DRCTourism is the official digital gateway to explore the Democratic Republic of Congo’s extraordinary natural and cultural experiences. From tracking elephants and Kordofan giraffes in Garamba National Park to exploring the Congo River, tropical rainforests, waterfalls, and vibrant cities like Kinshasa, DRCTourism connects travelers to authentic wildlife safaris, adventure expeditions, and immersive cultural journeys across one of Africa’s most biodiverse destinations.
Most popular tours and activities from DRC TOURISM
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Garamba National Park Savanna Safari Track Kordofan giraffes, elephants, and lions across one of Africa's oldest parks
Explore one of Africa’s oldest and most important national parks—Garamba National Park, established in 1938 and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its extraordinary biodiversity.Located in the remote savanna landscapes of northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo, Garamba protects one of the last populations of the endangered Kordofan giraffe in Central Africa. The park’s vast wilderness of rolling grasslands, woodland savannas, and riverine forests spans nearly 5,000 square kilometers and provides habitat for elephants, lions, hippos, antelopes, African wild dogs, and more than 300 bird species.Unlike the crowded safari parks of East Africa, Garamba offers an incredibly rare opportunity to experience a truly wild African ecosystem where travelers may spend entire days without encountering another vehicle.This expedition combines classic game drives with guided walking safaris led by experienced guides and armed park rangers. Guests explore remote sectors of the park, observe wildlife from unique vantage points, and gain insight into the conservation efforts that protect one of Africa’s most challenging and inspiring protected areas.Visitors will also learn about the remarkable recovery of Garamba’s wildlife populations and how tourism directly supports ranger patrols, anti-poaching operations, and community development programs in surrounding villages.For travelers seeking authentic exploration, conservation impact, and extraordinary wildlife encounters, Garamba represents one of the most exclusive safari experiences on the African continent.
Experience the wild nature surrounding Kinshasa with this immersive multi-day safari combining waterfalls, wildlife reserves, river expeditions, and cultural discovery.This premium journey begins with an expedition to Vampa Falls and Zongo Falls in Kongo Central, two of the most spectacular waterfalls in Central Africa. Surrounded by tropical forest, these powerful waterfalls offer breathtaking landscapes, hiking opportunities, and unique photography moments.Guests spend the night near the waterfalls before returning to Kinshasa to continue exploring the region’s natural wonders.The adventure continues with a private expedition on the legendary Congo River, one of the world’s largest rivers. Travelers cruise past fishing villages and explore river islands while enjoying stunning views of the Congo Basin ecosystem.The safari also includes wildlife exploration near the capital.At Nsele Valley Park, visitors can discover savanna landscapes and observe animals such as zebras, antelopes, buffalo, ostriches, monkeys, and numerous bird species.The journey continues to Bombo-Lumene Reserve, a vast protected savanna ecosystem where guests can experience nature walks, wildlife viewing, birdwatching, and photography.Beyond nature, this experience also reveals the cultural richness of Kinshasa.Guests may visit the National Museum of the Democratic Republic of Congo, explore artisan markets, and experience the vibrant music scene that has made Kinshasa one of Africa’s most influential cultural capitals.This experience offers a rare combination of nature, culture, wildlife, and river exploration, making it one of the most unique safari adventures available from Kinshasa.
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Bandundu Region Sacred Rivers & Forest Kingdom Expedition
Hotel accommodation in KinshasaAccommodation during the expeditionPrivate transport with driverLocal cultural guideRiver or canoe excursions where indicatedSelected meals during the itineraryBottled water during excursionsEntrance fees to included sitesCommunity and cultural visit coordinationAirport pick-up and drop-off in Kinshasa
Virunga National Park is one of the most extraordinary protected landscapes in the world. Established in 1925, it is Africa’s oldest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site internationally recognized for its exceptional biodiversity and ecosystems.Located in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo along the Albertine Rift, the park stretches across 7,800 square kilometers and includes volcanoes, montane forests, savannas, lakes, and tropical rainforests.Virunga forms part of the Congo-Nile basin, one of the largest watershed systems on the planet, feeding both the Nile and Congo rivers. The park’s rivers and lakes also provide opportunities for sustainable hydropower initiatives designed to support surrounding communities.This expedition takes travelers deep into Virunga’s diverse ecosystems while supporting conservation initiatives that protect endangered species and support local communities.Participants explore the park’s landscapes with expert Congolese guides, trek through gorilla habitats in the Virunga Massif, learn about conservation efforts led by park rangers, and discover the ecological importance of one of Africa’s richest biodiversity hotspots.What wildlife can travelers see in Virunga?Virunga National Park is one of the most biologically diverse protected areas on the continent.The park hosts:218 mammal speciesincludingmountain gorillasforest elephantslionshipposokapis706 bird speciesincluding numerous Albertine Rift endemics.109 reptile speciesincluding the famous Gaboon viper, known for its impressive camouflage patterns and powerful strike.78 amphibian speciesmaking Virunga the richest amphibian region in the Albertine Rift.22 primate speciesincluding:mountain gorillaseastern lowland gorillaseastern chimpanzeesVirunga is the only location on Earth where three great ape species coexist.What landscapes will travelers explore?Virunga contains a remarkable diversity of ecosystems.Travelers will explore landscapes including:• volcanic mountains of the Virunga Massif• bamboo forests above 1,800 meters altitude• tropical lowland rainforests• the Rwindi Plains savanna ecosystem• rivers feeding the Congo and Nile basins• Lake Edward and surrounding wetlands• montane forests on the slopes of Mount Mikeno• the Rwenzori Mountains, also known as the "Mountains of the Moon"These ecosystems provide habitat for hundreds of species and create one of the most scenic national parks in Africa.What activities are included in this experience?Travelers will participate in a range of wildlife, conservation, and cultural experiences including:• mountain gorilla trekking• volcano trekking• rainforest exploration• conservation workshops with park staff• ranger-led wildlife tracking• bird watching in the Albertine Rift• community visits and cultural encounters• biodiversity education sessions• tree planting conservation activity6 nights premium eco-lodge accommodationall mealsairport pickup and drop-off in Gomaall local transfers and 4x4 transportprofessional Congolese guides and trackersmountain gorilla trekking permitvolcano trek with certified guidecommunity homestay experiencetree planting ceremonyconservation workshop participationpersonalized impact report24/7 in-country support
Experience OverviewHidden in the heart of the Congo Basin, Salonga National Park is one of the last remaining untouched tropical wilderness areas on the planet.Recognized by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage Site, Salonga protects one of the most intact rainforest ecosystems in Central Africa. Covering more than 33,350 km², the park is larger than many European countries and is the largest protected tropical forest in Africa.Nearly 95% of the park is covered in dense rainforest, intersected by rivers, swamps, and remote gallery forests that remain largely unexplored.This expedition immerses travelers in the biodiversity of the Congo Basin where they can encounter bonobos, rare primates, forest elephants, and countless species of birds, reptiles, insects, and amphibians.Few places on Earth offer such an authentic wilderness experience.Wildlife HighlightsSalonga National Park is home to extraordinary biodiversity.Travelers may encounter:Great Apes• Bonobos (potentially up to 40% of the global population)Primates• Golden-bellied mangabey• Thollon’s red colobus• Angola pied colobus• Allen’s swamp monkey• De Brazza’s monkey• Black mangabeyLarge mammals• Forest elephants• Leopards• Bongo antelope• Giant pangolins• Hippopotamus• DuikersBirdlife• Congo peacock (found only in Congo Basin forests)• hornbills• palm-nut vulturesReptiles and amphibians• slender-snouted crocodile• diverse rainforest snakes• numerous amphibian speciesMore than:• 51 mammal species• 223 bird species• 152 fish specieshave already been documented in the park, with many more still being discovered.Landscapes You Will ExploreSalonga lies south of the Congo River in the heart of the Congo Basin.The park features:• vast equatorial rainforest• swamp forests and wetlands• gallery forests along rivers• river channels and streams• patches of savannah• seasonal flooded forest ecosystemsThousands of kilometers of waterways run through Salonga, feeding into the Congo River system and helping regulate climate across Central Africa.These forests also store enormous quantities of carbon, making them essential for global climate stability.Activities Included in the Experience• guided rainforest trekking• bonobo habitat exploration• river canoe expeditions• wildlife observation• birdwatching excursions• night rainforest listening experiences• conservation learning sessions• community cultural encounters• nature photography opportunities
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Upemba National Park Safari Expedition – Congo Basin Wetlands & Wildlife Adventure
Upemba National Park is one of Africa’s most remote and fascinating wilderness destinations.Located in the southeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, the park covers more than 11,700 square kilometers and protects an extraordinary ecosystem made up of vast wetlands, open savannas, and more than 80 interconnected lakes known as the Kamalondo lake system.This multi-day safari expedition offers travelers the opportunity to explore one of the least visited national parks in the Congo Basin.The journey begins in Lubumbashi, the main gateway city to southeastern Congo, before continuing overland into the wilderness of Upemba National Park.During the expedition guests explore wetlands and lakes by boat, observe wildlife across savanna landscapes, and discover one of Central Africa’s most important freshwater ecosystems.The park is also the birthplace of the Lualaba River, which later becomes the Congo River — the second-largest river system in the world by volume.Wildlife encounters may include hippopotamus populations in lake channels, Nile crocodiles, antelope species, and hundreds of wetland and savanna bird species.Because Upemba remains largely unexplored, visitors experience something increasingly rare in modern tourism: authentic wilderness far from crowded safari routes.This expedition is ideal for explorers, photographers, birdwatchers, and travelers seeking a unique safari experience in the Congo Basin.Boat safari across the Kamalondo lake systemExplore over 80 interconnected lakes and wetlandsWildlife tracking across Upemba savanna landscapesBirdwatching in one of Central Africa’s richest ecosystemsDiscover the source region of the Lualaba RiverExperience one of Africa’s most remote national parks
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Grauer’s Gorilla Kingdom Safari – Kahuzi-Biega UNESCO Rainforest Expedition
Journey into the heart of the Congo Basin to explore Kahuzi-Biega National Park, one of the most extraordinary protected areas in Central Africa.Established in 1970 and covering nearly 6,000 square kilometers, the park protects a vast tropical rainforest ecosystem stretching from the volcanic mountains of the Mitumba Range to the lowland forests of the Congo Basin.Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kahuzi-Biega is internationally known for hosting the largest remaining population of Eastern Lowland Gorillas (Grauer’s gorillas).These remarkable primates are the largest of all gorilla subspecies and represent one of the rarest great apes on Earth.The park also protects an exceptional diversity of wildlife including chimpanzees, forest elephants, antelopes, and more than 349 bird species.During this expedition travelers will trek through pristine rainforest guided by expert rangers to observe gorilla families in their natural environment.Beyond gorilla trekking, the experience includes rainforest hikes, birdwatching, cultural encounters with local communities, and exploration of the spectacular landscapes surrounding Lake Kivu.This expedition offers one of the most authentic wildlife experiences in Africa.What You Will ExperienceVisitors will experience:• Eastern Lowland Gorilla trekking• rainforest hiking in the Congo Basin• birdwatching in an endemic bird region• mountain trekking in the Mitumba Range• scenic landscapes around Lake Kivu• visits to conservation projects such as Lwiro Primate Rehabilitation Center• cultural interactions with communities around the parkWildlife HighlightsWildlife found in Kahuzi-Biega includes:• Eastern lowland gorillas• Eastern chimpanzees• bush elephants• bush buffalo• bongo antelope• dwarf buffalo• various primates and forest mammalsBirdwatchingKahuzi-Biega is also a remarkable birding destination.More than 349 bird species have been recorded in the park including:• Congo peafowl• Ruwenzori turaco• forest hornbills• various Albertine Rift endemic birdsActivities Included• Eastern Lowland Gorilla trekking• rainforest trekking with professional guides• Mount Kahuzi hiking experience• Lake Kivu nature exploration• birdwatching excursions• visit to Lwiro Primate Rehabilitation Center• cultural village experiences• wildlife photography opportunities
Embark on a remarkable expedition across southeastern Democratic Republic of Congo, where the landscapes of the Katanga region reveal a rare combination of mining heritage, wilderness safaris, powerful rivers, and spectacular waterfalls. This immersive journey takes travelers through the heart of the African Copperbelt, one of the most important mineral regions in the world, while also exploring some of the country’s most dramatic natural environments.The adventure begins in the Copperbelt cities of Lubumbashi and Kolwezi, the economic engine of southern Congo and a global center for copper and cobalt production. Here, visitors discover the geological richness of the region and gain insight into the role that Congolese minerals play in powering modern technologies, renewable energy systems, and the global battery economy. Guided discovery tours reveal the landscapes shaped by mining and the transformation of Lualaba Province into one of Africa’s most strategically significant industrial regions.From the industrial corridor, the journey continues into the wilderness of Kundelungu National Park, a vast protected area covering plateaus, valleys, and savannah ecosystems. This remote park is home to diverse wildlife including zebras, antelopes, buffalo, leopards, and hundreds of bird species, making it a remarkable destination for safari drives, nature walks, and wildlife photography. One of the park’s most extraordinary natural features is Lofoi Falls, plunging approximately 384 meters, making it one of the tallest waterfalls in Africa. The dramatic scenery surrounding the falls offers unforgettable views of cascading water surrounded by forests and plateau landscapes.The expedition then follows the historic waterways of the Lualaba River, the upper course of the mighty Congo Riverand the birthplace of Africa’s second-largest river system. For centuries this river has served as a vital route for trade, migration, and cultural exchange across Central Africa. Today its banks support rich fishing traditions, wetlands, and important wildlife corridors that form part of the greater Congo Basin ecosystem.Along the river journey, travelers witness the remarkable Wagenia Chutes, famous for the unique fishing traditions of the Wagenia people. Local fishermen construct impressive wooden scaffolding over the powerful rapids and place large basket traps in the rushing water to catch fish—a technique passed down through generations and found nowhere else in the world.The expedition also includes a visit to the spectacular Boyoma Falls, a dramatic sequence of seven powerful cataracts stretching over nearly 100 kilometers along the river. Rather than a single vertical waterfall, Boyoma Falls forms a vast chain of rapids and cascades that together represent one of the most powerful river systems on the African continent.Throughout the journey, travelers experience the striking contrast that defines southeastern Congo: vast mineral wealth, untouched wilderness, dramatic waterfalls, powerful rivers, thriving wildlife habitats, and vibrant cultural traditions.This expedition offers a rare opportunity to explore one of Africa’s most fascinating and least-discovered regions, where industry, nature, and culture come together to create a truly unforgettable travel experience.
6 days
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7 days
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Itineraries by DRC TOURISM
Explore travel itineraries created by DRC TOURISM to inspire your next adventure.
