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Table Of Content
- Kinshasa
- Lola Ya Bonobo
- Kahuzi Biega National ParkLola Ya Bonobo
- Nyiragongo Volcano
- Virunga National Park
- Lake Kivu
- Garamba National Park
- Salonga National Park
- Okapi Wildlife Reserve
- Maiko
- Falls of Zongo
- Boyoma Falls
- Kisangani
- Cathedral of Lubumbashi
- Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage
- Lukaya River
- Livingstone waterfalls
- Valle de la Lufira
- Jardin Botanique de Kisantu
- Explore Africa
Kinshasa
Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, is also one of the country’s eleven provinces. With over ten million people, it’s a whirlwind of activity.
A commercial post created by Henry Stanley in the late nineteenth century is referred to as an African New York City today. Go for a boat trip in the Congo or have a BBQ picnic by the waterside.
The city market, or Marche des voleurs, is a vibrant and exciting place to visit. If you sit in one of the little cafés along 30 Juin Boulevard, you’ll be approached by artists who want to sell you their works.
Each year, the Brazzaville Creative City of Music collaborates with the International Stars Festival, the Jazz Kif Festival, and the Pan African Music Festival to host various music-related events.
Kinshasa is home to the National School of Arts (INA) for the first time in Central Africa. This world-renowned higher arts education institution trains performers and musicians.
Since its foundation, the INA has undertaken many successful exchange programs with other European and African towns. ‘
It’s a terrific opportunity to meet people from the community and unwind!
Lola Ya Bonobo
This is the only place on earth where you may face-to-face encounter bonobos, your closest living cousins in the animal kingdom.
Lola ya Bonobo is a once-in-a-lifetime event that will awaken your heart and eyes to the splendor of the Congo! Watching bonobos come out of the jungle, or even only a few feet away, is a beautiful experience you’ll never forget!
Take a guided walk on the sanctuary’s verdant grounds to see the bonobos in their natural environment. During feeding time, join a caretaker on a boat journey and see the bonobos as they assemble to gather the food.
The previous leader of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mbutu Sese Seko, has used this home as his weekend getaway. Unwind while your own private chef prepares delectable French and Congolese dishes just for you. The bonobos will welcome you as you sleep and wake you up with their chirps.
As a tourist, you’re helping to save these peaceful great apes by visiting Lola Ya Bonobo.
Address: G769+395, Kinshasa, Congo – Kinshasa
Kahuzi Biega National ParkLola Ya Bonobo
As a result of the Grauer’s gorilla, the world’s largest gorilla species, KBNP was established in 1970. The park is named after the Grauer’s gorilla. If you want to see these gorillas in the wild, you can only go to this one place in the world.
The park covers 6000 km2 and is made up of a forest in the eastern part of the country. The park is named after the two extinct volcanoes that dominate its high-altitude area: Mont Kahuzi and Mont Biega. It is a safe place to visit that the Wildlife Conservation Society runs.
From the Kavumu Airport and the Miti town center, take a left, and keep traveling straight until you arrive at the tourist center, which is located 30 kilometers from Bukavu Town and can be accessible by both road and air. At a low cost and with excellent customer service throughout all of East Africa’s transit countries.
Gorilla trekking in the Democratic Republic of The Congo begins with preparing a packing list, clothing, and footwear.
When planning a trip to Kahuzi Biega National Park, keep in mind what to carry for an incredible safari experience.
Nyiragongo Volcano
Climbing Mount Nyiragongo is a rewarding and humble experience. Once you have reached the top, you will be rewarded with an extraordinary view and experience.
Virunga National Park’s Nyiragongo (sometimes called Niragongo) is a massive stratovolcano near Lake Kivu on the eastern border of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda.
The world’s biggest and most active lava lake is located at the volcano’s peak. Lava from Nyiragongo is incredibly fluid, and when the lava lake is drained, the lava flows like water.
You can get close to the crater’s lava lake if you’re brave enough. After the previous explosion, the region has recovered well, and many new stores and marketplaces exist to explore.
A thrilling reward awaits those who climb to the summit of Nyiragongo: a mosaic of red-flaming lava swirling in a world-record-breaking lake of molten lava. When Nyiragongo begins to light against a sky filled with stars, it is only at night that the most mesmerizing show may be enjoyed.
Address: Congo – Kinshasa
Virunga National Park
Africa’s most biodiverse park, Virunga, is home to over 1,000 animal, bird, reptile, and amphibian species and a third of the world’s critically endangered mountain gorilla population.
With its various landscapes, Virunga has been dubbed the “park of fire and ice” because of its savanna, volcano, and Rwenzori mountain ranges and the savannah and volcanic plains surrounding it. Despite its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, war, poaching, and other illicit activities and unpredictable natural calamities endanger Virunga.
It’s also home to the endangered Okapi, which looks like an amalgamation of the giraffe and the zebra. Many uncommon and unusual birds, including hippopotamuses, lions, and elephants, may be seen. The Rwenzori Mountains, Lake Edward, and Mikeno volcanoes are all worth visiting the park.
To the north, the park’s boundaries encompass lowland tropical forest; to its south, savannah; to its north and south, swamplands; to the north, montane forest; and to the northwest, high alpine forest.
The glow of the Nyiragongo volcano’s lava lake at night can be seen for kilometers around. Virunga National Park’s variety of scenery and ecosystems is simply amazing.
Address: WGX7+WP7, Bulambo, Congo – Kinshasa
Lake Kivu
Lake Kivu, located in western Rwanda, is part of Africa’s Great Rift Valley and has a surface area of 2,700 square kilometers. It’s the largest lake in Rwanda and Africa’s sixth largest lake, after Lake Kivu and Lake Victoria.
The winding route offers spectacular views as you go from Cyangugu to Gisenyi. Nearby residents will wave as you drive through the roadside groves of banana and eucalyptus trees. There are several lovely ancient homes in Gisenyi. This large town was formerly a colonial seaside resort and an excellent spot to have a sundowner cocktail.
Lake Kivu is home to 28 different fish and four different varieties of freshwater crabs. There is a great deal of danger to Lake Kivu’s biodiversity because of the extensive deforestation along its banks caused by human activity, including the incorrect use of agrochemicals, finishing materials, domestic garbage, and inadequate sewage-water treatment.
In the DRC’s Kabare and Kalehe provinces, Lake Kivu serves as a natural water reservoir for the town of Goma and nearby settlements.
You may kayak on Lake Kivu or take to the trails of the Congo Nile Trail in Rwanda if you’re looking for a unique way to experience the country.
Garamba National Park
Garamba National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is home to the world’s most significant number of elephants and the last known population of the endangered Kordofan giraffe.
Also, the northern white rhinoceros is highly endangered, and Garamba National Park attempts to preserve the world’s only natural population of the species.
There are endless savannahs and meadows in this national park. One of the world’s most important protected areas, Garamba National Park is home to several rare and endangered species. One of the best things about visiting the park is observing so many different types of giant mammals living together in the same place.
Garamba is home to a staggering number of bird species, over 340. With its striking red and blue plumage, Carmine bee-eaters congregate in large groups along the Dungu River’s wooded banks.
A herd of buffalo is easy to spot if you see a flock of cattle egret herons hovering in the sky. They will land on the buffalo’s backs and begin grooming them.
In terms of conservation, Garamba National Park is the best in the business.
At the park, visitors may engage in studies on chimpanzees, lions, and hyenas by joining the park’s animal monitoring crew. It was a fantastic learning experience!
Address: Congo – Kinshasa
Salonga National Park
Discover the animals of Africa in Salonga National Park, the largest national park in the Congo Basin!
Developed in 1970, the southern and northern portions of Salonga National Park are split by a road that serves as a connection point from Eastern Park of Congo to the capital city of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is also the world’s second-biggest tropical rainforest national park.
You may see the Congo peacock, the dwarf chimpanzee, the African forest elephant, and the narrow-nosed saltwater crocodile protected in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can only get to the park by boat since it is so remote. As a result of its size, this ecosystem has a significant impact on the entire country’s climate regulating efforts.
Most excursions involve a riverboat cruise down the Congo River, giving you a close-up look at the national park.
You would not only be able to see the natural wonders of Salonga National Park, but you will also be able to hear from the guide about the fascinating information and facts that make the park such a wonderful place to visit.
Only a few parts of the park are accessible without a tour guide who is fluent in the local language, despite some of these sections being home to small settlements.
Regardless of when you want to visit the Salonga national park, you should always bring adequate warm clothing because the area is surrounded by tropical trees, which tend to keep the temperature low and the sun out.
An abundance of unique and vital native plants and animal life in one location is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that will likely leave a lasting impression.
Okapi Wildlife Reserve
The Okapi Wildlife Reserve in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the country’s major wildlife protection zones. Near the Ugandan and South Sudanese borders of the Democratic Republic of Congo, it is found. An area of 13,700 square kilometers, or one-fifth of the Ituri Forest, has been designated as a reserve. Ituri River, Epulu River, and Nepoko River are just a few of the park’s most notable features.
Okapia johnstoni, sometimes known as the forest giraffe, is an odd-looking mammal that looks like a zebra on the lake. They were first found at Virunga National Park in 1901, making the Okapi even more remarkable.
Virunga National Park and Ituri Forest in the Democratic Republic of the Congo are the only places where this species may be found. In the Okapi Wildlife Reserve alone, there are an estimated 5,000 okapis. Virunga National Park has a few, although Ituri forest has the most.
All of Okapi Wildlife Reserve isn’t devoted to the Okapis. It is home to a wide range of wildlife, providing extremely intriguing wildlife encounters for visitors.
Address: N4, Congo – Kinshasa
Maiko
Maiko is the most difficult to access national park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with plenty of secluded spots.
The Okapi, the Congo peafowl, and the Grauer gorilla can only be found in this park, home to the country’s only three endemic species. The list goes on and on with primates like bonobos and chimpanzees. As a carbon sink, the forest is critical to climate change mitigation efforts across the world, even if it’s not well recognized or visited.
The Simba Mai Mai is a group of refugees that came to Maiko in the 1960s in search of political safety. To safeguard the forest, the government is currently relocating approximately 700 residents.
Visitors to the magnificent Maiko national park may embark on a gorilla trekking safari and see eastern lowland gorillas and the critically endangered Grauer monkeys, which are found only in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. During gorilla trekking, travelers may also come across various other primates.
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Falls of Zongo
It is only four hours distant by car, yet it feels like a world away from the hustle and bustle of Kinshasa.
These impressive falls, which cascade from a 65-meter (213 foot) high sheer cliff face and smash through the rainforest canopy, create beautiful cloud formations and stunning rainbows when they pour down. There is nothing better than photographing the falls in their natural setting. A 4-wheel vehicle is necessary to access this scenic location if you’re planning a weekend trip away from Kinshasa.
130 kilometers from Kinshasa, Selli Safari Resort, gives a beautiful setting and breathtaking views of the Zongo Waterfalls, which are located nearby.
The magnificent Zongo Falls are a must-see in the DRC. Getting to the views requires a bit of a hike, but the view from the precipice is breathtaking.
The mist that rises to the air as river water meets the ground is what keeps Zongo waterfalls special. Suppose you travel there during the dry season. In that case, the massaging waterfall may be found at a beach 10 kilometers from the waterfall.
Address: 6WC4+WHF, Zongo, Congo – Kinshasa
Boyoma Falls
Overtaking Niagara Falls and Iguazu Falls, Boyoma Falls is by far the world’s most splendid waterfall by volume of yearly flow rate.
For more than 100 kilometers along the Lualaba River’s arc in the Orientale Province of the DRC, seven falls with a combined height of barely more than 5 meters make up Boyoma Falls, originally known as Stanley Falls.
The Wagenya fishing tribe, which has lived in the area for generations, has evolved unique ways of catching fish. The rocks have natural openings to see their wooden tripods sitting in the rapids. Fishermen use the baskets on the tripods as nets.
When you reach the falls, you may participate in a traditional fishing method used by the locals.
Get the chance to witness the Wagenia fishermen. You’ll be able to observe a manner of fishing that is rarely seen.
Today’s trip to Boyoma/Wagenia Falls is beautiful, with lots of opportunities for photo ops along the way.
Idjwi, a gorgeous island of lush greenery and awe-inspiring wildlife, is just a two-hour boat journey from the capital of Bukavu.
Idjwi Island is Africa’s second-largest lake island, with an area of 340 square kilometers. In spite of decades of conflict in the Congo, Idjwi is a beautiful spot to get away from the modern world and appreciate nature and the island’s unique culture.
One of the few places where the indigenous pygmee people live is unknown to the majority of the general community. You may take a motorbike trip around the island and see one of the native tribes. Goma or Bukavu may be accessed easily by boat from the area.
Visitors to Idjwi are generally welcomed with fresh produce. Motorcycling or strolling are the two most common forms of transportation in this largely rural area. It’s an exquisite and tranquil experience to go hiking on the island.
Inhabitants are proud that their area has never been the battle scene, and you’ll immediately notice the difference.
Mother Nature will more than compensate for the lack of accommodations for those who come on this gorgeous island.
Kisangani
Kisangani, formerly known as Stanleyville, is the third-largest city in the Democratic Republic of Congo and is located entirely within the tropical rainforest, making it an ideal place to live.
A nearby waterfall named Boyoma inspired the city’s new name, which translates to “city on the island.” Kisangani is an excellent place to buy and dine. Even more unexpectedly, it’s one of the most popular convention destinations in the world.
The city serves as a hub for transportation in the northeastern part of the country as the end of the Congo River steamer route from Kinshasa. You may see the Boyoma Falls from a short train ride (to Ubundi).
The city produces metal items, furniture, beer, cotton, and rice, sent to other parts of the world.
Kisangani has an international airport and a neighboring stream of the Congo River that produces hydroelectricity.
Check out the numerous museums, botanical gardens, and zoos. Rasaire of Notre Dame Cathedral in Central Market attracts a lot of attention.
The University of Kisangani has a fantastic collection of archaeological artifacts from East Africa and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Cathedral of Lubumbashi
The religious structure known as the Cathedral of Lubumbashi is, in fact, a part of the Catholic Church.
It can be found in Lubumbashi, which is located in the southern African nation.
The Cathedral of Lubumbashi is situated between Kasa Vubu and Kapenda Avenue.
St. Peter and St. Paul Convent, as well as a number of government buildings, are located within walking distance of one another.
In 1959, Pope John XXIII designated Lubumbashi Cathedral (then known as Archidioecesis Lubumbashiensis) to serve as the cathedral church of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Lubumbashi.
The care of the congregation’s spiritual needs is overseen by Bishop Jean-Pierre Tafunga.
Roman Catholics who live in the city can find sanctuary in this building due to its convenient position in the city’s center.
Appreciate the structure’s use of colonial architecture, which dates back to the time when European colonial authorities were in charge, and look at the stained-glass panels to see the religious motifs that are embedded within them.
In addition, the cathedral has a sizable bell tower that provides a breathtaking view of the surrounding area when viewed from the highest point of the building.
Address: 8FMH+MWC, Lubumbashi, Congo – Kinshasa
Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage
In addition to seeing the gorillas in their natural habitat, travelers at Mikeno resort may also explore the Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage.
Approximately seven mountain gorillas call this orphanage home.
Gorilla orphans from the eastern lowlands are temporarily housed at the institution before being returned to their natural habitat.
What to do at the Gorilla Rehabilitation and Conservation Education Center in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
An enormous silverback called Senkwekwe inspired the name of this facility.
Senkwekwe was slain by poachers as he sought to defend his family and reclaim an animal trafficker’s kidnapped baby.
The Center is situated in a forest, so the primates may have a taste of life in the wild.
Volunteers who want to learn more about mountain gorillas are welcome at the Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage.
In order to support gorilla conservation, you may sponsor one of the orphans at the Gorilla Sanctuary or make a donation to the organization. Tourists staying at the luxurious Mikeno Lodge are welcome to visit the Center at no cost.
Lukaya River
The Lukaya River is a well-known body of water in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Ndjili River is fed by the Crystal Mountains and Bas-Congo before being released into the Ndjili River.
The Lola Ya Bonobo Sanctuary, waterfalls, beaches, and even a lake formed by the river in a specific valley may all be found on the river trail.
Traveling from Kinshasa to Matandi or the other way around is the most incredible way to enjoy this magnificent body of water. The rail route follows the river valley in two portions for a period.
Near Kinshasa, the Petites Chutes de la Lukaya, a small river cascade, is a popular tourist destination because of the lake, beaches, and waterfalls it creates, as well as the nearby Lola Ya Bonobo Sanctuary.
As a river flows through this neighborhood, you’ll find it here.
There is a tiny lake nearby with a sandy shoreline where the gentle waterfalls go their way. Tourists come to swim and eat at the neighboring restaurant to see them.
Address: Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Livingstone waterfalls
Take a tour of the Bas Congo region and its lovely sites and views. More gorgeous and moving than Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls are Inga Falls and Livingstone Falls, farther down the river.
This route takes you from Kinshasa to the Atlantic Ocean at its most ferocious.
While you’re there, stop at some of the continent’s most major trade ports and take in the sunset over the Atlantic from Muanda.
The Mangroves National Park is home to the uncommon manatee and a wide variety of birds and fish.
David Livingstone, a well-known British adventurer, was the inspiration behind the waterfalls’ name.
An extensive series of rapids on the Congo River forms the Livingstone waterfalls. The falls are spectacular, from Malebo Pool to Bas-Congo Falls (Matadi).
Suppose you are planning a safari in the Democratic Republic of Congo. In that case, stopping by the Falls of Congo is a good idea.
Valle de la Lufira
If you’re in Lubumbashi and do not have time to explore the adjacent national parks, this is the spot to go. Astound-inspiring landscapes, trees, plants, butterflies, moths, birds, and primates will awe you.
Lubumbashi is home to the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Valle de la Lufira.
Flora and animals from all corners of the country are showcased here. Both local and foreign visitors use the reserve for nature hikes, picnics, bird-watching, and a variety of other activities.
Rivers and floodplains, bodies of water, waterfalls, papyrus, other swamps, and marshy woodlands make up the massive Site in the country’s southeast. The Lufira River is its primary source of water.
The lovely Kisantu Botanical Gardens are a must-see for visitors to Kisantu. At the same time, the famous Valle de la Lufira natural reserve near Lubumbashi, the country’s second-largest city, is a must-see for nature lovers.
Hikers, birdwatchers, and anybody else who enjoys the great outdoors will find this nature reserve to be a wonderful location to visit.
Address: Address: Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, CD / DRC, Africa
Jardin Botanique de Kisantu
This is a must-see attraction if you’re in or around the Kisantu region. Botanical gardens are a wonderful place to stroll among lush greenery. In addition, they have an excellent restaurant.
The Jardin Botanique de Kisantu has a wide range of natural African plants. More than 2,200 species of plants are on display in the botanical garden, which covers an area of 225 hectares (555 acres).
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Botanical Garden of Kisantu is the most magnificent botanical garden. A missionary founded it almost a century ago. Thousands of trees, plants, a school, and Kisantu’s top restaurant can all be found inside.
Adults and children alike are welcome in this natural reserve, which draws a wide range of visitors. On-site food and beverage options are available. Garden Botanique de Kisantu should take center stage in whatever itinerary you make when visiting Kisantu.
It is suggested that you attend the restaurant first and get whatever is fresh (chicken, captain fish, eggplants, etc.) before going on a tour at your leisure. Also, the crocodile and two monkeys are not to be missed!
Still unsure about making the Democratic Republic of the Congo your next destination? Hop over to reasons to visit Democratic Republic of the Congo at least once in your lifetime here
Address: 01, avenue de la Gare, Cité d’Inkisi, 108, Kisantu, Congo – Kinshasa
