Below are the major tourist attractions in the Congo that you should visit on your Congo gorilla trekking tours:
Famous Things to See in Congo: Mountain Gorillas, Gorilla Beringei Beringei
Gorillas are the main tourist attraction in Congo. The best way to meet the endangered gorillas on your safari in Virunga park is by undertaking mountain gorilla safaris in Congo.
Watching these humble and biggest primates in the wild is a lifetime safari adventure you’ll live to remember. Expect to watch the Gorillas socializing, playing, feeding, and grooming. If lucky, you can see the silverback copulating with a female!
These giant humanlike primates live in family groups, each led by a dominant male called the Silverback, who takes care of the family.
Site for seeing the endangered Mountain gorillas in Congo:
Virunga National Park: A Unesco World Heritage Site
Virunga National Park is a must-visit site for tourists undertaking safaris in the Congo, especially mountain gorilla tours.
Situated in the Eastern Congo on the floor of the Rift Valley, Virunga National Park (one of Africa’s oldest national park) is a stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site, holding a third of the last known population of gorillas living on Earth.
DR Congo Virunga park not only holds gorillas, but it’s also home to over 2,000 plant species, almost 700 bird species counting Albertine Rift Endemics, and 176 mammal species like Forest Elephants, Buffalos, Hippos, Bushbucks, Golden Monkeys, De Brazza’s monkeys, Central African red colobus, Olive baboons, etc.
Apart from Gorillas and other incredible wild animals, Virunga Parkthe most visited national park in Congo, also boasts 2 active volcanoes: Mount Nyiragongo, capped with a boiling lava lake, and Nyamurangira Volcano. Mount Nyiragongo hiking tours are usually accompanied by Congo gorilla tours.
Key Congo Tourist Attractions: Eastern Lowland Gorillas, Grauer’s Gorillas
Just like Gorilla beringei beringei, the Lowland gorillas are also among the top tourist attractions of Congo, Central Africa.
Most people might confuse Eastern lowland gorillas (Grauer’s gorilla) with Gorilla beringei beringei; however, here is the difference.
- Gorilla beringei beringei live in higher altitudes (over 8000 feet above sea level), whereas Lowland gorillas dwell in low-altitude tropical rainforests- (Ituri forest).
- Lowland gorillas are bigger than Gorilla beringei beringei
- Gorilla beringei beringei are more hairy than the Lowland gorillas. This is because they live in higher altitudes where the temperatures are cold
Site for watching Eastern Lowland gorillas in Congo:
Kahuzi Biega National Park, A UNESCO World Heritage Site
Kahuzi Biega National Park, located near Bukavu Town (eastern Democratic Republic of Congo) on the western banks of Lake Kivu, is the only destination for trekking Eastern lowland gorillas in Africa.
This beautiful, vast, dense forest park consists of two extinct volcanoes: Mount Kahuzi and Biega, which gave rise to its name. Various wildlife have been recorded on this UNESCO site, such as chimpanzees, forest elephants, buffalos, bongos, and other wildlife species.
About 250 Lowland gorillas dwell in Kahuzi Biega National Park and about 5 groups are habituated for Congo gorilla safaris. Also, nearly 349 bird species, including 42 endemics, have been recorded in Kahuzi Beiga Park, one of the popular UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Other Primate Species in Congo, Central Africa
Congo tourist attractions go beyond Gorilla beringei beringei in Virunga park and Lowland gorillas in Kahuzi Beiga National Park.
During your Congo gorilla tours, for example, expect to find other lovely primate species like:
- Common Chimpanzees
- Red-tailed Monkeys
- Bush Babies
- Blue Monkeys
- Orphaned Bonobos in Lola Ya Bonobo Sanctuary. The orphaned Bonobos in East Africa can be best spotted in the Lola Ya Bonobo Sanctuary
- Olive Baboons
- Tshuapa Red Colobus Monkeys
- Vervet Monkeys
- De Brazza’s Monkey
- Salonga Monkeys
- Dent’s Mona Monkeys
- Black and White Colobus Monkeys
- Central African Colombo’s Monkeys
Apart from primates in the Democratic Republic of Congo, other incredible animal life such as Lions, African Elephants, Leopards, Congolese giraffes, Buffalos, African slender-snouted Crocodile, and several Antelope species have been recorded. Garamba National Park, Salonga National Park, Maiko National Park, Okapi Wildlife Reserve, and other African parks in the Congo are ideal sites for game viewing tours.
Main Tourist Attractions in Congo: Nyiragongo Active Volcano
Looking for the best attractions in Congo, Central Africa? Don’t miss out on Nyiragongo volcano, the most erosive volcano in Africa (3,470m high)! It’s capped with a permanent lava-boiling crater lake that emits incredible glowing views in the night within Virunga Park, the best area for budget gorilla tours in Africa.
Nyiragongo Volcano is situated about 20 kilometers north of Goma Town & Lake Kivu on the western border of Rwanda.
The best way to explore the lava boiling lake, the biggest lava lake in the world, is by taking the Nyiragongo volcano hike. This adventurous hike takes roughly 4-6 hours, depending on the hiking speed of the travelers.
Often, most visitors who hike Nyiragongo spend a night on the summit of this lovely volcano to enjoy the remarkable scenery of the hot magma in the crater. Always keep a safer distance while viewing and drones shouldn’t be used while taking photos.
Nyiragongo hiking tours are normally done after mountain gorilla trekking expeditions in Virunga National Park, Africa’s oldest national park. Hiking Mount Nyiragongo costs 300 USD per person and it can be done all year round.
Best Things to See in Congo: Nyamuragira Active Volcano
One of the best tourist attractions within Congo! Also part of the Virunga Mountains in Virunga National Park, Mount Nyamurangira is an active shield volcano that is worth visiting, especially for adventure lovers on safaris in the Congo.
This active shield volcano, 25km north of Lake Kivu in eastern DR Congo, is described as the most erosive volcano in Africa. Nyamuragira has erupted about 40 times since 1885. Its recent eruptions happened in 2010, 2011, and May 2021.
Currently, Mount Nyamuragira also holds a boiling lava crater lake on its summit, with hot gases & fumes bubbling up all year round. The hikes can take about 4–6 hours, depending on your speed.
Lake Kivu
Lake Kivu is also among the main attractions in the Democratic Republic of Congo, especially after Congo gorilla safaris or Mount Nyiragongo hikes.
It’s an ideal place for relaxation, island hopping, kayaking, canoeing, and swimming. Swimming is safe in Lake Kivu, as there are no hippos or bilharzia.
You can opt to spend a night at standard resorts around the shores to enjoy the cool breeze of Lake Kivu as you enjoy the charming views of its islands, including the second-largest lake island. Several travelers explore the second-largest lake island, Lake Kivu.
The Beautiful Bird Species in Congo, Central Africa
Birds are also among the key attractions of Congo, especially if you are a bird lover on Congo gorilla safaris. In this country, about 1,185 species of birds have been recorded, counting even some Central African bird species that are hard to spot in other East African countries.
The popular national parks for birding tours in the Congo are Virunga Park, Kahuzi Beiga National Park, Maiko National Park, Okapi Wildlife Reserve, Salonga National Park, and Garamba National Park.
The notable birds in Congo to look for on your Congo safari holiday are:
- Black-casqued Hornbills
- Piping Hornbills
- Congo Peafowl
- Congo Serpent-Eagle
- White-bellied Kingfisher
- Grauer’s Cuckooshrike
- Bronze-naped Pigeon
- Congo Bay-Owl
- Red-billed dwarf Hornbill
- White-thighed Hornbills
Famous Landmarks in Congo: Congo River
When talking about the incredible Congo tourist attractions, the River Congo should be among the top attractions. The Congo River is the world’s deepest river and the second-largest river by volume of water discharged after the Amazon River.
The best way for adventurous travelers to explore the Congo River is by taking a boat cruise, which can be arranged from Kinshasa Capital City. Lualaba River (headstream of Congo River) can be explored as well.
More Attractions Worth Exploring on Your Congo Gorilla Safari Tours
Below are other amazing attractions to explore in Congo you should explore:
- Kinshasa Capital City is one of the most beautiful cities in the Congo
- Livingstone Waterfalls
- National Museum of the Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Inkisi Falls
- Stanley Falls on the Lualaba River
- Idjwi Island: Idjwi Island is a beautiful island in Kivu you should explore during an island-hopping voyage in the Kivu lake.
- Roman Catholic Cathedral in Kinshasa/Kinshasa Cathedral- can be explored during Kinshasa city tours as you get a chance to explore the largest city of Congo.
- Palais du Peuple (Palais de la Nation): this is one of the great historical buildings in Congo worth exploring while in Central Congo, Kinshasa City, formerly called Bas Congo.
- The beautiful Kinshasa Botanical Gardens, which holds a collection of over 286 amazing plant species
- Kinshasa Central Market- is famous for its extensive assortment of products such as fruits, clothing, and African fabrics, among others.
The Best Time to Visit Congo: When to Have Congo Safaris?
Travelers can explore Congo safari tours/Congo gorilla safaris any time of the year but we recommend gorilla tours in Congo during the dry season.
The dry months in Congo run from June to September as well as December to February. In most cases, during these months, there are slight rainfall inconveniences and the trail for gorilla tracking as well as Mount Nyiragongo hikes is drier and easier to hike.
The rainy season in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is from March to May & September to November. Rainfall can be expected in most hours of the day and it affects most of the outdoor activities. For budget travelers, target wet months for holiday safaris in Congo because most lodges give out discounts to guests in this low season.
Packing List for Congo Safari Tours: What to Pack for Congo Safari Tours?
As you come for East African safaris to explore Congo tourist attractions, there are some important safari items you should be having.
Below is the packing list for Congo tours:
- Insect repellents: Ensure to get those with over 50% DEET
- Sturdy hiking boots– are ideal during Mountain gorilla tracking expeditions in Virunga park and Nyiragongo hiking adventures
- Long-sleeved shirts & trousers: safeguard your skin from scratches and biting insects along the gorilla trek
- A camera for photo shooting for example, during Mountain gorilla expeditions or Nyiragongo hikes
- rain jacket with a hood—it’s of help when rain finds you along the gorilla tracking trail
- Garden gloves– are beneficial during gorilla tracking and Nyiragongo volcano hikes
- Sun protection gear (a sunhat, sunscreen, and sunglasses)
- Toiletries such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, towels, and pads for ladies
- If possible, move with a first aid kit, a bandage, and some painkillers
- Anti-Malarial pills
- A water bottle
- Warm jacket
- Comfortable sandals for evening walks
Popular Congo Safari Tour Packages and Congo Gorilla Trekking Safaris
Most of our Congo safari packages take you to explore the best attractions of Congo. The common and best places to visit in Congo include Virunga National Park, Kahuzi Biega National Park, Mount Nyiragongo, Kivu Lake, etc.
You can combine your Congo safari adventures with Rwanda safaris or Uganda wildlife safaris.
Here are our popular Congo tour packages:
- 3 days of an Eastern lowland gorilla tour in Congo
- 3-day mountain gorilla trip in DRC
- 3-day Mount Nyiragongo hiking tour
- 5 days Gorilla and Nyiragongo hiking
- 5 days Lowland gorilla tracking safari tour and chimpanzee tracking in Rwanda Nyungwe Forest National Park
- 5 days Rwanda and Congo gorilla safari adventure
- 10 days Uganda Rwanda and Congo safari vacation
- 12 Days Uganda Rwanda & Congo Safari Tour: wildlife viewing, chimpanzee tracking, and double gorilla trekking
Top Tour Operators in Congo to Travel With on Your Congo Safari
Below is a list of the best tour companies you should book with your trip to explore Congo tourist attractions:
- Prime Safaris And Tours Ltd
Email: info@primeugandasafaris.com
Website: www.primeugandasafaris.com
- Wild Gorilla Safaris
Email: info@primeugandasafaris.com
Website: www.wildgorillasafaris.com
- Africa Safaris Tours
Website: https://www.africasafaris-tours.com/
- Congo Gorilla Safaris And Tours
Website: https://congogorillasafaristours.com/
Best Accommodation in Congo: Where to Stay on Your Congo Gorilla Tours?
Several Congo attractions have accommodation facilities around them ranging from budget to mid-range, as well as budget facilities.
- Mikeno Lodge
Mikeno Lodge is a lovely luxury facility just outside Virunga National Park and near a Mountain gorilla orphanage Center (conservation education center)- Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage Centre. It’s commonly used by travelers undertaking Congo gorilla safaris in Virunga park. The lodge holds wonderful, spacious rooms with balconies overlooking the beautiful natural surroundings.
Guests in Mikeno Lodge can visit the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla Orphanage Center for free. It’s the only Mountain gorilla orphanage center in the world. It protects Eastern Lowland gorilla orphans from pet traders and poachers interested in bush meat.
- Bukima Tented Camp
- Tchegera Island Tented Camp
- Kibumba Tented Camp and Lodge
FAQs About Congo Tourist Attractions By Travelers Intending to Have Gorilla Safari Tours in Congo
What is Congo Most Famous for? : What is the Congo famous for? : What Congo is Famous for?
What is Congo known for? Gorillas in Virunga National Park, one of the oldest national parks in the DRC, are the main tourist attractions in the Congo. Tourists on Congo gorilla safaris can track both the Gorilla beringei beringei and the Lowland gorillas in Kahuzi Biega National Park. It’s only the Congo that you can have these two wild experiences in Africa.
Gorillas don’t only define holiday tours in Congo; Mount Nyiragongo is also another famous attraction in the Democratic Republic of Congo globally. It’s known for its permanent boiling lava crater lake.
What is a famous landmark in the Republic of Congo?
Mount Nyiragongo Volcano and its boiling active lava lake are the most prominent and famous landmarks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Adventurous travelers go ahead to explore the Congo River basin by undertaking a boat cruise on the river.
What is the name of the attraction in Congo?
The endangered gorillas in Congo Virunga Park are the main attractions in this country. The best way to see these habituated wild mountain gorillas in their serene natural environment is by undertaking gorilla expeditions. Other attractions include lowland gorillas, Mount Nyiragongo, which holds an active lava lake, and the mighty Congo River, among others.
Where Can I See Gorillas in the Congo?
On your visit to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, you can meet gorillas in either National Park Virunga or Kahuzi Beiga National Park for lowland gorillas.
A gorilla tracking permit for Congo is the cheapest in comparison with other gorilla destinations in East Africa. The Congo gorilla permit costs 400 USD.
Why Do Tourists Visit the Congo?: Why Do People Visit Congo?: Is Congo a Good Place to Visit?
Why should people visit the DRC? Wonderful tourist attractions in the Congo make it an ideal destination for tourists on safaris in East Africa.
Gorilla tours in the Congo, Nyiragongo active volcano hiking tours, bird watching, and wildlife viewing safaris make this country a unique tourist destination.
Note that several travelers who come for Congo safaris are interested in Congo gorilla tours and Nyiragongo hiking expeditions.
Is Congo Tourist Friendly? Is Congo Good for Tourists? Is Congo Safe to Visit?
Yes, it’s safe to travel to the Democratic Republic of Congo. Take note that every year, hundreds of travelers undertake Congo safari tours and most of them end successfully.
We advise you to book your trip with an experienced safari company that organizes Congo safari packages. This company will guide you on the best places to visit in Congo, activities to do, lodges to use, and the best time to go on Congo gorilla tours.
The tour company will assign you a friendly experienced private guide who will ensure that you are safe while on the trip. This country usually experiences civil wars, so only visit when it’s safe.
Is it Safe to See Gorillas in the Congo?
Congo gorilla safaris are safe! During the gorilla trek, you’ll move into the jungle with armed ranger guides and their role is to ensure that tourists are safe in the wilderness.
Furthermore, gorilla tours in Congo are carried out on fully habituated gorilla groups, which are familiar to people. There are also gorilla tracking rules to follow during the gorilla hike.
So, your life will be safe on your gorilla expeditions in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
What Do You Need to Know Before Going to the Congo?
While planning to have an African safari to Congo, there is some crucial information you should know, probably from your tour operator. Among these are travel documents to Congo, the best places to visit in Congo, activities to do, and the best time to visit, among others. Get in touch with your tour operator to avoid missing out!
In summary, although there are numerous things to see in Congo, in this blog we have analyzed for you the best Congo attractions to visit on your African safari vacation. The key ones include Gorilla Beringei Beringei in Virunga Park, lowland gorillas in Kahuzi Beiga National Park, and Mount Nyiragongo.
To mention but a few, read this piece to know the ideal Congo safari packing list, the best time to visit, as well as the accommodation to use on your Congo tour.
Let’s organize your Congo safari tour together and travel with experts! For any inquiries about Congo gorilla safaris, email our friendly team.
