Unforgettable Congo Safari Tours: Explore Virunga & Beyond

In the heart of Africa lies the second largest country, officially known as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Despite having a 40km coastline on the Atlantic Ocean, it is still considered a landlocked country.

Surrounded by South Sudan, the Central African Republic to the north, Zambia and Angola to the south, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi to the east, and Congo (Brazzaville), Angolan exclave Cabinda, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west.

Congo, colonized by both the French and Belgians, gained independence in 1960. Once governed by Mobutu Sese Seko, the country was renamed Zaire, meaning “great river” in most African languages.

The name was later changed back to the Democratic Republic of Congo after Mobutu’s overthrow in 1997.

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

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

Plateaus in the south within Katanga province stretch to the north near the Lukunga River, where the Bia mountains are found.

The coastal plateau in the west is home to the Cristal mountains, and a narrow and short coastal plain lies between the Cristal mountains and the Atlantic Ocean.

Due to the beautiful topography of this country, the Congo River drains its waters into the 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.

The Congo basin is largely covered by equatorial rainforests with trees that are 40-50 meters high. Mountainous areas are covered with bamboo thickets, while the plateaus and plains have grasslands.

The vegetation is suitable for various animal species such as birds like the Congolese Peafowl, primates like monkeys and chimpanzees, and the most sought-after gorillas.

It is only in Congo that both lowland and mountain gorillas are found. A special species of dwarf/pygmy chimpanzees known as bonobos is also only found in this country, along with the big 5 animals.

The rich vegetation has favored the formation of national parks, including Virunga National Park, one of the oldest parks in Africa and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Other sites include Kahuzi-Biega National Park near Lake Kivu bordering Rwanda and Salonga National Park, known for its dense forest, among many other forest reserves.

D.R. Congo is one of the most densely populated countries due to its large size. Its capital, Kinshasa, is the most populated city in Africa with over 14 million people.

Its food and culture are much influenced by its former colonialists, the French and Belgians, making Kinshasa the second-largest French-speaking city in Africa.

Food mainly comprises French cuisine, with mayonnaise mixed with other foods like meat and peas. Congolese music, primarily sung in French, features popular artists like Kofi Olamide, Papa Wemba, and Franco Luambo.

There is also an interesting tribe, the Mbuti Pygmies, who still live as they did 10,000 years ago.

Visitors can interact with them and learn about their way of life despite changing times, even staying with them for over a week.

The tropical climate in Congo comprises rains and a lot of sunshine, making it a year-round destination, although the focus is on the dry spells between June and 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, allowing for close encounters.

Trekking gorillas depends on their location and can last 2-7 hours, with permits costing only $400.

Hiking Mount Nyiragongo Volcano

An active volcano near Virunga National Park, it holds the largest lava lake in the world at its summit.

Its slopes are home to various animals, making the hike to the summit a beautiful journey.

This challenging hike takes two days, with a night spent at the summit near the boiling lava lake.

Community Tours in Congo

D.R. Congo is rich in culture, making community visits a top activity. Visit areas such as the Marche Central market in Kinshasa for groceries or souvenirs.

Kisangani, the third-largest city, features beautiful architecture like the Kisangani University and Catholic cathedral church, along with Boyona waterfalls.

Towns like Goma offer delicious local delicacies. Despite insecurity in some areas, the government is working to restore safety throughout the country.