The wildlife in DR Congo is unmatched. The country is home to some rare and unique animal species, including bonobo monkeys, okapis, eastern lowland and mountain gorillas, as well as the Congolese peafowl.
This country is naturally gifted with a variety of natural resources. With more than 15 different natural riches sighted in the country, the uranium used to fabricate the first atomic bombs came from DR Congo. Apart from uranium, other breathtaking riches like gold, oil, and diamonds are found in different areas of the country.
DR Congo’s culture is fantastic and worth exploring further. The famous Mbuti pygmies, who have lived for over 10,000 years, can be met by those who visit the country. Visitors can opt for a week’s stay with these pygmies to explore the Congolese equatorial forests and learn more about the culture of these legendary individuals.
Engage in hiking any of the challenging mountains in the Virunga region. Watching magma boil on top of the mountain and seeing dark plumes of smoke visible even from a distance are worth experiencing, as Mountain Nyiragongo is an active volcano with the world’s largest lava lake.
Mountain gorilla trekking is more affordable in DR Congo compared to the other two countries blessed with these globally endangered mountain gorillas. This country offers the least expensive gorilla trekking permits compared to destinations like Uganda and Rwanda. Gorilla trekking safaris are undertaken in the great Virunga National Park and Kahuzi-Biega National Park.
Explore tantalizing Congolese cuisine. The delicacies of Congo are greatly influenced by their long-time colonialists – the French and Belgians. Mayonnaise is popular in their dishes, and visitors shouldn’t miss experiencing a blend of both continental and local cuisines while in the country. You can also indulge in other cuisines like Indian, Chinese, and Lebanese dishes.
The country not only boasts the huge mountain gorillas but also takes pride in having eastern lowland gorillas. While in Kahuzi-Biega, tourists get to enjoy rare views offered by these infrequent apes.
Get up close to the world’s second-largest river system, the River Congo. It is worth exploring as it’s the second deepest river in the world after the Amazon, and it hosts a variety of species including over 713 fish species, crocodiles, hippos, birds, and waterfalls, among others. The river is so vast that around 40 power plants have been constructed along its course.
Is it safe to visit DR Congo?
The park has efficiently trained and well-equipped park rangers and military personnel who are armed to accompany tourists. Therefore, the park management is always ready to ensure the safety of visitors at all costs.
Those wishing to visit the park should not arrange personal trips but should instead arrange a tour in DR Congo with a local tour company that has updated information and can offer informed decisions regarding safety and security in the country.
Visitors are picked up by park patrols from Goma, unlike tourists who risk finding their own way to the park without considering security.
Visitors who wish to be intrigued by the beauty of Virunga National Park should access the park through its safest route, traveling from Kigali and connecting by road to Gisenyi town, then crossing over to the park headquarters at Bukima through the Goma border point.
Kahuzi-Biega National Park is safe for tourists in DR Congo
Kahuzi-Biega National Park is one of the safest areas compared to Virunga National Park due to its location in the Bukavu region, which has not been affected by rebel acts as has been the case in other Congolese parks.
The borders of Kahuzi-Biega National Park are regularly patrolled, and there is efficient communication between individuals in the local community and park regulators to ensure that no intruders access the park. If they do, immediate action is taken.
Visitors who flock to Kahuzi-Biega National Park are protected by armed rangers who accompany them during gorilla treks, mountain hiking, and nature walks.
