Get to know the many Congo national parks and also find out what secret each of them holds. In each of these parks expect to find unique adventures, ranging from vibrant wildlife to breathtaking landscapes.

There are basically two countries in the great Congo that is: the Republic of the Congo and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Burundi, South Sudan, Zambia, Angola, and the Central African Republic border the DR Congo.

The Congo is a land of unparalleled biodiversity and natural resources, but long-standing conflicts have kept its wonders away from international travelers. However, due to a shift in security, Congo is expected to become one of Africa’s most visited countries in the future.

Many of Congo’s national parks are little visited and have remained largely undiscovered, and this is because getting to some of these parks is difficult due to poor infrastructure and having long suffered conflicts.

The country in general has a unique variety of ecosystems, including tropical rainforests, savannas, wetlands, and volcanic regions, hosting over 3,000 fauna and floral species, many of which are endemic to the Albertine Rift.

Key Highlights on National Parks in the Congo

• DR Congo, in Central Africa, is the only country where you can see both eastern lowland gorillas and mountain gorillas, making it one of the best destinations for gorilla tours in Africa.
• The Eastern part of the DRC is particularly unstable, as evidenced by the presence of one of the largest UN Peacekeeping missions on earth.
• Detailed breakdown of the different game parks in Congo, attractions, activities, and accommodations near the parks.
• More relevant information on costs of key activities, packing lists, and tour operators to use, among others.

Detailed breakdown of the national parks in Congo

National Parks in the Democratic Republic of Congo 

1. Virunga National Park—A UNESCO World Heritage Site

Virunga National Park is one of the most visited game parks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in the eastern part of the country, close to the Uganda and Rwanda border.

The park’s southern tip lies along the northern shore of Lake Kivu, a short distance from Goma to the east. The Virunga Mountains lie between L. Kivu and Lake Edward (southern sector) as they extend into Rwanda and Uganda.

It was established in April 1925, first as Albert National Park, making it the oldest of all African parks. Virunga NP was the largest national park before it was split from Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda and Mgahinga National Park in Uganda.

Virunga NP is divided into three sections: the northern sector, the southern sector, and the central sector, which includes parts of the Semiliki River basin.

This park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979 for its unmatched ecological diversity, geological phenomena, and critical wildlife habitats.

In Virunga NP, initially, the Albert National Park management is under the ICCN (Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature).

It is known for its populations of mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, and the Nyiragongo Volcano.

Top Attractions in Virunga National Park

• Over 300 mountain gorillas

Other animal species worth seeing on a Congo wildlife safari include African bush elephants, chimpanzees, bushbucks, leopards, bush buffalo, hippos, forest hogs, okapis, and Nile crocodiles, among others.

• Over 706 bird species, including the Rwenzori turaco, regal sunbird, Kivu ground thrush, etc.
• Volcanoes like Mt. Mikeno and the other two active volcanoes, Mt. Nyamuragira and Mt. Nyiragongo.
• Water bodies like Lake Edward, Lake Kivu, Lava Lake at Mount Nyiragongo, and the Rwindi River, among others.

Interesting Activities in Virunga National Park

• Mountain gorilla trekking
• Birdwatching
• Hiking volcanoes like Mt. Nyiragongo
• Community tours
• Nature conservation tours

Where to Stay Near Virunga National Park

There are various accommodation options near lodges and camps like Mikeno Lodge, Kibumba Tented Camp, and Bukima Tented Camp, among others.

Threats to Virunga NP

The greatest threat to wildlife in Virunga National Park is poaching, encroachment on parkland, and several deadly attacks from rebel groups operating in the region, who also kill park rangers during confrontations. However, despite these threats, Virunga NP remains the most visited park in DR Congo.

Contact our team of safari specialists to help you book your Congo tour that promises lasting memories.

2.  Garamba National Park

Garamba National Park is another popular game park located in the northern sector/northeastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo near the border of South Sudan and the Central African Republic in the north, and it spans over 5200 square kilometers.

Established in 1938, the park was later recognized as one of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1980, and it features savanna grasslands, woodlands, rivers, and equatorial forests.

Devastated by wars in Congo and Sudan during the 1980s and 1990s, where several animals were killed, Garamba NP is undergoing vital rehabilitation.

A coalition of global groups, including the World Wildlife Fund, the International Union for Conservation of Nature, and the Frankfurt Zoological Society, has partnered to safeguard this unique ecosystem.

Traveling to Garamba National Park typically involves long stays of around a week for safari experiences.

Top Attractions in Garamba National Park

• Various animal species, including endemic Congolese giraffes, bush elephants, olive baboons, forest hogs, okapis, leopards, hippos, and chimpanzees, among others. It may be the only place where the wild northern white rhinos are found.
• Over 550 bird species, including Abyssinian ground hornbills, rare palm-nut vultures, and migratory Abdim’s storks, among others, are worth seeing on Congo birding tours.
• Water bodies like the River Dungu and the River Garamba
• Over 1,000 plant species, including Borassus palm trees, Kigelia africana, Mitragyna rubrostipulacea, Albizia ferruginea, and rubrostipulacea, among others.

Interesting Activities in Garamba National Park

• Iconic Wildlife Viewing
• Birdwatching to spot some of the 550 bird species in the park
• Boat Cruises on River Garamba and River Dungu
• Guided nature walks to explore the savanna and forest zones on foot.

Accommodation in Garamba National Park

Accommodation facilities include Garamba Lodge and La Trompette Hotel, among others.

Threats to Garamba National Park

Garamba National Park has lost much of its wildlife due to poaching during the conflicts in Congo in the 1980s and 1990s.

Chat with our friendly team of safari specialists, and we’ll help you book your Congo tour.

3. Lomami National Park 

Lomami National Park is situated along the River Lomami, found in the provinces of Maniema and Tshopo.

This park which covers an area of 8,879 square kilometers was established in 2016 to protect a pristine, biologically rich area of the DR Congo Basin threatened by poaching and deforestation.

Its landscape features rolling hills to the west and a mix of rainforest and savanna to the south.

Top Attractions in Lomami National Park

• Various animals such as the rare species like, African forest elephants, dryas monkeys, okapis, bonobos, lesula monkeys (only found in the park), Salonga monkeys, and many other smaller primates.
• About 275 bird species, including Congo peafowl, blue breasted bee-eaters, Congo peacocks, African grey parrots, and crested guinea fowl, among others.
• Water bodies like the Lomami and Lualaba Rivers
• Ethnic groups like the Mbole and Tetela

Interesting Activities in Lomami National Park

• Game watching
• Birdwatching
• Sport fishing on the River Lualaba
• Cultural encounters with the nearby local populations and ethnic groups like the Mbole and Tetela

Where to Stay Near Lomami National Park

Accommodation near Lomami National Park generally consists of simple forest camps, village guesthouses, or eco-lodges.

Threats to Lomami NP

Lomami NP faces significant threats, which include bushmeat hunting and elephant poaching for ivory, which have increased insecurity in the park.

You can now book Lomami National Park safaris to enjoy incredible wildlife encounters, stunning mangrove sceneries and a lot more to create lasting memories.

4. Kahuzi-Biega National Park 

Kahuzi Biega National Park is among Congo’s most visited national parks in the eastern region near Bukavu Town, next to Lake Kivu and the Rwandan border

This park, which covers an area of about 6,000 km² was established in 1970 by Adrien Deschryver, a Belgian conservationist and photographer.

It was named after the two extinct volcanoes in the park, Mount Kahuzi and Mount Biega

Kahuzi-Biega NP was inscribed a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980 to protect the area’s diverse ecosystem of lowland rain forest, bamboo forests, and marshlands.

The park supports numerous unique species, most notably the eastern lowland gorilla, which is the largest of all gorilla subspecies in the world.

Top Attractions in Kahuzi Biega NP

• Eastern Lowland Gorillas
• Other animal species, including eastern chimpanzees, owl-faced monkeys, bush buffalo, forest elephants, bush squirrels, bongos, otters, aquatic civets, and galagos.
• Over 349 bird species, including the rare Congo peafowl, Rwenzori turaco, Rockefeller’s sunbird, etc.

Interesting Activities in Kahuzi Biega NP

• Gorilla trekking
• Bird watching
• Mountain climbing
• City tours around Bukavu
• Chimpanzee watching at the Lwiro Chimpanzee Sanctuary

Where to Stay Near Kahuzi-Biega National Park

Top facilities include Coco Lodge, L’Orchids Safari Club, and Mount Kahuzi Hotel, among others.

Reserve your wildlife safari in Congo now and discover the incredible wonders of nature in this park.

5. Salonga National Park 

Salonga National Park is Africa’s largest protected rainforest, covering over 36,000 km². It is located along the Congo River basin between Kisangani and Kinshasa.

It was established in 1956 under the name Tshupa National Park, and in 1970 it was expanded to regain its present bountaries and givn the name Salonga National Park.

In 1984, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site to protect its massive wildlife and pristine tropical and equatorial rainforest.

Salonga NP is recognized as one of the best birding spots in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Top Attractions in Salonga National Park

• Various animal species, including the rare Salonga monkey, bonobos, Angolan slender mongoose, leopards, African slender-snouted crocodiles, long-tailed pangolins, the elusive okapi, etc.
• Over 300 avian species, including cattle egret, black stork, and yellow-billed stork, among others.
• Congo River

Interesting Activities in Salonga National Park

• Game viewing
• River safaris
• Guided forest walks
• Primate tracking
• Birdwatching in the tropical rainforest

Accommodation in Salonga NP

Visitors can use mobile camps since there are no developed lodges near the park.

Contact our safari expert to help you reserve a Congo trip now for an unforgettable experience filled with amazing wildlife encounters

6. Mangroves National Park (Muanda Marine Reserve) 

Mangrove National Park is the DR Congo’s smallest national park, covering an area of 768 km².

The park was established in 1992, and it remains the only marine park in the DR Congo.

Though it is small compared to other Congo parks, it was designated a Ramsar Wetland of International importance for its freshwaters and saltwater ecosystems

Top Attractions in Mangroves National Park

• Numerous animals, including bushbucks, southern reedbuck, and West African manatees
• Bird species like the Mangrove Whistlers, Collared Kingfishers, Great-billed Herons, and various egrets, among others, are found there.
• Reptiles like snakes and crocodiles, among others.
• Various plant species that form the mangrove forests and these are distinct from those in South Asia.

Interesting Activities in Mangroves National Park

• Kayaking
• Wildlife viewing
• Bird watching
• Photography

Where to Stay Near Mangroves National Park

There are basic eco-lodges in Muanda where visitors can spend a night.

Book your Mangroves National Park excursion today and enjoy incredible wildlife sightings and beautiful scenery with a friendly, guided touch.

7. Maiko National Park 

Maiko National Park is another popular Congo game park in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, covering 10,885 km².

It was started as a hunting reserve before it was established as a national park in 1949 by the Belgian colonial government.

Despite the park’s remarkable biodiversity, it experiences a threat of rebel activities, thereby limiting the number of tourists visiting.

Maiko NP is an excellent location where tourists can learn about chimpanzee conservation.

Top Attractions in Maiko National Park

• Various animal species include the lowland gorillas, okapi, African forest elephants, chimpanzees, African golden cats, and leopards, among others, worth seeing on a Congo wildlife tour.
• Numerous bird species, including hornbills, turacos, kingfishers, and African grey parrots, among others.
• Various vegetation types
• Cultural zones of ethnic groups

Interesting Activities in Maiko National Park

There are a few safari activities due to insecurities from rebel groups, but some of the activities include game viewing, guided nature walks, and birding.

Accommodations in Maiko NP

No decent facilities exist near Maiko NP, but camping can be arranged with permission from the Congolese Institute for the Conservation of Nature (ICCN).

Book your safari adventures in Maiko, one of Congo’s top safari parks, for unforgettable experiences.

8. Kundelungu National Park 

Kundelungu National Park is in the southeastern part of DR Congo in the Haut-Katanga Province.

The park covers an area of 7,600 square kilometers, and it was started as a private hunting ground where sport hunting was done, but later this activity was suspended, and the area was gazetted as a national park.

The southern sector of the park is underutilized for tourism, but it hosts the Lofoi Falls, the main attraction in the park, which are known to be Africa’s highest waterfalls.

Tourist Attractions in Kundelungu National Park

• The Lofoi Falls, which rise 1,120 feet high. Other waterfalls include Lutshipuka and Masansa Waterfalls.

.         There are various animal species to see on a Congo wildlife safari, including crocodiles, African elephants, leopards, lions, porcupines, jackals, buffaloes, zebras, various species of antelope, hippopotamuses, and small primates, among many other creatures.

• Diverse bird species, including pelicans, egrets, marabou storks, the shoebill, the grey-crowned crane, etc.

Tourist Activities in Kundelungu National Park

• Game drives to see a variety of animals
• Birding to see birds like egrets, Madagascar bee-eater, marabou storks, etc.
• Camping and nature walks

Accommodation in Kundelungu National Park

No permanent commercial luxury lodges are operating within the park boundaries, but there is wilderness camping at the campsite near Lofoi Falls and at guesthouses in Katwe outside the park.

Book Kundelungu National Park safaris for a memorable adventure that promises wildlife sightings views of breathtaking sceneries and a lot more.

National Parks in the Republic of Congo 

The Republic of the Congo is part of the Great Congo Republic and borders Cameroon to the northwest, Gabon to the west, Angola to the south, the DR Congo to the southeast, the Central African Republic to the northeast and the Atlantic Ocean to the southwest.

The following are some of the parks to visit in Republic of the Congo include:

1. Odzala-Kokoua National Park 

Odzala-Kokoua National Park is among the countries most visited game parks in the country.

It is one of the oldest game parks in the Republic of the Congo, established in 1935, covering an area of about 13,500 km².

This park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site 2023, to protect the area’s biodiversity and to protect the endangered western lowland gorillas living there.

Tourist activities in Odzala-Kokoua National Park

• Various wild animals, including over 7,500 western lowland gorillas (highest density in Africa), African golden cats, over 9600 African forest elephants, etc.
• Over 440 bird species, such as African grey parrots, great blue turacos, Hartlaub’s ducks, and the rare Congo serpent eagle, among others, are worth seeing on a Congo birding tour.
• Water bodies like the Mambili and Lango rivers

Things to Do in Odzala-Kokoua National Park

• Bird watching to see some of the 440 avian species
• Guided nature walks to explore the park’s unique vegetation
• Boat trips on the Mambili and Lango rivers
• Cultural experiences with the local communities of the Bantu and Ba’Aka

Accommodation near Odzala-Kokoua National Park

There are various camps where you can spend your night, and these include Ngaga Camp, Lango Camp, Mboko Camp, and Camp Imbalanga, among others.

Visit Odzala-Kokoua National Park, one of Congo’s wildest and most biodiverse safari destinations, packed with incredible wildlife and natural beauty.

2. Conkouati-Douli National Park 

Conkouati-Douli National Park is also among the must visit game park in the Republic of Congo, which is located near the border of Gabon.

It was established in 1999, and it features a special combination of dense rainforests, lagoons, mangroves, and it is the country’s only protected marine area.

Things to See in Conkouati-Douli National Park

• Over 900 western lowland gorillas
• Over 7,000 central chimpanzees
• Over 900 forest elephants
• A large population of red river hogs, leopards, and buffalo.
• Various plant species
• Over 298 bird species, including the hairy slit-faced bat and blue-breasted bee-eater

Things to Do in Conkouati-Douli National Park

• Game viewing
• Gorilla trekking
• Birding
• Community and cultural experiences

Accommodation in Conkouati-Douli National Park

There are a few accommodation options around Conkouati-Douli NP, but for those looking for a more authentic and rustic experience, there are camping facilities available in the park.

Contact our safari specialists to help plan and book your Congo tour where you will have an opportunity of this safari park.

3. Ntokou-Pikounda National Park 

Ntokou-Pikounda National Park (also known as Green Abyss) is a remote 4,572 km² conservation area in the northern part of the Republic of the Congo.

It is renowned for being home to over 15,000 western lowland gorillas, making it a vital sanctuary for these great apes in Central Africa.

Key Attractions in the Park

• Over 15,000 western lowland gorillas
• Over 1000 central chimpanzees
• Other various wildlife, including over 8,000 forest elephants, large populations of hippos, and others.
• Numerous bird species

Interesting Things to Do in The Park

• Wildlife viewing
• Chimpanzee trekking
• Gorilla trekking
• Bird watching
• River boat cruises

Where to stay

There are developed lodges inside the park, but visitors can also utilize the basic campsite within the park itself.

4. Ogooue-Leketi National Park 

Ogooue-Leketi National Park is situated 730 km west of Brazzaville in the Republic of the Congo, covering about 3,500 km² of the Batéké Plateau.

Things to See in Ogooue-Leketi National Park

• Various apes, such as endangered western lowland gorillas and eastern chimpanzees
• Savanna and Forest Wildlife, e.g., forest elephants, forest buffalo, Grimm’s duiker, side-striped jackal, etc.
• Numerous bird species, including both migratory and residential birds, hornbills, Denham’s bustard, etc.

Things to Do in Ogooue-Leketi National Park

• Gorilla trekking
• Game drives
• Bird watching

Where to Stay Near Ogooue-Leketi National Park

There are various park ranger camps, including Ngaga Camp, Lango Camp, and Mboko Camp, among others.

Challenges facing Game Parks in the Congo 

• The eastern part of the DRC is particularly unstable, as evidenced by the presence of one of the largest UN peacekeeping missions on Earth.
• Many of Congo’s game parks receive very few visitors and remain largely undiscovered due to high cases political instabilities. However, there is an ongoing military training who can be deployed to fight poaching and other illegal practices
• Some of the local communities living around the park are also engage in unlawful activities like poaching and logging due to lack of an alternative source of income.
• Many armed rebel groups are operating directly within Virunga NP, and these directly confront park staff and sometimes travelers and this has led to a reduction in visitors. The ongoing conflict in eastern Congo has led to death of many park rangers.

Best Time to Visit the National Parks in Congo 

The dry seasons (June to September and December to February) is the best time to visit national parks in Congo.

The dry months offer favourable conditions for almost all park activities. Drier trails, make gorilla trekking, wildlife viewing, nature walks much easier.

Some visitors can also visit the Congo game parks during the wet season (March–May, Oct–Nov), especially those on a low budget.

Packing List for Game Parks When on Congo Safaris 

The following are some of the essential items to pack for your Congo safari when visiting game parks.

• Essential clothing includes long trousers & long-sleeved shirts, garden gloves, a sweater, and a rain jacket/poncho. Your clothes should be of neutral colors, e.g., khaki, beige, or green, to blend with the environment.
• Other equipment such as binoculars, cameras, and a waterproof daypack to carry water, snacks, and your electronics.
• Health and safety items, such as a first aid kit with prescribed medicine, insect repellent, sunscreen, sunblock, sunglasses, hand sanitizer, and wet wipes.

Best Safari Companies to Use for a Congo Safari to Visit the Different Game Parks 

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

Sample of Congo Safari Packages Offered by the Above Safari Companies 

• The Mikeno Mist 4 Days Congo Tour Packages (gorillas and Nyiragongo hiking)
• 3 Days Nyiragongo hiking safari in Congo, Nyiragongo Mountain climbing tour in Congo
• 3 Days Mountain Gorilla Safari in Congo Tour
• 3 Days Lowland Gorilla Safari in Congo
• 5 Days Congo Safari Tour, Gorilla Trekking, Mount Nyiragongo Hike, Recreation, Scenery Viewing

 Congo National Parks FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions 

1. How Many National Parks Are in Congo? 

There are about nine national parks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and five in the Republic of the Congo.

National parks in DR Congo

• Virunga National Park
• Kahuzi-Biega National Park
• Salonga National Park
• Garamba National Park
• Mangroves National Park
• Upemba National Park
• Lomami NP
• Kundelungu NP
• Maiko NP

National Parks in the Republic of the Congo

• Odzala-Kokoua National Park
• Conkouati-Douli National Park
• Ntokou-Pikounda National Park
• Ogooue-Leketi National Park
• Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park

2. Why Is Virunga National Park in Danger? / Is Virunga National Park in Danger?

Virunga National Park is in danger due to armed militias, illegal resource extraction like charcoal production md poaching, roaming threats of oil explorations, and massive human displacement.

3. Why Is Virunga National Park Famous? /What Is Special About Virunga National Park? 

Virunga National Park is famous for being the oldest game park, most biologically diverse protected area, the home to the endangered mountain gorillas and it houses the active Nyiragongo Volcano that has the world’s largest lava lake.

4. What Countries Are in Virunga National Park?

Virunga National Park is entirely within one country: the Democratic Republic of Congo, and it borders Uganda and Rwanda.

Book your dream trip and get a chance to explore the different national parks in Congo. Our safari specialists are ready to you right from planning to completion of your trip.