Last updated: June 2024

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is a land of dramatic landscapes, teeming with wildlife and full of cultural heritage. The DRC offers varied experiences, from the awe-inspiring mountain gorillas to the displaying of survival instincts across Kinshasa's busy streets. As a traveller, you can explore the lush, green rainforests or revel in the vibrant vibe of the cities.

Kinshasa

Kinshasa is a booming, chaotic capital city—amidst comparisons to an African New York City—chaotic but alive. It has a number of cultural and historical places to explore. The National Museum of Kinshasa displays over 46,000 objects on Congo's history, wildlife, and culture, and a museum tour is possible. One can also take a river tour with impressive views of the city.

Things to do 

Take a boat on the Congo River, visit Mache des Voleurs, full of colours, walk the streets, and discuss every topic with the locals. You can also enjoy Congolese cuisine at local restaurants and experience the vibrant nightlife and music scene.

Virunga National Park

This UNESCO World Heritage site hosts around 25% of the world's endangered mountain gorillas. At the heart of the Nord-Kivu region in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Virunga National Park is an interesting place for nature enthusiasts. Covering over 7,1000 square kilometres, the park offers remarkable landscapes, diversified wildlife, and rich cultural heritage.

One of the major highlights is Mount Nyiragongo, an active volcano featuring the world's largest permanent lava lake. Hiking to the top is an exciting experience and allows you to have wonderful views of the picturesque, lush rainforest and the boiling lava lake.

Things to Do

Gorilla trekking, guided hikes to the park's volcanic peaks, wildlife safaris to view chimpanzees and other species, and exploring the lush forests.

Lola ya Bonobo Sanctuary

A short drive west of Kinshasa lies a touching project that gives sanctuary to orphaned bonobos. Deep in the forest, some 90 minutes from the city limits, this sanctuary cares for these gentle primates. Long thought to be chimpanzees, bonobos are an altogether different species known for their peaceful character. Sadly, they are endangered, with only around 50,000 surviving in the wild. Visitors are allowed to have a look at the spacious forested enclosures of the frolicking creatures. Bonobos are most active during the morning hours and usually spend their time near the viewing areas; thus, this gives visitors the opportunity to remember an up-close view of the animals.

Things to do

Visit the feeding stations for close sightings of bonobos, take guided tourd to understand the conservation, and volunteer in this sanctuary to help in caring for the great apes.

Kahuzi-Biéga National Park

The park is named after Mount Kahuzi and Mount Biéga and is located in South Kivu Province, lying from the Congo River basin to Bukavu. Its landscapes are extremely varying, including lava plains, savannas, forests, and active volcanoes. These extinct volcanoes provide great hiking opportunities.

Established in 1970 to protect Eastern Lowland Gorillas, the park was later made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 19100. Even with over a decade of gorilla poaching, the park authority's dedicated education programs have helped improve the condition of gorillas, which are still at the brink of extinction. The park has numerous flora and fauna, including endemic plants, elephants, chimps, genets, and antelopes.

Things to Do

Hiking to view the endangered species of Eastern Lowland Gorillas, hiking through a variety of landscapes of the park while enjoying the beautiful sceneries of the area, and viewing awe-inspiring waterfalls in the park.

Lake Kivu

One of the Great Lakes in Africa, Lake Kivu, is situated on the border between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda. It features serene shores, fine landscapes, and activities like boating, fishing, and swimming. Nearby, it has Kangas hot springs and elegant sunset views across the waters.

Things to Do

Sunbathe on the beaches, go on boat trips to the lake, visit the hot springs located nearby, and enjoy the view of picturesque sunsets reflecting on the water.

Garamba National Park

Garamba National Park offers thrilling views that open up into the enormous stretch of endless grass and savannas. These sprawling plains change into a haven of wildlife. Tall-necked giraffes browse in equal lanky proximity with elephants, and the hippos writhe in beaded pools. This, however, is not solely the habitat of some of the commonly known African creatures. The rare black rhinoceros and even more endangered white rhinoceros can find shelter here as well. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, Garamba National Park, has been a very major sanctuary in conservation efforts for these magnificent animals. It is just unforgettable to see the vast variety of large mammals that exist in peace among themselves and hence make this park a must-visit for any aficionado of wildlife.

Things to Do

Wildlife safaris, exploring the savannas and woodlands, bird watching, learning about anti-poaching efforts, and community conservation programs.

Nyiragongo Volcano

Nyiragongo Volcano in the Democratic Republic of Congo is famous for having the largest active lava lake anywhere on the globe. One could trek to the top to get a close view of a spectacular marvel of nature. From the top, the views are literally breathtaking, nurturing an experience that one would not easily forget. For hiking enthusiasts, Nyiragongo offers a strenuous hike to its summit.

Things to Do

Hike to the summit and behold the largest lava lake in the world, camp at the top overnight; it is truly an experience of a lifetime, and snap some photos of the sizzling volcanic sceneries

Salonga National Park

Salonga is the continent's biggest tropical rainforest reserve, isolated and pure. Situated in Congo, Salonga National Park is the largest African rainforest reserve and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The dense canopy of the primary rainforest may be hiked on a guided trek, where creeks host a large variety of primates, from bonobos and chimpanzees to forest elephants. Watch out for the colourfulness of the birds, and marvel at how tapestries of life like these can be within such a richly lush environment.

Things to Do

There are treks with a guide through the equatorial rainforest with a chance to spot bonobos and forest elephants, among other mammals. People also visit some of the many traditional remote villages to learn about various local cultures.

Okapi Wildlife Reserve

This site is under the protection of UNESCO as a World Heritage. The Ituri Forest is, without a doubt, a jungle paradise of primates, exotic birds, and falling waterfalls. Take some time to hike around the magnificent Epulu and Ituri rivers, encountering the Efe and Mbuti pygmy communities integral to life in this forest. Be prepared to seek out the mysterious Okapi, this relatively lesser-known relation to the giraffe, and be amazed at just how rich life is woven within this special ecosystem.

Things to Do

Hiking and trekking on foot to see the rare Okapi and the Epulu Conservation and Research Center, many endemic bird species, and other rich biodiversity pockets in the Ituri Forest.

Mount Stanley

Mount Stanley is the highest in the Rwenzori Range and an ambitious, more challenging climb, but the views from the summit are worth it. The mountain is located in the Rwenzori Mountains, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Things to Do 

Mountaineering and exploitative climbing on and around the massif, guided treks through the alpine scenery, camping and photographing glaciers and spectacular landscapes.

Boyoma Falls

Formerly Stanley Falls, these powerful cataracts on the Lualaba River are a beautiful view. It is the second-largest in terms of discharge volume. After the overall fall of 61 metres, at the bottom of the seventh cataract, it joins the Congo River. Located within its vicinity, the Wagenya fishing tribe made their home many centuries later inventing special techniques for catching fish on this special river. On seeing them, you will watch their wooden tripods standing in the rapids in resting positions at the natural holes of the rocks made by the running water. The baskets used as nets by the fishermen are held by the tripods.

Things to Do

Cascade viewing, boat trips on the river, village visits in nearby areas, and some cultural input on the falls.

Idjwi Island 

Idjwi Island bisects the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, the second largest inland island over the surface of Africa. This is an island found in Lake Kivu, well known for its cool setting and breathtakingly beautiful scenery—traditional villages, bird-watching spots, and a place for hiking. The island has a relaxing lakeside and a local cultural setting of the people living on the island.

Things to Do

Cultural experiences in traditional villages, hiking and biking to visit surrounding areas of the island, leisure by the lake, and bird-watching

Congo River

The Congo River is the second longest river in Africa and cuts right to the core of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is very important, as it is an essential waterway used for transportation and trade. The river offers amazing views, rich biodiversity, cruises on the river, and fishing. The Congo River is central to the lives and cultures of the communities living along its banks.

Things to do

River cruises, which people go through the lush landscape, visit the villages alongside the river, fishing, bird watching, and the local markets and cultural events.

Zongo Falls

Zongo Falls is a beautiful waterfall in the Democratic Republic of Congo, near Kinshasa, that attracts many visitors. The waterfall's background scene consists of luxuriant greenery, which allows hikers to walk through it. The surroundings offer great picnic spots and a natural bathing place in its pool. I recommend it for a day trip, as it can be really fun viewing this waterfall and a great escape from the city.

Things to do

Visit to the falls by hiking and sightseeing

Picnic Swim in natural pools Guided tours of knowledge about the local ecosystem

Lubumbashi

This is the industrial and commercial metropolis and the second-largest city in the DRC. UNSPECIFIED The second-largest city of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Lubumbashi is an important industrial and commercial centre. This city, with its colonial architecture, cultural offerings, market bustle, and tasty local cuisine, is home to many thrilling experiences, including the Zoological Park of Lubumbashi.

Things to Do

See vestiges of colonial architecture.

Visiting Lubumbashi Zoological Park, shopping at local markets, Eating their local dishes, and visiting Museums such as the National Museum of Lubumbashi.