Congo Tours, Gorilla Trekking Adventures & Hiking Tours in Congo

Guide for Congo safaris 2023/2024

In the heart of Africa lies the second largest country officially known as the Democratic Republic of Congo though it also goes by the acronym DRC. Besides having a coastline that is 40km long kissing the Atlantic Ocean, the country is still regarded as a landlocked country.

It's surrounded by South Sudan and the Central African Republic in the North, Zambia and Angola in the South, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi in the East and its sister country Congo (Brazzaville), Angolan exclave Cabinda and the short Atlantic coastline in the West.

Congo was colonized by both the French and Belgians and attained its independence in 1960, it was once governed by Mobutu Sese Seko who changed its name to Zaire meaning “great river” in most African languages, renaming aimed to attach an African feel to the country's name however this was later changed to its current name after his overthrow in 1997.

Both names refer to the Congo basin which largely covers most parts of Congo.

The country's geographical features include world's major water drainage system which is the Congo basin and river, mountain ranges such as Mount Nyiragongo found within Virunga ranges that stretch across Uganda, Rwanda and DRC.

It also hosts western arm of the Great East African Rift Valley that includes lakes like Albert, Tanganyika and Kivu. This area is one of the highest with mountains like Mitumba.

There are plateaus in the South within Katanga province and these stretch to the North near Lukunga River where you will find the Bia mountains.

There is a coastal plateau in the west and it is home to the Cristal mountains, narrow and short coastal plain is between the Cristal mountains and Atlantic Ocean. Due to beautiful topography of this country, the Congo River drains its waters into vast Atlantic Ocean.

Having one of the largest forest reserves in Africa, D.R. Congo is blessed with both grasslands and woodlands that contribute to its tropical vegetation, with the existence of Congo basin, it is largely covered by equatorial rain forests that comprise trees that are 40-50 meters high.

Mountainous areas are covered with bamboo thickets as the plateaus and plains have grasslands.

The vegetation is fit for existence of various animal species such as birds like Congolese Peafowl, primates like monkeys, chimpanzees and the most sought-after gorillas. It is only Congo that has both lowland and mountain gorillas.

A special species of dwarf/pygmy chimpanzees known as bonobos is also only found in this country not forgetting the big 5 animals too.

Rich vegetation has favored formation of national parks including Virunga National Park, one of the oldest parks in Africa, it's also among the many UNESCO World Heritage Sites within the country and other sites are Kahuzi-Biega National Park near lake Kivu bordering Rwanda which is a great destination for those craving for more African wilderness and Salonga National Park known for its dense forest amongst many other forest reserves.

D.R. Congo is one of the most densely populated countries and this is attributed to its large size unlike Nigeria. Its Capital Kinshasa is the most populated city in Africa with over 14 million people.

Its food and culture are much influenced by her former colonialists who were the French and Belgians, this makes Kinshasa the second largest French-speaking city in Africa.

Food is mainly composed of French cuisines mainly composed of mayonnaise that is mixed with other foods like meat, peas etc. Congolese music is mainly sung in French with popular artists like Kofi Olamide, Papa Wemba and Franco Luambo.

There is also an interesting tribe – the Mbuti Pygmies who still live like they did 10,000 years ago, get to interact with them and see how they live despite the changing times. You can even stay with them for over a week and you'll have stories to tell for a lifetime.

The tropical climate within Congo is composed of rains and a lot of sunshine, therefore you can visit any time of the year but lots of focus is during the dry spells when rains are limited like between June to September.

Congo Gorilla Trekking in Virunga National Park

One of the most sought-after primates in the world, mountain gorillas are about 90% similar to humans in terms of behavior and DNA. Virunga has 10 habituated groups of gorillas and therefore you can have a close encounter with them.

The difficulty of trekking gorillas comes along with how far they are located, but generally this activity is easy to do and one of the cheapest in the region with permits bought at only $400.

Trekking is done very early in the morning hours and can last for about 2-7 hours. A limited number of people is only allowed to meet gorillas and it is usually 8 people per day.

Hiking Mount Nyiragongo Volcano

An active volcano found near Virunga National Park and holds the largest lava lake in the world at its summit. Its slopes are habitats to various animals such as monkeys, chimpanzees, birds and chameleons.

The journey towards the summit is therefore a beautiful one as you come across these beautiful animals.

This hike is said to be one of the hardest you'll ever come across but does have its rewards with the beautiful lava lake at the peak which is exciting as it's the largest of its kind in the world.

Mount Nyiragongo hike takes two days so be ready to spend the night at the summit just close to the boiling lava lake.

Community Tours in Congo

D.R. Congo is rich in culture, therefore visiting the communities should top your to-do list while here, visit areas such as the Marche Central market in Kinshasa, and get to buy some groceries if you are staying for long or just a souvenir to remember Congo by, there are lots of art pieces and Congolese cloths you can purchase.

You can also go to Kisangani, the third largest city in Congo, it has amazing structures with beautiful architecture like the Kisangani University, Catholic cathedral church and other physical features like Boyona waterfalls.

Walk around towns like Goma and taste some good delicacies prepared by the local restaurants.

Though it's one of the most insecure towns due to insecurity, the government is working to restore security in all parts of the country.