1. Mountain Gorillas in Congo
Congo wild Mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park (Congo’s most visited national park) are among the main attractions in the Republic of Congo. They are beautiful humanlike giants living in higher altitudes above 8,000-13,000ft elevation. Humans and gorillas are almost related in behaviors. Scientists have proven that the Gorillas share 98% of human DNA and they also live in families led by a dominant silverback male gorilla.
Travelers on Congo safari tours interested in seeing Gorillas up close should undertake gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park- a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the misty jungle with armed park rangers who protect you, you’ll encounter a mountain gorilla group and watch these cool giants feeding, young gorillas playing, mothers grooming infants to mention but a few.
Visitors who plan to track Mountain in Congo should book gorilla trekking permits at least 3-4 months before they travel for their trip. Congo gorilla permits are limited and we advise you to visit in dry months when rains are minimal.
Note that, in the last 2 decades, these gentle giants in Congo used to face great threats from pet trade, human-wildlife conflict, and even poaching as nationals looked for bush meat. Today, great conservation efforts are applied and their population is growing gradually.
2. Eastern Lowland Gorillas in Kahuzi Biega National Park
Within East Africa, only the Congo Republic holds the Grauer’s gorilla species.
These Gorillas in Kahuzi Beiga National Park- (a UNESCO World Heritage site) are almost similar to Mountain gorillas but, these two gorilla species are different. Eastern lowland gorillas live in lowland tropical rainforests.
In terms of size, Kahuzi Biega National Park Eastern lowland gorillas are bigger than the Mountain gorillas in Virunga park. However, note that a Mountain gorilla has much coarse hair than their cousins since they live in a cold misty natural habitat.
On your visit in the Democratic Republic of Congo, It’s possible to do both Mountain gorilla trekking and Eastern lowland gorilla tracking expeditions.
3. Other Wildlife Species in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Congo attractions extend beyond gorillas in Kahuzi Beiga & Virunga park. On your visit in this vast country- the Democratic Republic of Congo, be expectant to see numerous amazing wildlife including even the rare endemic animal life which you can’t spot during game viewing safaris in Kenya or Tanzania!
In the rain forests of DRC, you’ll see; Salonga monkeys, Black and white colobus monkeys, Olive baboons, Chimpanzees, Red-tailed monkeys, Tshuapa red colobus monkeys, Central African Red colobus, Bonobos, and Mona monkeys, among others.
Apart from primate species, lucky travelers during nature walks in the rainforest can also spot; African Forest Elephants, Giraffes, Buffalos, elusive Okapi, Lions, and several Antelope species. Some of the national parks to see these animals include; Garamba National Park, Maiko National Park, Salonga National Park, Okapi Wildlife Reserve, and Virunga park- one of the popular UNESCO World Heritage Sites in DRC and among the oldest national parks in Africa.
4. Mount Nyiragongo Volcano
Mount Nyiragongo 3,470m above sea level is one of the most active volcanoes in Africa. This stunning stratovolcano is located within Virunga park in Albertine Rift about 12km north of Goma Town & Lake Kivu in the west of Rwanda.
Nyiragongo volcano has erupted for over 34 times since 1882. The last violent eruption of Mount Nyiragongo was in 2021 May and today, eruptions are still occurring at the summit within the crater.
While undertaking the Democratic Republic of Congo tours, the best way to explore Nyiragongo active volcano is by undertaking the Mount Nyiragongo hike. The hike to Nyiragongo summit takes approximately 4-6 hours depending on the hiker’s pace!
As you visit Mount Nyiragongo Volcano, don’t leave behind a camera to take photos while at the summit enjoying the glowing views of the boiling lava crater lake. The scenery of the pristine wilderness as you hike is also superb.
5. Nyamuragira Volcano
Just like Mount Nyiragongo, Nyamuragira volcano is also another active mountain in Virunga Mountains in Virunga park.
Located 25 kilometers north of Lake Kivu in the Eastern Congo, this active shield volcano is supposedly the most erosive in all of Africa. Since 1885, Nyamuragira has erupted approximately 40 times. It most recently erupted in May of 2021, January 2010, and November 2011.
On top of Mount Nyamuragira, you’ll find a lava crater lake that’s always bubbling with hot gases and fumes. Depending on your pace, the hikes can take around 4 hours.
6. Bird Species in Congo
Birds are also one of the main attractions in the Democratic Republic of Congo. During a trip in Congo, be expectant to spot numerous amazing bird species and within this country, around 1,185 birds have been recorded including exotic birds. This number includes some Central African birds and Ituri Forest species that are not easily seen in other East African countries.
Common birds in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to look out for include; Black casqued hornbills, Yellow-bellied hyliota, Congo peafowl, Pimping Hornbills, Western Nicator, Congo’s Serpent Eagle, White-bellied kingfisher, White-thighed hornbill, etc.
A number of the mentioned birds in the Democratic Republic of Congo are spotted in national parks such as; Virunga park, & Kahuzi- a stunning park with two extinct volcanoes.
7. The Legendary Congo River
Ending African safaris in the Democratic Republic of Congo without exploring the Congo River basin is an incomplete vacation! In terms of total water discharge, the Congo River is second only to the Amazon River in terms of size, and it is also the deepest river in the world.
The Congo River is easily explored while on a day trip from Kinshasa- the largest city in DRC.
Democratic Republic of Congo River is best explored by undertaking a boat ride down the river. If lucky, during the boat cruise on the River Congo, you can spot rare species including the African slender snouted crocodile.
8. Lake Kivu
On your holiday trip in the Democratic Republic of Congo, you should never miss exploring Lake Kivu. This beautiful lava-dammed lake can be visited after gorilla trekking or Nyiragongo hiking tours to relax.
Visitors on Lake Kivu can enjoy Island hopping, swimming, kayaking, and canoeing adventures. There are no bilharzia or hippos in Lake Kivu, thus swimming is safe.
Sport fishing is also possible on Lake Kivu! Nile Tilapia is the main fish caught.
Biega National Park, Okapi Wildlife Reserve, and even Garamba National Park- a scenic protected area with incredible biodiversity.
More Congo Attractions for Tourists on Congo Safari Tours
The following are more Democratic Republic of the Congo attractions to explore on your vacation;
- Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla Orphanage Center– the Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage is the only mountain gorilla orphanage center on Earth. This conservation education center is also a rehab for Eastern lowland gorilla orphans.
- Historical buildings in the city– among the prominent historical buildings in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is the chapel of the American Baptist Missionary Society as well as and Roman Catholic Cathedral.
- Marche Central market– this is the main market in Kinshasa city (Palais de la nation) – Congo’s Capital city. In Marche Central Market, you’ll get a chance to interact with local people as they do their daily economic activities and buy some delicious fruits including pineapples, Oranges, and beautiful Congolese fabrics.
- Lola Ya Bonobo- a sanctuary for orphaned chimps near Kinshasa city
- Livingstone waterfalls– on the lower course of River Congo- the world’s deepest river
- The snake farm– situated around 28km from the city center holds both incredible venomous and non-poisonous snakes
- Congo Museums– for example, the National Museum of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Kinshasa City
- Kinshasa Botanical Gardens– a magnificent botanical with over 286 species of plants including an arboretum of native species & a herbarium.
- Lualaba River in eastern DRC
Best Time to Visit Congo Africa
Visitors can travel to the Democratic Republic of Congo at any time of year but, dry months offer the best gorilla trekking tours in Congo.
From June to September and again from December to February, Congo experiences its dry season. Trails for gorilla tracking and hikes up Mount Nyiragongo tend to be drier and easier to traverse during these months, while small rains can still be an annoyance since this country holds many tropical rainforests.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo experiences its rainiest months from March to May and September to November. Normally, in the wet season, lodges offer discounts to tourists, so if you’re on a budget, you should plan your vacation in the wet season.
The Best Packing List for Congo Tour Vacation
As you visit the Democratic Republic of Congo to amazing attractions, you should pack the following;
- Insect repellent having at least 50% DEET
- Hiking boots- ideal for exploring Mount Nyiragongo or during gorilla tracking expeditions
- Long-sleeved shirts and pants
- A camera
- Binoculars
- Medical kit with simple essential drugs including Malaria medication
- Sunglasses and sunscreens
- Cosy fur coat
- Sandals for a night-time stroll
- Items for personal hygiene
- Raincoat
- Travel documents such as passport, and Yellow fever certificate.
Main Hotels in Congo Africa to Use on Your Visit
Travelers intending to explore tourist attractions in the Democratic Republic of Congo shouldn’t be bothered with where they will stay on their vacation. There are numerous lodges in Congo for you- including budget, standard, and luxury hotels.
Below are some of the best Congo hotels;
- Mikeno Lodge
- Tchegera Island Tented Camp
- Bukima Tented Camp
- Kibumba Lodge and Tented Camp
FAQs About Congo Tourism Attractions
1. What is Congo Most Famous For?: What Is Congo Republic Known For?
The Democratic Republic of Congo is famous for gorillas. Within this vast country covered mostly in tropical rainforests, you can track two gorilla subspecies; the Mountain gorilla and the Lowland gorillas- Grauer’s gorillas. Also, this country (DRC) is common for its Mount Nyiragongo a wonderful volcano with a boiling lava lake on its summit.
2. What Is a Famous Landmark in the Republic of Congo?
Mount Nyiragongo is among the most famous landmarks in the DRC. This volcano and Nyamuragira are the 2 active volcanoes in the Virunga Mountains and on your vacation, it’s okay to explore both and witness the boiling lava lake.
The Congo River is also a remarkable landmark in the Democratic Republic of Congo. DRC’s Garamba National Park holds one of the highest forest Elephant populations in Africa.
3. Why Do Tourists Visit the Congo? : Is Congo Good For Tourists?
DRC has various unique and amazing attractions, for example, the Gorillas and Mount Nyiragongo- a volcano with the world’s biggest lava-boiling lake. It’s worth visiting DRC!
4. Is Congo Safe for Tourists? : Is It Safe to Visit the Congo?
99% of all our African safaris in Congo have ended successively. In the past, the Democratic Republic of the Congo has been going through numerous civil wars but its government and other neighboring countries are doing their best to see that peace prevails back in this country. Today, there is peace in DRC and tourists can explore this country safely.
We shall assign you an experienced private guide who will transfer you to all destinations in DRC. The popular parks include; Virunga park, Kahuzi Beiga, Maiko National Park, Salonga National Park, and Garamba National Park- one the popular UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Congo.
In conclusion, there is a great deal to see in the Congo; nevertheless, this article has examined the top Congo attractions that you should see during your visit. Mount Nyiragongo, the Lowland Gorillas of Kahuzi Biega National Park, and the Gorillas Beringei Beringei of Virunga National Park are among the most important.
If you plan to visit Congo for a remarkable adventure holiday in East Africa, reach our friendly team with any inquiries about Congo safari tours.
