Are you planning your safari to Democratic Republic of Congo but you do not which place to visit? Situated in central Africa, the DRC feature among Africa’s largest countries and it is credited for their famous protected areas that have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. While on your safari in the DR Congo, never forget to pay a visit to these stunning areas most of which make up the spectacular conservation areas in the country.
The Virunga National Park
Listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Virunga National Park is famous for its unique and diverse flora and fauna. The park offers refuge to more than 200 individuals of mountain gorillas making it one of the four only national parks in the world where visitors can visit while on mountain gorilla safaris in Africa. About 8 groups have been habituated for visitor experiences with permits being sold at $400 per visitor. The other attractions include the hippos, plants, savannas, forests, valleys, active volcanoes (Nyiragongo and Nyamuragira), swamps as well as glacier peaks in the Rwenzori Mountain ranges, three of the four of large primates, elephants, birds, okapi and zebras and many more. The park is situated in Eastern side of DR Congo.
Kahuzi Biega National Park
This is another remarkable UNESCO Site which features mainly the Eastern Lowland gorillas a largest sub species of gorillas in the world. It refuges the two extinct volcanoes of Mount Kahuzi and Biega where it derived its name and they offer the wonderful hiking adventures. This park is situated around south Kivu province and extends up to the River Congo basin to Bukavu. Besides, it also refuges many forest elephants, eastern chimpanzees, genet, antelopes, endemic plant species and serval.
Garamba National Park
This is another remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site in the DRC and it mainly features the open savanna as well as grasslands and woodlands. It comes with stunning wildlife species like giraffes, elephants, hippos, white rhinoceros and black rhinoceros and many more. Visiting this stunning protected area gives you a chance to explore most of its amazing mammal species at open space.
Salonga National Park
The Magnificent Salonga National park features as tropical rain forest protected area and also listed as a UNESCO site due to its incredible wildlife species like dwarf chimpanzees, elephants, and the endemic Congo peacock. It is also popular because of the African slender snouted crocodile or what is also known as a false crocodile. Salonga features as DR Congo’s and Africa’s biggest tropical rain forest.
Okapi Wildlife Reserve
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its distinct bird species and primates. A visit to this stunning protected area rewards visitors with authentic natural wonders that it offers to the world travelers including its outstanding waterfalls as well as the remarkable sceneries at Ituri and Epulu Rivers. Besides, there are also some pygmy nomad tribes of the Efe and Mbuti hunters. This is the best place for you to look out for the unique Okapi species.
Mount Nyiragongo
Situated within the Virunga National Park, Nyiragongo volcano features as one of the most active mountains in the world. It refuges the world’s largest and most powerful Lava Lake that visitors can view while it vigorously bubbles at a distance. It is known to have erupted for more than 34 times and in 2011 alone about 120000 people were left with no homes.
Kinshasa
This is DRC’s capital city and features a number of budget hotels especially Al Dar and La Bloque. For visitors who love night life they can pay a visit to Matonge at night where most bars and restaurants as well as the famous clubs are found. This city features among the 11 provinces of DRC. It comes with millions of people. The capital city was established by Henry Stanley in the late 19th century just as a trading post. While here you will also have a chance to embark on boat rides or enjoy BBQ picnic along the shores, visit the city market and many more places within the city center.
Falls of Zongo
This is one of the incredible sites for nature enthusiasts. A visit to this site rewards you with exceptional views of the Zongo waterfalls and the surrounding natural beauty. In case you wish to extend your stay, you can camp around or rent a bungalow for night stay. This remarkable touristic site lies about 130 kilometers away from Kinshasa capital city. It is the best site for hikers and climbers.
Bombo Lumene Game Park
If you are looking for outstanding areas to spend your romantic safari in DRC, then consider visiting this place with your dear one and you won’t regret in life. You will spend a quiet and peaceful moments with your lover or simply take a short nature walk on the trails and rest on a quaint bamboo bench in case you feel tired.
Bukavu
Bukavu is another city of its own that is worthy visiting while on safari to the Democratic Republic of Congo. It rewards visitors with the most exceptional scenic views of Lake Kivu and also offers you opportunity to track the Eastern Lowland gorillas in Kahuzi Biega National Park.
In conclusion, the Democratic Republic of Congo is remarkably one of the best tourist destinations that are worthy visiting while on you are on safari to Africa. The country features a number of amazing places that are waiting for visitors to explore. With the listed areas, we believe that you will make the choice while planning your trip to DRC.