DRC.
“The DRC”
has a number of unique tourist opportunities, including wildlife reserves, indigenous cultures, and geological wonders not found easily or anywhere else in Africa.
Twelve percent of the country is made up of protected areas including 7 national parks and 57 reserves areas, with great ecotourism potential. However, many existing tourist facilities are in poor condition because of a lack of proper maintenance.
The DRC has four endemic species including Mountain Gorillas, Okapi, Bonobos, and the Congolese peacock. Moreover, the country has a unique variety of species in its ecosystem covering almost 145 million hectares.
Virunga National Park
The oldest national park dating from 1925 and the most varied region on the African continent. The snow caped Rwenzori Mountains, Active volcanoes, Mountain Gorilla’s and Chimpanzees. This park was descleared a UNESCO world heritage site and is now also on the list of World Heritage sites in danger. The park’s 7800 square kilometers (3000 square miles) includes forests, savannas, lava plains, swamps, erosion valleys, active volcanoes, and the glaciated peaks of the Rwenzori mountains.
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Places to Tour
Chimpanzee Trekking in Virunga
Chimpanzee tracking is a lesser known activity which is open to visitors in Virunga. It is organized close to the park headquarters in Rumangabo.
There is only one fully habituated group with about twelve individual chimps. Chimpanzee tracking starts at 6am and the probability of seeing them is high. Unlike gorillas, chimps love to spend time on tree tops.
They don’t stay in one place for long and you might have to follow them for some time before taking good photos. Chimpanzee permits in Virunga cost about $100 per person.
Mount Nyiragongo
The 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 Attractions in the Democratic Republic of Congovolcano with the largest lava lake on 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 and visiting the Serengeti/Masai Maraa, you would have done something that you can talk about with pride to your folks back home. Climbing Mount Nyiragongo takes two days and you will be left in awe at the sight of the lava lake. Nyiragongo hiking tickets cost $300 per person including a night spent on cabins while at the summit.
Boyoma Falls
Formerly known as the Stanley falls, the Boyoma falls are a collection of 7 rapids – each measuring about 4.5 meters high along the Lualaba River. The Wagenya tribe live in areas around the falls and use ancient fishing methods (including baskets) which have been passed on from generation to generation.
If you happen to travel between Ubundu and Kisangani, you will be left in awe at the sheer beauty of these falls. After visiting the falls, you can also visit the Wagenya tribe to learn more about their way of life and unique fishing methods.
These methods are Top things to do in the Democratic Republic of Congo tailored to work effectively in the fast flowing rapids and rocks.
DRC Itineraries
2 Day Virunga Gorilla Safari
3 Day Lowland Gorilla Tour.
3 Days Nyirango Hike
Go where you feel Most Alive
