Top Tourist Places in Congo to Explore on Your Luxury Congo Safaris

These places include;

1. Virunga National Park

Virunga NP- a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo is the oldest park in Africa established in 1925. It shares boundaries with Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and Mgahinga National Park of Uganda- all found in the Virunga Mountains.

Also, note that this protected area was originally called Albert NP but, this name was changed to the present day after Congo got its independence.

Its amazing biodiversity, in addition to Mountain gorillas and volcanoes, makes it the most notable park among the tourism destinations in Congo. The Okapi is one of the rare animals that call Virunga park home, along with Chimpanzees, Forest Elephant, Buffalos, Black Spotted Hyenas, Lions, Leopards, and Hippos.

Travelers on luxury Congo safaris in Virunga park are mostly interested in Mountain gorilla trekking and Nyiragongo Volcano. However, bird watching, and nature walks are memorable also.

There’s no Western lowland gorilla population in Virunga NP, these are found in the Congo Republic- the Congo Brazzaville.

2. Kahuzi Beiga National Park Congo

Nestled, near the Rwandan border and Lake Kivu, Kahuzi Beiga NP is famous for its Eastern Lowland gorillas. Two dormant volcanoes, Kahuzi and Biega, are the inspiration for the name. Kahuzi Beiga park’s terrain is adorned with these 2 volcanoes, which are linked by a brief stretch of forest.

In addition to other amazing wildlife species, this tropical rain forest protected area boasts over 400 Lowland gorillas- the largest primate species on earth. Some travelers confuse these great apes with Mountain gorillas but, the Eastern lowland gorillas dwell in lowland tropical rain forests. Mountain gorillas live in mountainous areas within the Albertine Rift Valley.

Also, you can spot the western lowland gorilla population within this protected area, you can spot them in other West African countries such as Cameroon and Congo Brazzaville.

3. Mount Nyiragongo Volcano in Congo Africa

It’s hard for tourists on luxury safaris in Congo to miss Nyiragongo hiking expeditions. Mt Nyiragongo is the most active volcano in Africa summited with a boiling lava lake at the summit- the world’s largest lava lake!

Mount Nyiragongo has erupted about 34 times since 1984, with the most recent being in May 2021. Hundreds of visitors defy their embassies’ security warnings and bad news every year in the hopes of being among the rare few to have witnessed a lava lake in person.

Several travelers on Congo luxury safaris in Virunga NP do both gorilla trekking and Nyiragongo hiking. Many begin with the hike and end with a gorilla trek.

4. Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage Center

Globally, Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage is the only gorilla sanctuary. This site is open to tourists and even volunteers. After seeing gorillas in their natural habitat, tourists who book a stay at the Mikeno Lodge can choose to explore the Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage for free.

A total of 7 individuals call this gorilla orphanage home. This lovely facility provides short-term rehabilitation for gorillas that are orphaned before returning them to their natural habitat.

The facility was named after a giant silverback, Senkwekwe. When Senkwekwe tried to defend his family and rescue a wildlife trafficker-kidnapped child, poachers killed him. His death and the capture of several baby gorillas led to the creation of this facility. The Center is in a forest, so primates can experience wild conditions.

There are no Western lowland gorillas in the Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage Center.

5. Odzala Kokoua National Park

Odzala Kokoua National Park is a biosphere reserve covering over 13500km2 of land within the northern side of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This multi-ecosystem park was established in 1935.

Congo’s Odzala National Park holds a varied landscape, which includes old-growth rainforest, hills up to 350m in height, dense vegetation, and several glades. Ecosystems in Odzala-Kokoua range from dry woodland to savannah to rain forests. In collaboration with the government of the Congo, African Parks oversees the park’s operations.

About 100 animal species are believed to dwell in Odzala Kokoua NP. Some of the common notable species include; Forest Elephant, Chimpanzees, Black crested mangabeys, Crested mona monkeys, black-and-white colobus, Giant forest hogs, and Spotted Hyenas, among many others. There is also a western lowland gorilla population here.

For avian lovers, Odzala NP holds about 440 bird species which are best spotted during game walks.

Game drives, nature walks, and birding are the main activities here. During game drives, visitors are always accompanied by a private guide.

Other places to explore in Congo by tourists on Congo luxury tours

• Lake Kivu
• Okapi Wildlife Reserve
• Salonga NP
• Explore Lola Ya Bonobo Sanctuary
• Maiko NP
• Garamba NP
• Museums & Historical Buildings in Kinshasa Capital City as well as flower markets in the nation’s capital
• Living stone waterfalls

Fun Things to Do in Congo Africa for Tourists on Congo Luxury Safari Trip

Despite the fact that there are various things to do in the Democratic Republic of Congo, travelers on luxury safaris in Congo are interested in the following;

1. Tracking Mountain Gorillas in Virunga Park Africa

Mountain gorilla trekking in Virunga NP is the topmost highlight for travelers on luxury Congo safari tours.

After the briefing about the gorilla tracking adventure, the real thrill of gorilla trekking will begin! Visitors will be assigned gorilla families to track and thereafter, trackers and armed rangers will accompany them in the misty beautiful jungle to search for the endangered Mountain gorillas.

The gorilla treks in Congo normally take approximately 2-8 hrs. While on the gorilla hike, expect to go through a challenging terrain under a canopy of the rain forest.

Finally, when tourists spot these mighty giants- (human cousins sharing 98% DNA), they will be allowed to stay in their presence for one hour taking photos and videos.

Gorilla tracking in Congo costs $400 and is open year-round.

2. Hiking Mount Nyiragongo Active Volcano in Congo Africa

Hiking an active volcano is a memorable adventure you should never miss out on when you visit the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Mount Nyiragongo rises over 3,470m above sea level and hikes to its summit normally take around 6 hours but, your pace determines. On reaching the summit of Nyiragongo Volcano, you’ll explore its incredible lava-boiling crater which is 1.3km in diameter. This is the largest crater lake in the world.

A number of tourists on Congo safaris spend a night on the summit of Mt Nyiragongo to enjoy the red glowing views of the magma in the crater.

Dry months especially- June- early September offer the best experience for Nyiragongo hiking tours.

Mount Nyiragongo hiking permits cost $300.

3. Lowland Gorilla Trekking in Kahuzi Biega

The experience of tracking Eastern lowland gorillas is almost similar to Mountain gorilla tracking expeditions. Also, this thrill starts early morning with a briefing and then you are allocated a gorilla family to track.

Just like gorilla safaris in Virunga NP, you should also put on jungle boots and have a rain jacket with you as undertake this adventure.

For gorilla tours in Congo, you should do both Mountain gorilla tracking and Eastern lowland gorilla treks to find out the difference between these two gorilla species in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Eastern lowland gorillas are larger!

In East Africa, the Democratic Republic of Congo is the only country where travelers can spot both Mountain gorillas and the Eastern lowland gorilla species.

4. Kayaking on Congo River

Kayaking on the Congo River is a great adventure for nature lovers on luxury Congo safari tours. As you kayak on the tranquil waters of the River Congo banks, you’ll get a chance to explore the second world’s most extensive river after the Amazon River.

As you explore the serene banks of the Congo River, it’s hard to miss out on colorful birds, Hippos, and even Crocodiles.

River Congo is the deepest river in Africa. It’s believed that this enormous can supply all the Hydro Electricity Power that is needed in Africa. Currently, around 40 power plants exist along Cover River.

An evening boat cruise on the Congo River offers wonderful views of the sunset.

5. Chimpanzee Trekking in Virunga Park

Although open for travellers in Virunga NP, Chimpanzee trekking is less known in the Democratic Republic of the Congo!

Chimp trekking tours in Virunga are organized in Rumangabo, just close to Virunga NP headquarters. Within this area, there is only one habituated chimpanzee group with about 12 members and the chance of spotting them is high.

The permits for tracking chimpanzees in Virunga NP costs about $100 for each person.

More interesting things to do in Congo;

• Bird watching in the Congo Basin
• Relax on Lake Kivu shores
• Explore Congo’s Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage Center
• Wildlife encounters in Garamba NP
• Enjoy Nature walks for instance in Virunga volcanoes- so ideal for any adventurous traveller on Congo tours.
• Explore the nightlife in Kinshasa Capital City. On your tour in Kinshasa capital, it’s possible to explore bars and nightclubs.

Best Time to Visit Congo for Luxury Congo Safari Tours

As experienced tour operators in organizing East African tours in Congo, we strongly suggest that you go on a vacation in the Democratic Republic of Congo during the dry season, which spans the months of January to February and June to early September.

Congo safaris for instance gorilla tours are amazing in the dry season as there will be always minimal rainfall inconveniences in this tropical rainforest country. The mentioned dry months are also the ideal months to explore destinations like Rwanda and Uganda.

Within this country, rain is received in most hours of the day in March-May and October-November. If you visit Congo in this period, most lodges normally give out discounts to travellers.

African Safari Packing List for Congo Luxury Safari Tours

Looking for what to pack for a safari in Congo on your vacation? Below is a list of all the items you need on your luxury tour in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, West Africa;

1. Safari clothes
2. Warm jumper
3. Travel documents including your passport & border crossing documents
4. Sun protection gears. Sunglasses, sunscreens, and a sunhat are the best
5. Hiking boots to protect your foot during the hiking expeditions
6. Rain jacket with a hood
7. Binoculars
8. A camera with  extra batteries
9. Insect repellant. Since the Democratic Republic of the Congo is a tropical rainforest country, it’s more likely to be prone to mosquitoes and other biting insects.
10. Personal toiletries
11. A simple medical kit
12. Your day packback
13. Sleeping bag. For travellers who will hike Nyiragongo volcano
14. Sandals for evenings while at your accommodation
15. A flashlight is ideal during night walks
16. Thermal socks- the most ideal for your foot in the jungle boot during the Nyiragongo hike.

Popular Luxury Hotels in Congo Africa for Tourists

The following are the best hotels in Congo for visitors on luxury safaris in Congo;

• Mikeno Lodge- a five star hotel
• Odzala Wilderness Camps
• Virunga Lodge
• Congo River Expeditions
• Ngaga Camp
• Mboko Camp- a five star facility
• Lango Camp

Some FAQs About Luxury Safaris in Congo Africa

1. How Much Does It Cost to Go Gorilla Trekking in Congo Africa?

Congo gorilla permits cost $400 for each traveler. This apply for both Kahuzi and Virunga NP. Book your gorilla tracking permit in advance for a successful trip to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

2. Does Congo Have Safaris?

Yes, there are several amazing expeditions in DRC. To mention but a few, on your visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo, you can track Mountain gorillas, hike Mount Nyiragongo active volcano, cruise on the Congo River, do bird watching, and game viewing in Odzala Kokoua National Park, and even Chimpanzee trekking tours, etc.

3. Can Tourists Go to the Congo?

Why not? Every year, thousands of travelers undertake African safaris to Congo to explore the incredible less discovered beauty and landforms in this country. Numerous travelers from all over the globe visit the Democratic Republic of the Congo to track gorillas and hike Mount Nyiragongo active volcano to witness its boiling lava crater lake.

4. What Is Congo Famous For?

The Democratic Republic of the Congo Brazzaville is famous for its gorilla species and even Mount Nyiragongo- Africa’s most active volcano that holds a boiling lava crater lake on the summit. If you visit Republic of Congo, you can also tour the world’s only gorilla sanctuary- Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage plus other wilderness areas such as; Maiko, Garamba NP, and Okapi Wildlife Reserve plus other destinations.

Western lowland gorillas also reside in Congo Odzala NP.

5. Is Congo Safe to Visit? – Is DRC Safe for Safaris?

This is a common worry among tourists who visit Republic of the Congo. The fear rises due to numerous political fights among the numerous rebel groups in this immense country. However, the good news is that peace talks have been conducted and there’s hope for peace in Congo.

Hundreds of visitors who have taken African safaris in Congo have ended their trips well. We advise you to book your vacation with a knowledgeable travel agent and follow always Congo travel tips.

6. What Language is Spoken in Congo Africa?

Since Congo was a French colony, French is the official language of the Democratic Republic of Congo and it’s widely used in education and even in offices. Further, note that the Republic of Congo is a multi-lingo destination with over 200 languages spoken.

The other national languages in Congo include; Swahili, Lingala, Kituba, and Tshiluba.

In Summary, luxury tour holidays in Congo offers a notable holiday vacation for tourists planning to explore Democratic Republic of the Congo. DR Congo is the right destination for adventure travelers with an interest in lifetime expeditions such as gorilla tracking and hiking an active volcano to witness the boiling lava crater lake.

Talk to our experienced specialist for Congo tours for details about African luxury safaris in Congo.