The Democratic Republic of Congo, also known as DR Congo or Zaire, is a large country in Central Africa with many national parks that remain largely untouched. The country has some of the richest wildlife areas in Africa. However, long periods of unrest have made travel to some regions difficult. Despite this, Congo remains one of the most important wildlife destinations on the continent.
DR Congo is the largest country in sub Saharan Africa by land area. The Congo River flows through much of the country. It is the deepest river in the world and the second largest by water volume after the Amazon. The river supports forests, wildlife, and local communities across the country.
Congo has a wide range of animals, birds, plants, and trees. It is the only country in the world that is home to all three gorilla species. These are western lowland gorillas, eastern lowland gorillas, and mountain gorillas. Some animal species found in Congo do not live anywhere else. The country also has two of Africa’s most active volcanoes located in Virunga National Park.
Below are some of the main national parks found in DR Congo and the Republic of Congo, also known as Congo Brazzaville.
Virunga National Park
Virunga National Park is the oldest national park in Africa. It was created in 1925 in eastern Congo. The park is known for its rich wildlife and landscapes.
Virunga has more than 2,000 plant species, many tree species, over 700 bird species, reptiles, amphibians, and nearly 200 mammal species. It is one of only three places in the world where visitors can trek mountain gorillas.
A gorilla trekking permit costs 400 USD. Each day, only eight healthy visitors aged 15 years and above are allowed to visit one gorilla family. Visitors spend one hour with the gorillas.
Chimpanzee tracking is also offered in the park. Visitors can also join chimpanzee habituation experiences, which may last a full day.
Virunga is home to Mount Nyiragongo and Mount Nyamuragira, the most active volcanoes in Africa. Mount Nyiragongo has the largest lava lake in the world. Both volcanoes can be hiked in one day.
Kahuzi Biega National Park
Kahuzi-Biega National Park was established in 1970 by Belgian conservationist Adrien Deschryver. The park is named after Mount Kahuzi and Mount Biega.
This park is home to eastern lowland gorillas, which are larger than mountain gorillas. Only a few gorilla families are habituated for tourism. Each morning, eight healthy visitors can go trekking with one gorilla family.
Mangroves National Park
Mangroves National Park is the only marine park in Congo. It protects mangrove forests near the mouth of the Congo River.
The park is home to endangered manatees, birds, hippos, crocodiles, snakes, and bushbucks. Visitors can take boat trips and explore the mangrove islands.
Odzala Kokoua National Park
Odzala-Kokoua National Park is located in Congo Brazzaville. It is one of Africa’s oldest parks and was declared a UNESCO biosphere reserve in 1977.
The park once had many western lowland gorillas, but Ebola greatly reduced their numbers. Wildlife includes elephants, buffaloes, forest hogs, bongos, monkeys, chimpanzees, and African golden cats.
Maiko National Park
Maiko National Park is located in eastern Congo. It was protected in 1949 and became a national park in 1970.
Illegal mining and poaching have affected wildlife numbers. Animals found here include eastern lowland gorillas, okapis, Congo peafowls, forest elephants, chimpanzees, and golden cats.
Lomami National Park
Lomami National Park was created in 2016 and is one of the newest parks in Congo.
Wildlife includes bonobos, okapis, lesulas, Congo peafowls, forest elephants, and several monkey species such as dryas monkeys and De Brazza monkeys. Poaching and illegal trade remain major threats.
Upemba National Park
Upemba National Park is found in southeastern Congo. The park has forests, wetlands, rivers, lakes, and mountains.
The area once held a large ancient lake and contains many archaeological sites. Wildlife includes baboons, oribis, and zebras. Fishing is common, with many people depending on the lakes.
Kundelungu National Park
Kundelungu National Park is located in the Katanga region. It was created in 1970.
The park is famous for Lofoi Falls, the highest waterfall in Africa at 384 meters. Wildlife includes leopards, buffaloes, lions, zebras, cheetahs, jackals, and antelope species.
Garamba National Park
Garamba National Park was created in 1938. It once had many elephants, northern white rhinos, and giraffes.
Poaching has reduced animal numbers. Today, the park still supports elephants, lions, hyenas, buffaloes, giraffes, and many bird species.
Salonga National Park
Salonga National Park is Africa’s largest rainforest national park. It covers about 36,000 square kilometers.
There are no roads in the park. Travel is done by boat. Wildlife includes bonobos, okapis, pangolins, forest elephants, leopards, hippos, and crocodiles.
Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park
Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park is located in northern Congo Brazzaville.
The park is home to western lowland gorillas and the Baka people. Visitors can enjoy forest walks, bird watching, fishing in the Sangha River, and wildlife viewing.
Most of Congo is covered by thick rain-forest, so domestic flights are often used to reach remote areas. The best time to visit is during the dry season, when roads are easier to use. During the rainy season, four wheel drive vehicles are required because many roads become difficult to travel.
