The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is one of Africa’s most biodiverse countries, renowned for its vast tropical rainforests, volcanic landscapes, mountain gorillas, rare forest wildlife, and extensive river systems.
Located in Central Africa, the country is the second-largest in Africa by land area and shares international borders with nine countries: Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, Zambia, Angola, the Republic of the Congo, the Central African Republic, and South Sudan.
The DRC is home to some of Africa’s most important national parks and protected areas, which safeguard rare wildlife, endangered primates, unique ecosystems, and remarkable natural landscapes. Its protected areas include the spectacular Virunga National Park, the gorilla-rich Kahuzi-Biega National Park, the vast Salonga National Park, and the wildlife-rich Garamba National Park.
One of the country’s greatest wildlife attractions is the opportunity to encounter both mountain gorillas and eastern lowland gorillas in their natural habitats. Mountain gorillas inhabit the Virunga Massif, including Virunga National Park, while eastern lowland gorillas, also known as Grauer’s gorillas, are protected in Kahuzi-Biega National Park and other forest areas of eastern DRC.
A Congo safari can offer experiences such as mountain gorilla trekking, eastern lowland gorilla tracking, chimpanzee observation, bird watching, forest exploration, hiking, cultural encounters, and wildlife viewing. However, the activities available depend on the park, current conservation programmes, accessibility, and security conditions.
The Democratic Republic of Congo also protects some of the largest remaining expanses of tropical rainforest in Africa. These forests provide essential habitats for bonobos, okapis, forest elephants, Congo peafowl, and numerous other species found nowhere else or in only a limited part of the world.
Below are some of the major national parks and protected areas in the Democratic Republic of Congo, their main attractions, wildlife, and potential safari experiences.
1. Virunga National Park
Virunga National Park is one of the most famous national parks in the Democratic Republic of Congo and a landmark destination for African wildlife conservation. Established in 1925, it is widely recognised as Africa’s oldest national park. The park covers approximately 7,800 square kilometres in eastern DRC, along the borders with Uganda and Rwanda.
Virunga was established to protect the region’s exceptional wildlife and natural habitats. In 1979, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in recognition of its outstanding biodiversity and ecological importance.
Wildlife and natural attractions in Virunga National Park
Virunga National Park is particularly famous for protecting a population of endangered mountain gorillas. The park forms part of the wider Virunga Massif, a transboundary conservation landscape shared by the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda.
The park features an extraordinary range of habitats, from tropical forests, swamps, and savannah grasslands to volcanic landscapes and high-altitude environments. Its varied elevations include the Rwenzori Mountains, whose highest peaks rise above 5,000 metres, as well as active volcanic areas.
Virunga contains three of the eight major volcanoes of the Virunga volcanic chain: Mount Mikeno, Mount Nyamuragira, and Mount Nyiragongo. The combination of mountains, forests, wetlands, and grasslands supports a remarkable variety of wildlife.
Apart from mountain gorillas, animals recorded in the park include chimpanzees, golden monkeys, blue monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, forest elephants, African buffaloes, hippopotamuses, lions, leopards, bushbucks, and other antelope species.
Virunga is also an important destination for bird watching, with more than 700 bird species recorded across its diverse habitats. Its forests, wetlands, and highland environments support numerous resident and migratory birds.
Activities in Virunga National Park
Depending on official park operations and security conditions, potential activities include:
- Mountain gorilla trekking.
- Chimpanzee habituation experiences, where available.
- Guided forest walks and nature exploration.
- Bird watching.
- Mountain hiking and volcanic landscape exploration.
- Wildlife observation and conservation-focused visits.
Virunga is an exceptional destination for travellers interested in mountain gorillas, volcanoes, and the biodiversity of the Albertine Rift. However, the availability of tourism activities can change because of security concerns and park management decisions. Travellers should confirm current operating status and official travel advice before arranging a visit.
2. Kahuzi-Biega National Park
Kahuzi-Biega National Park is one of the most important protected areas in the Democratic Republic of Congo, particularly for the conservation of eastern lowland gorillas. It is situated in the eastern part of the country, near Bukavu and the western shore of Lake Kivu.
Established in 1970 by Belgian conservationist Adrien Deschryver, the park protects a combination of montane forests, bamboo forests, lowland tropical rainforests, wetlands, and other habitats. Its landscape extends from the mountainous eastern section towards the lowland forests of the Congo Basin.
The park is named after two prominent extinct volcanic mountains, Mount Kahuzi and Mount Biega, which rise above the surrounding forest landscape.
Eastern lowland gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega National Park
The park is internationally known for its eastern lowland gorillas, also called Grauer’s gorillas. These are the largest of the four recognised gorilla subspecies and are endemic to the forests of eastern DRC.
Eastern lowland gorillas differ from mountain gorillas in their preferred habitats and geographical distribution. They inhabit tropical lowland and montane forests, where they feed on leaves, shoots, fruits, and other vegetation.
Kahuzi-Biega is one of the principal protected areas for this endangered gorilla subspecies. Gorilla trekking, when officially available, gives visitors an opportunity to observe habituated gorilla groups under the guidance of authorised trackers and park personnel.
Other wildlife in Kahuzi-Biega National Park
In addition to eastern lowland gorillas, the park supports eastern chimpanzees, forest elephants, forest buffaloes, owl-faced monkeys, blue monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, Angolan black-and-white colobus monkeys, and other primates.
Other mammals include duikers, forest antelopes, bush squirrels, galagos, and several species adapted to dense tropical forest environments. Leopards and other elusive forest predators may also occur in the wider ecosystem.
The park’s diverse habitats make it important for conservation, scientific research, and the protection of threatened species.
Activities in Kahuzi-Biega National Park
Depending on access and current park regulations, visitors may be able to participate in:
- Eastern lowland gorilla trekking.
- Guided forest walks.
- Bird watching.
- Mountain hiking.
- Wildlife and primate observation.
- Cultural experiences and excursions around Bukavu and Lake Kivu.
Kahuzi-Biega is particularly attractive to travellers seeking an eastern lowland gorilla trekking experience rather than the mountain gorilla encounters associated with Virunga, Uganda, and Rwanda.
Before planning a visit, confirm the park’s operating status, trekking permits, security arrangements, and authorised routes.
3. Garamba National Park
Garamba National Park is a major wildlife conservation area in northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo, close to the border with South Sudan. Established in 1938, it is one of the country’s oldest national parks and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980.
The park protects a distinctive transition zone between the Guineo-Congolian rainforest and the Sudanian savannah. Its landscape consists of open grasslands, wooded savannahs, gallery forests, rivers, marshes, papyrus wetlands, and patches of semi-deciduous forest.
These varied habitats support wildlife adapted to both forest and savannah environments, making Garamba an important stronghold for large mammals in Central Africa.
Wildlife in Garamba National Park
Garamba is known for its African forest elephants, African buffaloes, hippopotamuses, lions, and Kordofan giraffes. The park and its surrounding conservation landscape also support numerous antelope species, primates, pangolins, and other mammals.
Kordofan giraffes are particularly significant because they are a threatened giraffe population with a restricted distribution in Central Africa. Their conservation is one of the important priorities within the wider Garamba ecosystem.
The park is also recognised for its rich birdlife. UNESCO records hundreds of bird species in Garamba, reflecting the importance of its wetlands, rivers, woodland, and grassland habitats.
Garamba has a complicated conservation history, particularly involving the protection of rhinoceroses. The northern white rhinoceros formerly occurred in the region, but it should not be presented as a species that visitors can currently expect to see in the wild.
Activities in Garamba National Park
Where authorised tourism is operating, possible experiences may include:
- Guided wildlife observation.
- Bird watching.
- Nature exploration.
- Conservation and educational visits.
- Selected excursions arranged through authorised park operators.
Garamba is primarily important for wildlife conservation and protected-area management rather than conventional mass-market safari tourism. Its remote location and security considerations mean that visitors must establish whether access is possible before planning a trip.
4. Upemba National Park
Upemba National Park is located in the southeastern Democratic Republic of Congo, mainly within the wider landscape of the Upper Katanga region. Established in 1939, it is one of the country’s oldest protected areas and covers a vast area of approximately 11,730 square kilometres.
The park protects a diverse landscape extending from the Kibara Mountains and highland grasslands to miombo woodlands, tropical forests, wetlands, lakes, rivers, and seasonally flooded plains.
This variation in elevation and habitat makes Upemba particularly important for biodiversity. Its wetlands support aquatic life and waterbirds, while its grasslands and woodlands provide habitats for mammals and numerous other wildlife species.
Wildlife in Upemba National Park
Upemba supports a range of wildlife associated with the savannahs, woodlands, wetlands, and forests of southeastern DRC. Species recorded in the wider park landscape include elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, zebras, hippos, and several smaller mammals.
Its birdlife is another important attraction. Wetlands, rivers, and grasslands provide habitats for waterbirds, raptors, cranes, and many other species. Shoebills may be associated with suitable wetland habitats in the wider region, but sightings should never be guaranteed.
Upemba’s varied ecosystems also make it valuable for ecological research and conservation initiatives.
Activities in Upemba National Park
Depending on access, infrastructure, and local management arrangements, potential activities include:
- Bird watching.
- Guided nature walks.
- Wildlife observation.
- Hiking in selected areas.
- Wetland and landscape exploration.
- Community and cultural encounters where appropriately organised.
Upemba is a particularly interesting destination for travellers and researchers seeking to understand the ecological diversity of southeastern Congo beyond its better-known gorilla trekking destinations.
5. Salonga National Park
Salonga National Park is one of the most remarkable protected areas in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Located in the central Congo Basin, it protects approximately 36,000 square kilometres of tropical rainforest and is recognised by UNESCO as Africa’s largest protected area of dense tropical rainforest.
The park was first established in 1956 and later expanded under subsequent conservation legislation. It was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1984 because of its outstanding biodiversity and importance for rainforest conservation.
Salonga lies in a remote part of the Congo Basin, where extensive forests, rivers, and wetlands support numerous species adapted to the region’s tropical environment.
Wildlife in Salonga National Park
Salonga is an important refuge for bonobos, often called pygmy chimpanzees, which are found naturally only in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The park also protects forest elephants, Congo peafowl, and numerous other mammals, birds, reptiles, and fish.
Other wildlife associated with the park and its surrounding forests includes duikers, sitatungas, bushbucks, pangolins, African slender-snouted crocodiles, and a variety of forest-dwelling primates.
Its ecological importance extends beyond wildlife protection. The park’s extensive rainforest stores carbon, helps regulate regional climate, and supports the ecological processes of the Congo Basin.
Salonga also has considerable scientific value because of its relatively intact rainforest habitats and the number of species that remain difficult to study in such a remote environment.
Birdlife and aquatic biodiversity
Salonga provides habitat for a wide variety of forest birds and wetland species. The Congo peafowl is one of its most distinctive birds and an important symbol of the biodiversity of the Congo Basin.
Its river systems and wetlands also support numerous freshwater fish species and other aquatic organisms, making the park important for the conservation of the region’s interconnected forest and freshwater ecosystems.
Tourism in Salonga National Park
Salonga is not a conventional safari destination with easily accessible roads, lodges, and regular game drives. Its remoteness, limited infrastructure, and reliance on river transport make visits logistically challenging.
Potential experiences depend on official permissions and local arrangements, and may involve river journeys, nature observation, and conservation-oriented exploration.
Travellers should not assume that standard safari activities or independently organised visits are available. Any proposed trip requires detailed logistical planning and confirmation from the relevant conservation authorities.
6. Maiko National Park
Maiko National Park is a large and remote protected area in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Established in 1970, it covers approximately 10,885 square kilometres of predominantly tropical rainforest.
The park extends across parts of North Kivu, South Kivu, and Maniema provinces. Its dense forests form part of one of Central Africa’s important biodiversity landscapes and provide refuge for several threatened species.
Maiko is especially significant because it protects wildlife that is difficult to find elsewhere, including eastern lowland gorillas, okapis, and the Congo peafowl.
Wildlife in Maiko National Park
Maiko’s forests support eastern lowland gorillas, forest elephants, okapis, chimpanzees, and several other primate species. Its biodiversity makes the park important for protecting the unique wildlife of the eastern Congo Basin.
The okapi, an unusual forest mammal related to the giraffe, is endemic to the Democratic Republic of Congo. Its presence in the wider region highlights the importance of conserving large, connected areas of tropical forest.
The Congo peafowl is another notable species associated with the forests of the DRC. The park also supports numerous smaller mammals, birds, and other forest organisms.
Conservation challenges in Maiko National Park
Maiko faces serious conservation challenges, including illegal hunting, mining, encroachment, and insecurity. These pressures can threaten wildlife populations and make monitoring and protection more difficult.
The park’s remote location and limited infrastructure also restrict conventional tourism. It is therefore best understood as a major conservation area rather than a readily accessible safari destination.
For travellers interested in the wildlife of eastern Congo, Maiko is important to know about, but any visit would require confirmation of current security conditions, access permissions, and the availability of authorised tourism services.
7. Lomami National Park
Lomami National Park is a protected area in the central and northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo, spanning parts of Tshopo and Maniema provinces. The park lies within the Congo Basin and protects extensive tropical forests, river systems, and areas of forest-savannah transition.
Its modern conservation history developed through surveys and conservation initiatives before the park was formally established in 2016. It covers approximately 8,879 square kilometres and is important for protecting wildlife populations in a relatively remote part of the country.
Lomami’s forests are particularly significant because they support several rare and locally restricted species.
Wildlife in Lomami National Park
The park is known for its bonobos, forest elephants, Congo peafowl, and the lesula monkey, a primate scientifically described in 2012. The lesula is notable for its restricted distribution in the central Congo Basin.
Other primates recorded in the wider landscape include red colobus monkeys, black-crested mangabeys, red-tailed monkeys, De Brazza’s monkeys, and blue monkeys.
Lomami also protects numerous forest birds, small mammals, and other species that depend on intact tropical rainforest.
Conservation and exploration in Lomami
Lomami is important for scientific research, wildlife monitoring, and the conservation of species with limited geographical ranges. Its remote location and relatively limited tourism infrastructure mean that it is not generally comparable to established gorilla trekking destinations.
Possible visits, where authorised, would need to be organised around conservation requirements, local access, transport logistics, and current security conditions.
For nature enthusiasts, Lomami demonstrates the extraordinary wildlife diversity of the Congo Basin and the importance of protecting forest ecosystems that remain relatively little known internationally.
8. Mangroves National Park
Mangroves National Park, also known as Parc marin des Mangroves, is located along the Atlantic coast of the Democratic Republic of Congo, near the mouth of the Congo River in Kongo Central Province.
Unlike the country’s inland rainforest and mountain parks, this protected area focuses on coastal and estuarine ecosystems. Its mangrove forests provide important habitats for fish, crustaceans, birds, reptiles, and other wildlife.
Mangroves are ecologically valuable because they protect shorelines from erosion, help trap sediment, store carbon, and provide nursery grounds for many aquatic species.
Wildlife in Mangroves National Park
The park’s habitats support crocodiles, hippos, waterbirds, fish, and other species associated with coastal wetlands and estuaries. Mangrove forests also provide shelter and feeding grounds for numerous aquatic organisms.
Its ecological importance extends beyond the park itself because the Congo River estuary connects freshwater and marine environments.
The protected area also helps conserve an uncommon ecosystem within the DRC, where much of the country’s best-known wildlife is associated with inland forests and savannah landscapes.
Activities in Mangroves National Park
Depending on local access and authorised arrangements, possible nature-based experiences may include:
- Bird watching.
- Guided exploration of coastal wetlands.
- Observation of mangrove ecosystems.
- Educational visits focused on conservation.
- Local cultural experiences where appropriately organised.
Mangroves National Park offers a different perspective on the country’s natural heritage and is particularly relevant to travellers interested in coastal biodiversity and wetland conservation.
9. Kundelungu National Park
Kundelungu National Park is located in Haut-Katanga Province in southeastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Established in 1970, it protects a large landscape of grasslands, woodlands, rocky plateaus, rivers, and other habitats associated with the Katanga region.
The park is particularly famous for Lofoi Falls, one of the region’s outstanding natural attractions. The waterfall is often described as approximately 340 metres high, although measurements and descriptions can vary by source.
Kundelungu’s combination of open landscapes, river systems, and woodland habitats makes it ecologically distinct from the dense tropical rainforests of central DRC.
Wildlife in Kundelungu National Park
The park and its surrounding landscape support wildlife such as antelopes, buffaloes, warthogs, hippos, and various smaller mammals. The wider region also supports a variety of birds associated with savannahs, wetlands, and woodland environments.
Kundelungu is important for the protection of southeastern Congo’s natural habitats and for maintaining biodiversity within the wider Katanga landscape.
Activities in Kundelungu National Park
Potential nature-based activities, depending on local conditions and authorised access, include:
- Visiting Lofoi Falls.
- Hiking and landscape exploration.
- Bird watching.
- Wildlife observation.
- Nature photography.
- Community and cultural encounters where available.
The park can appeal to travellers interested in waterfalls, open landscapes, and nature exploration in southeastern DRC. Visitors should arrange transport, accommodation, and park access in advance because tourism infrastructure may be limited in some areas.
10. Okapi Wildlife Reserve
Although it is a wildlife reserve rather than a national park, the Okapi Wildlife Reserve deserves mention among the Democratic Republic of Congo’s most important protected areas. Located in the northeastern Congo Basin, near the Ituri Forest, it protects approximately 13,700 square kilometres of tropical rainforest.
The reserve was established in 1992 and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. It is particularly important for protecting the okapi, a rare forest mammal found naturally only in the DRC.
Wildlife in Okapi Wildlife Reserve
The reserve supports okapis, forest elephants, chimpanzees, and numerous other forest mammals. Its forests are also home to diverse birdlife, reptiles, and other species associated with the Congo Basin.
The reserve is important not only for wildlife conservation but also for the protection of forest ecosystems and the livelihoods and cultural heritage of Indigenous communities who have long depended on the forest.
Conservation and tourism
The Okapi Wildlife Reserve is a significant destination for understanding the biodiversity of the Ituri Forest. However, it is remote, and tourism opportunities are affected by access, infrastructure, conservation requirements, and security conditions.
Visitors should confirm current travel advice and obtain information from authorised local operators before considering a visit.
Why Visit the National Parks of the Democratic Republic of Congo?
The national parks and protected areas of the DRC offer a remarkable range of natural experiences. From the volcanic mountains of Virunga to the lowland rainforests of Kahuzi-Biega and Salonga, each protected area contributes to the conservation of Africa’s wildlife and landscapes.
The country is especially important for travellers interested in:
Mountain gorilla trekking: Virunga National Park protects mountain gorillas in the Congolese sector of the Virunga Massif.
Eastern lowland gorilla trekking: Kahuzi-Biega National Park is internationally recognised for its eastern lowland gorillas, also known as Grauer’s gorillas.
Rainforest wildlife: Salonga, Maiko, Lomami, and the Okapi Wildlife Reserve protect important populations of bonobos, okapis, forest elephants, and other rainforest species.
Bird watching: The country’s forests, wetlands, grasslands, and mountains provide habitats for a remarkable diversity of birds.
Volcanoes and mountain landscapes: Virunga is known for its volcanic scenery and high-altitude habitats, while other protected areas offer opportunities for hiking and nature exploration where permitted.
Wetlands and coastal ecosystems: Upemba and Mangroves National Park demonstrate the importance of the DRC’s lakes, rivers, marshes, and coastal habitats.
Planning a Safari in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Planning a Congo safari requires more preparation than visiting many established safari destinations in East or Southern Africa. Some protected areas have limited transport connections, accommodation, and tourism infrastructure, while others face serious security challenges.
Before booking a trip, travellers should:
- Confirm whether the intended national park is officially open to visitors.
- Check current government travel advisories and local security conditions.
- Obtain permits for gorilla trekking or other regulated wildlife activities through authorised channels.
- Arrange transport, accommodation, and guides in advance.
- Follow conservation rules and the instructions of park authorities.
- Allow sufficient time for travel between destinations because distances, road conditions, and transport availability can affect itineraries.
The availability of mountain gorilla trekking, eastern lowland gorilla trekking, hiking, and other activities can change. A national park’s conservation importance does not necessarily mean that it is currently accessible to tourists.
Book a Congo Safari
The Democratic Republic of Congo offers some of Africa’s most distinctive wildlife and conservation experiences, from mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park to eastern lowland gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega National Park.
Its other protected areas reveal the extraordinary biodiversity of the Congo Basin, including bonobos, okapis, forest elephants, rare primates, and diverse birdlife.
For travellers considering a Congo safari, working with a knowledgeable tour operator can help with itinerary planning, permits, accommodation, transport, and the assessment of current access conditions.
Contact a reputable tour operator for information about available Congo safari packages, gorilla trekking arrangements, and other wildlife experiences.
