Democratic Republic of the Congo Tours

Democratic Republic of the Congo Tours focus on a country at the heart of Central Africa, covering the second-largest rainforest in the world after the Amazon and a chain of active volcanoes along its eastern border. The Congo River, the second-longest in Africa, cuts through dense forest and connects Kinshasa, the capital, to the country's interior.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo sits within the wider Africa region covered on this site, and tourism here is concentrated in a small number of well-established protected areas in the east.

Virunga National Park and Mountain Gorillas

Virunga National Park, Africa's oldest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, protects both mountain gorillas and Nyiragongo, one of the world's most active volcanoes with a persistent lava lake in its crater. Guided treks bring small groups to observe gorilla families in their natural habitat, one of only a few places in the world where this is possible.

Nyiragongo and Lake Kivu

Climbing Nyiragongo is typically an overnight trek, with hikers reaching the crater rim in time to view the lava lake after dark before descending the next morning. Nearby, Lake Kivu offers a calmer contrast, with Goma's lakeside setting providing a base for travelers before or after visiting the park.

Kahuzi-Biega National Park

Farther south, Kahuzi-Biega National Park protects eastern lowland gorillas, a subspecies found only in this part of the country and considered more endangered than the mountain gorillas of Virunga. The park sits closer to Bukavu, a second gateway city on the shore of Lake Kivu.

Congo Tour Packages

Congo Tour Packages are generally short, focused itineraries centered on Virunga, such as a five-day safari through the park's key sites, combining gorilla trekking with a hike up Nyiragongo.

Bonobos and the Congo Basin

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is the only country where wild bonobos are found, with sanctuaries such as Lola ya Bonobo near Kinshasa offering a rare opportunity to see the species, a close relative of the chimpanzee.

Planning a Visit

Most itineraries begin from Goma, a city on the eastern border with Rwanda that serves as the main access point to Virunga. Given the park's location, travelers often combine a Congo visit with a wider trip through Rwanda or Uganda, both of which offer their own gorilla trekking permits.