3 Best National Parks To Visit In The Democratic Republic Of Congo

On Apr 20, 2023

The Democratic Republic of Congo features 10 national parks and a number of national reserves, each with its own attraction. While the major attraction here is the gorillas, this is the only African nation where you can see both mountain gorillas and lowland gorillas. However, these amazing animals are not the only attraction Congo has to offer. There is also a good number of other primates, including chimpanzees and bonobos. It also offers other African wildlife, rich flora and many species of birds. Meanwhile, the country offers exciting landscapes, including volcanic mountains (active and dormant), hills and valley escarpments. Read on to find out about three of the best national parks to visit in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2023.

1. Virunga National Park, Congo – Mountain gorillas

Mountain gorilla in Virunga National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo — Mountain gorilla in Virunga National Park [Image Wikimedia Commons]

Virunga is the most popular national park and is particularly known for its mountain gorillas. Located in the eastern part of the country in Nord Kivu province, this was one of the first national parks to be established in Africa. Meanwhile, in 1979, Virunga was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its amazing ecosystem.

Besides the mountain gorillas, visitors can expect to see chimpanzee families living in the Mahura Forest. It is also worthwhile to experience a guided nature walk in the tropical rainforest, or visit the Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage in the Mikeno Lodge Compound.

2. Kahuzi-Biega National Park – Lowland gorillas

Grauer's gorilla in Kahuzi-Biega National Park — Grauer’s gorilla, Kahuzi-Biega National Park [Image by Mike Davison on Flickr]

Located in the southeastern part of the country in Sud Kivu Province, Kahuzi-Biega is renowned for its lowland gorillas. Meanwhile, the park can be accessed via Lake Kivu from Virunga, or by road from Kigali, Rwanda at the Rusizi border.

Here, visitors can enjoy lowland gorilla trekking as well as visits to a chimpanzee sanctuary. Tshibati Waterfalls are also worth visiting, while great hiking can be experienced on two spectacular extinct volcanoes, Mount Kahuzi and Mount Biega. Moreover, birding safaris and nature walks in the park are truly beautiful experiences.

3. Salonga National Park, Congo – Water safaris

Bonobo apes in Salonga National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo — Bonobo apes in Salonga National Park [Image by Paul Brennan from Pixabay]

Lying south of the Congo River in the lowlands of the country, Salonga National Park is relatively unknown. Meanwhile, it is well worth visiting as it is considered to be the largest forest park in Africa. Moreover, Salonga is one of the last unspoiled tropical forests in the world. Here, visitors can experience a tropical mosaic of marshlands, streams and rivers, as well as grassy glades and marshes. Meanwhile, the park hosts around 40 percent of the world’s bonobos.

Besides these iconic creatures, the national park is home to a number of endemic endangered species. These include the Congo peacock, the dwarf chimpanzee, the African slender-snouted or “false” crocodile and the forest elephant. Find out more about this unique national park on Salonga’s official website.

Watch this space for more information about the Democratic Republic of Congo and its iconic national parks. Also, browse more information about Africa, its national parks and wildlife here.