Popular National Parks to Visit

The Democratic Republic of Congo has several national parks that have attracted visitors from far and beyond. The following are some of the popular national parks that visitors visit.

Virunga National Park

Virunga National Park is located in the Bulambo district of D. R. Congo. It is found in the eastern arm of the Great Rift Valley. It stretches to over 7,769 square kilometers and was established in 1925 making it one of the oldest protected areas in Africa. Virunga National Park is located in the Virunga Conservation Area which stretches over to three countries. It covers the national parks of Bwindi Impenetrable, and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks in Uganda, and Volcanoes National Parks in Rwanda.

The park is renowned for being a natural haven for the endangered mountain gorillas. There are over 350 mountain gorillas with over 8 eight families. These gorillas live in groups known as families headed by a dominant male silverback. Virunga National Park also harbors an estimate of over 706 bird species making it a birders paradise. Gorilla trekking is also the main activity in Virunga National Park although birding, chimpanzee tracking, and nature walks among others are some of the other activities in the park.

Kahuzi-Biega National Park

Kahuzi-Biega National Park is located in Bukavu town along the banks of River Kivu. It was gazette in 1975 and named a UNESCO heritage site in 1980. The park was named after two dormant volcanoes Mount Kahuzi and Mount Biega. The park is popular with tourists for harboring the rare eastern lowland gorillas. Kahuzi-Biega National Park is well-versed in harboring these gorillas because of its favorable montane vegetation. The park also harbors other primates like chimpanzees, olive baboons, white and black colobus monkeys. Kahuzi-Biega National Park is also an important birding area as it harbors over 349 species of birds with over 42 endemic birds. Gorilla trekking is the main tourist activity in the park however chimpanzee tracking and birding are also done in the park.

Travel Tips to D. R. Congo

When traveling to the Democratic Republic of Congo, it is important to take note of some of the following travel tips.

• Safety and security. Security is the most important aspect for every traveler. When planning a trip to the Democratic Republic of Congo, safety should be your topmost consideration. Research about the current situation in the country on the internet and travel blogs as well as the news.
• Health. When you are planning a trip to DRC, you should be aware of your health before traveling. The country has for a few years been hit by different disease outbreaks such as Ebola so it is important to know the current situation before traveling.
• Permits and Visas. These documents are also important when traveling to The Democratic Republic of Congo as they are the gate pass into the country, especially the visa. Permits on the other hand are used to gain access to the national parks and spot the endangered mountain gorillas. All these documents can be obtained through a trusted tour operator.

When to visit D. R. Congo?

The Democratic Republic of Congo is a free and open country to the public and travelers all year round. However, there are specific periods suitable for visiting the country for specific reasons and agendas.

The Democratic Republic of Congo has an equatorial type of climate especially the areas around the equator hence the country has two dry and wet seasons annually. The long dry season begins from June to September and the short from December to February. This is the best season to visit D. R. Congo because the national parks are dry with clear vegetation cover to spot the wildlife easily. During this period, there is little or no rainfall recorded hence making navigation around the national parks very easy. Activities like hiking, gorilla trekking, and safari game drives are best done in this period.

However, the wet season that starts from October to November and from April to May has its advantages as well. During this period, accommodation facilities reduce their prices to fit the low rates of tourists hence favoring budget travelers. For the birding enthusiasts, this is their best season because it is the period to spot the migratory birds.

People and Culture of D. R. Congo

The people of Congo are some of the most welcoming and hospitable people in Africa. This is because they have benefited hugely from the visitors who support their art and craft industry through buying their products. The Democratic Republic of Congo has diverse cultures of people that range to over 200 ethnic groups of people. While on community and cultural encounters visitors learn the different customs, values, and beliefs of the people of Congo.

Suggested packing list

As you embark on your safari tour to the Democratic Republic of Congo, keep in mind the following suggested things to pack.

• Lightweight clothes. These clothes are fit for the dry season as it tends to be very dry and hot.
• Heavy gear clothes like jackets and raincoats. R. Congo like many East African countries tends to be so unpredictable regarding weather. It is on this note that you should be very prepared for any weather as it may heavily rain in the dry season or shine harshly in the wet season.
• Sunscreen. Africa as a continent has some of the harshest sunshine in the world so it is important to pack sunscreen that will protect you from the hot sun rays.
• Hiking shoes. These heavy-duty shoes are important in hiking and guided nature walks as they protect you from slipping on the muddy and steep terrain of Congo.