Congo National Parks
Okapi Wildlife Reserve
The Okapi Wildlife Reserve is a protected area located in the Ituri Rainforest in northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). It was established in
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Congo National Parks
Located in the heart of Africa, The Democratic Republic of Congo is the second biggest country and arguably most beautiful in Africa, with Virunga as its jewel; home to Virunga National Park, an incredible destination that very few tourists have seen.
A destination for pioneering travellers, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), offers something truly remarkable for the avid explorer. A complicated region with a huge amount to offer, exploring the eastern edge offers explorers a real-life glimpse into the heart of Africa. The DRC is a complex but rewarding destination; a pocket of biodiversity, home to about a quarter of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.
Virunga is inspiring. It is Africa’s oldest national park, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the continent’s most biologically diverse protected area. It is also home to a quarter of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. The Eastern Congo is our area of interest, from the lowland and mountain gorilla experience to a hike to Nyirangongo, one of the world’s spectacular active lava lake, anything you try here is edgy; it is of what defines Congo’s allure. The area is also a home to some of distinctive wildlife species including the Okapi, an endangered species that resembles a zebra but is more closely related to the giraffe. Large colonies of hippopotami, forest and savanna elephants, and numerous rare bird species make Congo a destination full of memories words can’t describe.
There is nothing more life-affirming than spending time with mountain gorillas and camping on the edge of an active volcano; it is a thrill of mortality. If you love absolute adventure, Congo is a place for you!
Congo National Parks
Idjwi Island
Idjwi Island is located in Lake Kivu, on the border between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda. It is part of the
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Congo National Parks
Mount Nyiragongo
Mount Nyiragongo is an active volcano located in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), near the city of Goma and the border with Rwanda. It
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Congo National Parks
Kahuzi-Biega National Park
Kahuzi-Biega National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). It is one of Africa’s most
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Congo National Parks
1.Kahuzi-Biega National Park
The Kahuzi-Biega National Park is a protected area near Bukavu town in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is situated near the western bank of Lake Kivu and the Rwandan border. Established in 1970 by the Belgian photographer and conservationist Adrien Deschryver, the park is named after two dormant volcanoes, Mount Kahuzi and Mount Biega, which are within its limits. With an area of 6,000 square kilometers (2,300 sq. mi), Kahuzi-Biega is one of the biggest national parks in the country. Set in both mountainous and lowland terrain, it is one of the last refuges of the rare species of Eastern lowland gorilla (Gorilla beringeigraueri), an endangered category under the park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, inscribed in 1980 for its unique biodiversity of rainforest habitat and its eastern lowland gorillas.
2.Tchegera Island
Tchegera Island Camp is the perfect way to escape the hustle and bustle of Goma or to relax after climbing Nyiragongo volcano. Situated off the northern shore of Lake Kivu, Tchegera camp offers spectacular views of the lake and four volcanoes. On clear nights, Nyiragongo and Nyamulagira volcanoes add to the drama by turning the night sky red with their glowing lava. There is also an abundance of birdlife on the island, including African eagles, cormorants, herons and gulls. Whether one chooses to relax on the beach or explore other parts of the island in a sea kayak or by paddle board, Tchegera is the perfect place for rest and relaxation.
- Virunga National Park
Virunga national park is the oldest national park in Africa and one of the many UNESCO world heritage sites in Democratic Republic of Congo. Virunga national park was established in 1925 and is located in the eastern part of the country.
Virunga was first named Albert National Park and by then included the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and parts of Mgahinga Gorilla Park in Uganda. Virunga is the most visited national park in DRC.
Apart from volcanoes and mountain gorillas is the remarkable biodiversity, Virunga is home to lions, leopards, chimpanzees, elephants, hippopotamus and rare creatures like Okapi. Gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park is the most popular activity followed by hiking Mount Nyiragongo.
4.Mount Nyiragongo
Nyiragongo Volcano is one of the key attractions in Virunga National Park and its plumes of smoke can be seen from as far as Rwanda during the night. Nyiragongo is an active volcano with the largest lava lake on the earth.
Ever since 1984, the mountain has erupted 34 times with the last occurring in 2011. Every year thousands ignore the bad press and security reports from their embassies for a chance to call themselves as one of the few who have observed a lava lake up-close. When combined with gorilla trekking in Virunga.
5.Lake Kivu
Lake Kivu is one of the largest lakes in Africa and it is shared by Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Lake Kivu lies next to the great Virunga and Kahuzi-Biega National Park. Under the lake is a larger reservoir of methane gas which scientists believe is a disaster waiting to happen if the right conditions present itself or if a volcanic eruption occurs among one of the Virunga volcanos.
Lake Kivu is excellent for relaxation, swimming, island hopping, visiting local fishing communities, canoeing, Kayaking, biking and other water sports. Fishing is also possible and the main fish are Nile Tilapia, Tanganyika sardines, Clarias, Halochromic and others. There is no Hippos, crocodiles or Bilharzia to worry about while swimming.
- Idjwi Island
Island also known as Idjwi; the island is found in Congo’s section of Lake Kivu. The Island covers an area of about 340 square kilometers and is considered as the 2rd largest inland island in the continent of Africa.
Idjwi Island is home of about 200,000 people. Most of them survive on subsistence farming and small-scale fishing. Idjwi island became a Kingdom in the 18th Century and had a connection to the ruling monarchy Rwanda at the time.
This island offers cultural tours, hiking and also to explore the beautiful lake Kivu, boat rides to the island from Bukavu which takes about 2 hours and the only means of transport is by Bike, motorcycle or walking.
- Okapi wildlife Reserve
Okapi wildlife reserve is one of the many beautiful attractions and UNESCO World Heritage sites in Congo which have been hidden way from Much of the world. The reserve covers about 14,000 square kilometers and one fifth of it consists of dense forest.
Okapi wildlife Reserve rewards those who are fortunate enough to visit with amazing scenery, a chance to observe the elusive okapi and other wildlife species, waterfalls and a cultural encounter that is second to none in Africa.
The search is interesting because it is led by Mbuti pygmies and they are the ones who know the secrets of the forest and can locate the okapi using instinct or small leads. While tracking the okapi, the pygmies will introduce you to their lifestyle of hunting and gathering in the forest.