faced woodland warblers, to mention but a few.
Virunga National Park
The Virunga National Park –this is Africa’s oldest park, created in 1925 and is officially recognized among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the D.R. Congo. Originally, the present Virunga was established as Albert National Park. Together with Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, they were founded in the same year.
The Virunga National Park spans over the land area coverage of 7800sq.km and has altitude range of 680m (around the Semliki river valley area) to 5109m (the Rwenzori Mountain ranges). This park falls within the Virunga Region, the region that also covers Uganda’s spectacular Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Volcanoes National Park.
Within the various habitats of Virunga N/Park, there are myriad of wildlife exploring on Congo safaris. The park’s diverse habitats encompasses over 218 species of mammals, 78 species of amphibian, 109 species of reptiles, 706 species of birds and others. The different primates that exist within this park include mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, chimpanzees, Central African red colobus monkeys, Olive baboons, Blue monkeys, Red-tailed monkeys, Grey-cheeked mangabeys, Hamlyn’s monkeys,
Other wildlife species include hippos, elephants, okapis, lions, leopards, yellow-backed duikers, aardvark, giant forest hogs, Uganda Kobs, bay duikers, African buffaloes, harnessed bushbucks, Weyns’s duikers, Nile crocodile and more.
While in the Virunga National Park, expect to have the best of gorilla trekking, Mount Nyiragongo hiking experience (other significant Virunga volcanoes within the Virunga Park include Nyamuragira and Mikeno) and birding.
Lake Kivu
Lake Kivu is a natural feature formed following the effect of volcanic eruption dating back to about 35 million years ago. This is one of the largest freshwater lakes in Africa and boasts of its irresistible beauty. At Lake Kivu, expect to enjoy the best of guided hikes, kayaking, boat ride and chilling at the beach area.
Scenic Waterfalls
Boyoma waterfalls –The Boyoma Falls also formerly referred to as Stanley waterfalls, a collection of 7 waterfalls with each measuring about 5m high. These scenic waterfalls are located along the Lualaba River. Surrounding Boyoma falls is the Wagenya tribe, a group that is also well-known for using ancient methods of fishing (baskets), the fishing method that has been also passed on from generation to generation. The falls boasts of its breathtaking views and sheer of beauty. A visit to these waterfalls can be combined with a tour in the Wagenya tribe.
Zongo Falls –A visit to the spectacular Zongo Falls is a remarkable opportunity to witness one of Congo’s natural wonder. A tour to this waterfall is an incredible escape to bustling Kinshasa city. Below the falls, you can swim.
Livingstone waterfalls –Formed by a series of huge rapids located in the Congo River. This natural wonder starts from Malebo pool to Bas-Congo (Matadi). The Livingstone waterfall takes its name from David Livingstone, the popular British explorer.
Mount Nyiragongo
Situated a few kilometers off from the D.R. Congo border, Nyiragongo Volcano stands at an elevation range of 3470m. This is one of the Virunga Mountains and known to have recorded multiple eruptions.
Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage
The Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage is an ideal spot worth considering on your Congo safari. The orphanage centre lies not far from Mikeno Lodge and is the only orphanage where you can find the massive mountain gorillas. It is also a rehabilitation centre for the Eastern lowland gorillas.
Senkwekwe also plays a part as rehabilitation and conservation education center. The orphanage site takes its name from the massive Senkwekwe silverback gorilla that was killed by poachers while in his attempt to protect his family and also to recover an infant the animal traffickers had captured.
The Congo River
The Congo River (Zaire River) features among the world’s deepest rivers with depth measuring up o 220m and is also recognized as the 2nd longest river on African continent. It passes via the world’s 2nd biggest tropical rainforest and is an iconic attraction of its own. The Congo River supports a total of 713 fish species, hippos, crocodiles, birds and beautiful waterfalls. More than 40 power plants have been built on this river alone.
Cave Exploration
Cave exploration should be a must –do on Congo safari. The different caves to consider for exploration include the Dimba cave which features evidence of human activity and artifacts that date back to the stone age era. The Matupi cave located in Ituri forest, home to abundant floral and faunal species. Others include Kakanda malachite caves, Thysville caves and more.
Lola Ya Bonobo
Lola Ya Bonobo (AAC Sanctuary Bonobo Sanctuary), originally found in the heart of Kinshasa. Its name was changed to the present Lola Ya Bonobo and so was its location from Kinshasa to Kimwenza just outside Kinshasa. This tourist site is ideal for primate lovers on Congo tour, especially if you are interested in exploring in depth more about the pygmy chimpanzees.
What else to expect on Congo safari; the delicious Congolese food, visit Kisangani, explore Idjwi Island, Maiko National Park, Kahuzi-Biega National Park, Okapi Wildlife Reserve, Salonga National Park, Lomako-Yokokala Faunal Reserve and Garamba National Park, etc.