There are undoubtedly many reasons why one should go to the Democratic Republic of Congo. Although the country is not popularly visited by tourists on African safaris, it is a hidden gem for tourists looking for amazing experiences that cannot be found anywhere on the planet.

The Democratic Republic of Congo is the largest country in Central Africa and the second largest on the African continent, covering an area of approximately 2,344,858 square kilometres.

DR Congo’s great size dictates its incredible biodiversity, creating distinct, isolated, and numerous tourist destinations ranging from volcanic mountains and equatorial rainforests to savanna grasslands.

Key Points on Why You Should Visit the DR Congo

• Besides DR Congo being known for its immense natural resources, there are undoubtedly many reasons one should visit this country, including interesting activities.
• Visitors on a Congo tour incur various costs, including costs for gorilla trekking permits.
• Additional information on accommodation, packing list, how to get to Congo, and top tour operators in organizing Congo tours, among others.

Here are some of the reasons why you should visit the Democratic Republic of Congo:

1. Trek With the Mountain Gorillas in Virunga National Park

A trek with mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park is one of the premier reasons why one should visit the DR Congo.

Congo offers a budget-friendly encounter with the endangered primates in one of Africa’s oldest national parks.

Visitors who visit Congo for the mountain gorilla in the dense forest of Virunga NP spend around 1-6 hours searching for these primates.

Once the gorillas are found, visitors have 1 hour for observation, where they watch every activity of these gentle giants in their natural environment.

Gorilla trekking permits in Congo are significantly cheaper at around $400-$450 compared to neighboring countries (Uganda and Rwanda).

Other places where mountain gorilla tracking is done in Africa:

• Bwindi Impenetrable NP in Uganda, with about half of the remaining species in the world
• Mgahinga Gorilla NP in Uganda
• Volcanoes NP in Rwanda

2. Hike the Nyiragongo Volcano in Virunga National Park

Hiking Mount Nyiragongo, one of the volcanoes in the Virunga Mountains, is another reason why one should visit Congo.

Mt. Nyiragongo is an active volcano situated in the eastern part of DRC, and it is one of Africa’s most dangerous volcanoes.

A hike to the top of this volcano offers a rare opportunity for one to witness the world’s largest lava lake up close.

The breathtaking summit, which offers overnight stays at the rim to see the glowing, churning lava lake, is reached after a 4–5-hour hike through lush rainforests and volcanic rock.

3. Trek the Lowland Gorillas in Kahuzi Biega NP

Trekking the eastern lowland gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega is a premier, rare safari experience that you should not miss when on an African tour.

This wildlife experience offers visitors an opportunity to track the world’s largest gorilla subspecies in their natural environment.

These subspecies of gorillas may weigh up to 250 kg. Kahuzi-Biega has several habituated groups, such as Chimanuka, Mpungwe, and Bonobo, which are open for tracking.

The trek for the lowland gorillas lasts from 30 minutes to 5 hours. Gorilla trekking permits to see these gorilla subspecies cost approximately $400 for foreign non-residents.

4. Watch The Chimps at Lwiro Chimpanzee Sanctuary

Watching the chimps, our closest relatives at Lwiro Chimpanzee Sanctuary, is another reason why one should visit the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Visitors to Congo have an opportunity to watch chimpanzees feeding, playing, and doing other routines from safe observation platforms and viewing areas along the fenced outdoor habitats.

Chimpanzees at Lwiro are habituated and undergoing rehabilitation, so visitors have a rare chance to see them up close but can only watch them interacting with their keepers.

5. Stroll Through the Vibrant Cities

Strolling through the vibrant cities is one of the key reasons you should visit Congo when on an interesting African safari.

Some of these cities offer immersive cultural experiences that are defined by bustling markets, thrilling nightlife filled with indigenous Lingala music, and lively art, among others.

While on these city tours, you will enjoy immersive cultural experiences that are defined by vibrant nightlife filled with indigenous Lingala music, lively art, bustling markets, tasty local food on the streets, and a lot more.

Major cities to visit on a Congo safari include:

• Kinshasa, the largest city and the capital of the DRC
• Goma
• Kisangani
• Bukavu, etc.

6. Relax At the Pristine Beaches

Relaxing at the pristine beaches of Congo is undoubtedly one of the reasons why some tourists visit Congo.

These Congo beaches along the shores of Lake Kivu and other water sources offer a serene escape with sandy shores, calm waters, and mountainous landscapes.

While at these beaches, you will have opportunities to enjoy boating, swimming, fishing, and visiting the fishing communities around the provinces, like Mai Ndombe.

Top Beach Areas in the DR Congo

• Feru Beach: It is one of the many beaches situated along the southern shores of Lake Kivu in the DRC.
• Nyanzaru Beach: Located on the western shores of Lake Kivu.
• Safari Beach: Situated near Congo Kinshasa, the capital of the DRC.
• Sunset Beach: Located near the Congo River.
• Muanda Beach: It is the only coastal ocean beach in the DRC, situated on the Atlantic Ocean.

7. Engage in the Interesting Boat Safaris

Interesting boat safaris are one of the ways of exploring the dense rainforest and reaching other travel destinations that cannot be accessed by road.

These boat safaris offer opportunities for spotting different wildlife up close since many animals tend to gather around the water holes.

Commonly spotted animals include hippos, elephants, buffalo, and various antelope species that gather to drink at the riverbanks and lake shores.

Boat safaris also provide opportunities to have a glimpse into the way of life of Congolese living around lakes and rivers, since they include visiting the local communities, including fishing villages.

8. Taste the Delicious Congolese Food

Having a taste of the delicious Congolese food is among the reasons why a visit is a must-do when on your African holiday.

Congo offers a vibrant culinary journey best for travelers, featuring bold-flavoured meals that are centered around plantains, peanuts, smoked fish, cassava, and others.

Delicious local dishes in Congo are:

• Moambe Chicken: This is a national dish for both the Republic of Congo and the DR Congo. This savory dish is made by slowly cooking chicken spiced with palm nut butter and seasoned with garlic, onions, and chili.
• Fumbwa: This is a popular stew that is made from finely chopped fumbwa leaves, stewed with peanut butter, red palm oil, and smoked fish, plus aromatics like garlic, tomatoes, and onions. This dish is usually served with fufu.
• Liboke: An aromatic and very delicious traditional Congolese dish prepared by wrapping spiced meat or fish in banana leaves and then steaming it.
• Pondu (Saka Saka): This delicious traditional dish is prepared from pounded and boiled cassava leaves spiced with onions, palm oil, or peanut butter.

While in Congo, you can also enjoy international cuisines, especially in urban centers. These may include Indian, French, Lebanese, and Chinese, among others.

9. Immerse Yourself in the Rich Cultures

Immersing yourself in the rich cultures of the DR Congo is one of the compelling reasons to visit this great country.

Being the biggest country in Central Africa, the Congo DRC has over 200 distinct ethnic groups, each with unique traditional practices.

Congolese culture is deeply rooted in music and dance, which is evident in lively performances at events, along the streets, in bars, and in clubs, among other places.

DR Congo’s rich culture is also evidenced in artisans, since the Congolese are well known for their pottery, textiles, basketry, and sculpture.

Visitors to traditional villages are allowed to see the artisanal know-how, such as woodcarving, making their visit to Congo memorable.

Safari Costs Incurred for a Congo Safari

• Gorilla trekking permits in Virunga NP and Kahuzi Biega NP: ~$400 for foreign non-residents and $150 to $200 for Congolese residents.
• Mount Nyiragongo hiking: ~$300 per person, which includes an overnight stay in the summit shelters.
• Camping in Kahuzi Biega NP: ~$50 per person.
• A Congo tourist visa: ~$100-$105.

When to Visit the Democratic Republic of the Congo?

The best time to travel to Congo is during the dry season (June to September). In some parts of the DRC, especially in Virunga NP, they experience a very wet climate, and rain can fall at any time. However, during June to September, less rain is received, and hiking trails are less slippery.

The rainy seasons (March to April and October to November) are ideal times for budget travelers since costs on accommodation, gorilla trekking permits, and some safari activities are discounted.

Top Accommodation Options When on a Congo Safari

The following are the top accommodations for your dinner and overnight stays:

• Mikeno Lodge, Bukima Tented Camp, Tchegera Island Tented Camp —Virunga National Park.
• Nyiragongo Summit Cabins – Mount Nyiragongo.
• Goma Serena Hotel, Lac Kivu Lodge, and Clement Motel -Lake Kivu.
• Coco Lodge, Hotel Elizabeth, Panorama Hotel —Kahuzi Biega NP.
• Hotel Congo Palace, Les Chalets, New Palm Beach Hotel – Kisangani.

What To Pack When Visiting the Democratic Republic of the Congo?

The following are some of the essential items to pack when planning to visit Congo.

Some of the key essential things to pack include long-sleeved shirts, long trousers, waterproof rain jackets, hiking boots, and documents like a passport and vaccination card. You can read more about what to pack for a Congo safari.

How to Get to the Democratic Republic of the Congo?

The Congo DRC can be accessed by air and by road.

By Air

Visitors who travel by air enter the DRC through N’Djili International Airport, the main entry point for international flights.

Some travelers can use the eastern access, flying to Kigali, Rwanda, and then driving to Goma in the DRC.

By Road

Visitors traveling from Uganda by road use the Post Bus and Tahmeed Express, which run routes connecting Kampala to Goma. You can read more about how to get to the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Top Tour Operators to Help You Book Your Congo Safari

The following are the top tour operators you can book your Congo trip with.

1. Prime Safaris and Tours Ltd
2. Wild Gorilla Safaris
3. Congo Gorilla Safaris and Tours
4. Africa Safaris Tours
5. Gorilla Safaris And Tours

Why Should One Go to the Democratic Republic of Congo? FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. Which Attractions Are the Most Popular in the Democratic Republic of the Congo?

The most popular tourist attractions in the Democratic Republic of the Congo include:

There are various attractions in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, but the most popular ones are:

• Mountain gorillas in the Virunga NP
• Eastern lowland gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega NP
• Nyiragongo volcano in Virunga NP
• Lake Kivu
• Idjwi Island, a peaceful island in L. Kivu known for its cultural history
• The Lola ya Bonobo Sanctuary, the world’s only sanctuary that houses orphaned bonobos
• The Congo River

2. Is It Safe to Travel to the Democratic Republic of Congo?

The democratic republic of Congo is generally not safe due a long period of political unrest however, this does not apply to all game parks. Some parks are safe for tourists; however, they are advised to take caution.

Travelers are encouraged to use reputable tour operators for all travels, first, inquire about the security situation, and not travel alone.

3. Can I Combine an East African Safari with a Trip to the Democratic Republic of the Congo?

It is possible to combine an East African safari with a trip to the Democratic Republic of Congo, since a trip to this country acts as an excellent addition to the transition safari in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, or Rwanda.

There are undoubtedly many reasons why you should visit the Democratic Republic of Congo.

With the numerous attractions and various activities to engage in, Congo remains one of the best travel destinations. Contact us now to help you book your trip that promises lasting memories.