What Makes Congo A Unique Destination?

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is the largest and the most populous nation in Central Africa. Lying astride the Equator, the D.R. Congo is remarkably a unique gorilla safari destination in Africa. All the two sub-species of Eastern gorilla- Mountain gorillas and Eastern Lowland gorillas call the D.R. Congo a home making it a unique destination of its own.

Congo gorilla safaris and tours introduce tourists to the country’s 2 distinct destinations to enjoy gorilla trekking. Gorilla trekking in Congo is done in Virunga National Park and Kahuzi-Biega National Park, each park offering you a great opportunity to encounter a group of distinct gorillas.

In the Virunga National Park Congo, tourists get a chance to embark on a gorilla trekking adventure to see the endangered mountain gorillas in the wild. The UNESCO World Heritage Site lies in the Eastern side of D.R. Congo and forms part of the Virunga Conservation Area (VCA).

Virunga National Park

Located in the Eastern part of D.R. Congo, the Virunga National Park is Africa’s oldest wildlife safari park, founded in 1925. Virunga was originally established as Albert National Park until 1969 when its name was changed to presently Virunga National Park. Virunga National Park in Congo occupies over 7800sq.kms offering refuge to a section of the chain Virunga Volcanoes, several mammal species, reptiles, and bird species.

Mountain gorillas are without doubt Virunga National Park’s prime attractions and there are 8 habituated gorilla families already open for gorilla trekking. Virunga was designated a UNESCO Site in 1979 due to its ecological significance. Virunga National Park is an amazing destination to explore impressive species of wildlife including 22 primate species, 65 species of amphibians, 706 species of birds, 109 reptiles.

Virunga’s mammal species of interest to see while on Congo safari include buffaloes, hippos, blue duikers, lions, elephants, Kobs, topis, giant forest hogs, aardvark, bushbucks, okapis, warthogs, red river hogs, bay duikers and others. Other amazing primates worth keeping an eye on while on Congo safari in Virunga National Park include the olive baboons, Dents Mona monkeys, golden monkeys, red tailed monkeys, red colobus monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys.

Activities to do

Besides mountain gorilla trekking, Virunga National Park has other most exciting activities for tourists to engage in. They include chimpanzee habituation, guided nature walks, Nyiragongo hiking, birding, and others. The birds of interest at Virunga National Park include narrow-tailed starling, Madagascar bee-eaters, Ruwenzori turaco, grey throated barbet, fish eagles, and others.

Accommodation

There are different accommodation alternatives for everyone on safari in Virunga National Park to spend a night. They range from budget, mid-range to luxury options with the most popular lodges include Kibumba Tented Camp, Mikeno Lodge, Tchegera Island Camp, Lulimbi Tented Camp, Bukima Tented Camp.

Kahuzi-Biega National Park

Kahuzi-Biega National Park is set in the Eastern part of D.R. Congo just nearer to Bukavu Town along the Western bank of Lake Kivu and Rwanda border. This Congo safari park was established in 1970 and derives its name from 2 dormant volcanoes of Mount Kahuzi that rises up to 3308m and Mount Biega 2790m. Kahuzi-Biega National Park sits on an extensive 6000sq.kms of land area and it is remarkably one place where Eastern Lowland gorilla trekking is done.

In 1980, Kahuzi-Biega National Park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site considering its distinct biodiversity characterized by a lush rainforest and particularly, sheltering the Eastern Lowland gorillas. The park’s primary vegetation zones include swamp forests, bogs, bamboo, subalpine heather, montane forest and others.

Kahuzi-Biega National Park protects up to 136 species of mammals including several of Eastern Lowland gorillas. There are also over 350 bird species including 42 endemic species, 13 primate species. The other significant mammal species that thrive within Kahuzi-Biega National Park include buffaloes, elephants, and more.

Main activities to do in Kahuzi-Biega National Park

Lowland gorilla trekking

Eastern Lowland gorilla trekking is, without doubt, the main highlight of all safaris in Kahuzi-Biega National Park. About 5 gorilla families have been habituated for gorilla trekking in Kahuzi-Biega including Chimanuka, Mugahuka, Bonnani, Nganwa gorilla group families, and others. A complete trek to see lowland gorillas of Kahuzi-Biega takes from 1 hour to 6 hours and this is inclusive of one hour with them face to face. Kahuzi-Biega National Park like Virunga National Park are affordable gorilla trekking destinations with gorilla permits issued out at USD450 per person per trek.

Birding

Kahuzi-Biega National Park is a home to 450 species of birds making it a special birding destination of its own. The birds of interest for birders on Congo safaris include the Grauer’s broadbill, yellow-crested helmet shrike, African broadbill, Rwenzori turacos and others.

Volcano hiking

Volcano hiking in Kahuzi-Biega NP is best done on the two dormant volcanoes- Mount Kahuzi (3308m) and Biega (2790m). Hiking Mount Kahuzi takes about 3 to 4 hours and Biega, hikes can spend approximately 3 hours.

Climate

Other than unique gorilla species, Congo is also known for its distinct weather and climatic conditions. It is situated astride Equator, experiencing the most favorable conditions that make it an all year-round travel destination. There are 2 rainy seasons and 2 drier seasons that D.R. Congo enjoys- the dry season starting from June, July, August to September, and December, January to February.