When it comes to safari destinations, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) may not feature in most of travelers list given the many reasons. However, it is such a magical travel destination any traveler can think of exploring on African safari. The DRC is blessed with natural wonders and visitors have something to enjoy. The attractions in the Democratic Republic of the Congo range from nature to historical sites, each offering travelers on Congo safari with rare experiences.
Attractions in the DRC
Primates
Unlike other African states, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is blessed with diversity of primate species. It hosts not only the mountain gorillas but also other primate species including the Eastern lowland gorillas in Kahuzi Biega National Park, Maiko National Park, bonobos, golden monkeys which thrive within only the Virunga Conservation Area of which the Virunga National Park of the DR Congo part to mention but a few. These set the DRC aside from the rest of the world. Other primates include Allen’s swamp monkeys.
Birds
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is a birder’s paradise. It hosts diverse bird species that make it a premier birding destination. The notable birds to look out on Congo birding tour include Congo peafowl, black herons, shoebill, ibis, Hammerkop, pheasants, francolins, bush warblers, African barbets, kingfishers to mention but a few.
Virunga National Park
Set in the Eastern side of the DR Congo, the Virunga National Park is such a magical protected area visitors on Congo safari should count a must-visit. This park was founded in 1925 by King Albert 1 of Belgium which makes it one of the ancient national parks in Africa. It is probably one of Congo’s premier tourist sites given its iconic attractions that allure several of visitors on Congo safari. Virunga National Park was founded primarily to protect the endangered mountain gorillas and its boundaries also extended north to cover the Rwindi Plains, the Rwenzori Mountains range and Lake Edward.
Lola ya Bonobo
Lola ya Bonobo features as the only sanctuary on planet earth where the orphaned bonobos thrive. It is set south of the suburb of Kimwenza at the Petites Chutes de la Lukaya, Kinshasa in the DRC. It was established in 1994 by Claudine Andre and hosts close to 60 bonobos. Lola ya Bonobo is such an incredible site visitors on Congo safari should consider a must-visit.
The Congo River
The Congo River features among the deepest rivers on planet earth and ranks second after the Amazon River as the most extensive rivers. Congo River Basin is hosts over 700 species of fish as well as crocodiles.
Waterfalls
The Democratic Republic of the Congo boasts itself of numerous magical waters including the Livingstone waterfalls and Boyoma falls. On Congo safari, these waterfalls are must-visit and you will be amazed by their breathtaking sceneries. The Livingstone waterfalls are feature huge rapids and cataracts on the lower course of the Congo River in western Equatorial Africa, downstream from Malebo Pool. These waterfalls derive their name from the famous explorer David Livingstone. Boyoma falls were once called the Stanley falls and consist of 7 cataracts.
Historical buildings
Historical building/sites make up part of the DR Congo’s iconic tourist attractions. You can explore different historical buildings within and out of the Congo’s city center-Kinshasa and they include the Chapel of the American Baptist Missionary Society that was set in 1891 and a Roman Catholic Cathedral in 1914.
Caves
The best way to explore the DR Congo is by paying a visit to some of its caves. The notable caves to explore on Congo safari tour include Dimba Cave, Matupi cave-Orientale, Thysville caves also known as Mbanza Ngungu caves Bas Congo and Kakanda malachite caves.
Mountains
Mountains are some of the major attractions in the DRC. Among the many magical mountains to explore on Congo safari include Mount Nyamuragira-one of the powerful volcanoes in African content. For hikers, Mount Nyiragongo is another incredible mountain you should count a must-hike. It is set within the Virunga National Park and it is known for its powerful lava lake.
Lake Kivu
Lake Kivu is a magical attraction of its own. It forms part of the great lakes in Africa and hosts the 10th largest inland Island on planet-Idjwi Island. There is also tshegera that is found within the border area of Virunga National Park. Lake Kivu hosts different fish species including the Clarias, Barbus, Haplochromis, Nile Tilapia, Tanganyika sardine, Limnothrissa miodon to mention but a few.