Let’s dive into the details of these beautiful places to visit in Congo that have for years attracted many tourists, thereby making Congo the best tourist destination.
National Parks in Congo -The Major Places to Visit in Congo
Congo boasts many national parks, which have made it popular and one of the best destinations for an African safari.
1. Garamba National Park
Garamba National Park is a tourist place in the southern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo near the border with South Sudan. It is one of the oldest national parks, established in 1938, covering an area of 5,200 km². Garamba is a UNESCO World Heritage site for its collection of plant and animal life.
Due to extensive poaching, it may soon wipe out the last known population of White Rhinos if conservationists lower their guard
Tourist attractions in the park
- Over 1500 African elephants, northern elephants, giraffes, hippopotamuses, antelopes, and other wildlife species
- 550 bird species.
- Rivers like Garamba, Dungu, and Aka
Tourist activities in the Garamba National Park
- Birdwatching
- Boat safaris
- Sportfishing
- Guided nature walks
- Game drives
Accommodation in Garamba National Park that ranges from budget to luxury includes.
New Cosmos, Flat Hotel Petit Zoo, Plaza Hotel, Hotel Kisangani, and La Trompette Hotel, among many others.
Whether you’re a nature lover or a wildlife enthusiast, Garamba National Park has all that you need; visit now.
2. Kahuzi Biega National Park
Kahuzi Biega National Park is also among the tourist sites in Congo, situated near the western bank of Lake Kivu and the Rwanda border. The park derives its name from two extinct volcanoes, Kahuzi and Biega.
It was established in 1970, covering an area of 6000 km² (1,500,000 acres), which makes it the biggest national park in Congo.
Tourist Attractions in Kahuzi Biega National Park
- Eastern lowland gorillas (Grauer’s gorillas)
- Other animals include owl-faced monkeys, bush elephants, hippopotamuses, African forest buffalo, aquatic civets, and eastern chimpanzees, among others.
- Lwiro sanctuary
- Over 349 bird species, e.g., yellow-crested helmet shrike
- Mount Kahuzi
- Mount Biega
Fun things to do in Kahuzi Biega NP
- Birdwatching
- Mountain climbing
- Community cultural tours
- Nature walks
- Boat cruises on L. Kivu
- Tshibati waterfall hike
- Camping
- Visiting Lwiro Primate Rehabilitation Centre
Where to stay near Kahuzi-Biega NP
Acacia Villa, Lark Suites-Bukoto, Hotel Mutundu, Panorama Hotel, Orchids Safari Club, Maravilla Kivu Eco Resort, among others.
Come and witness the majestic Eastern lowland gorillas, the two mountains, the remarkable scenery, and other incredible wildlife.
3. Virunga National Park (A UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Virunga National Park is Africa’s oldest national park, created in 1925. With numerous tourist attractions, it is one of the tourist places in Congo. It is located near Goma and covers an area of 7,769 km². It ranges from 680m in the Semliki River valley to 5109m in the Rwenzori mountains.
Virunga National Park was first designated as Albert Nile National Park. It is the most visited national park in DR Congo and is commonly visited among African parks.
Spectacular tourist attraction
- Congo wildlife, like wild mountain gorillas, lions, elephants, chimpanzees, hippopotamuses, and leopards, among other wildlife species.
- The three extraordinary taxa of great apes, e.g. chimpanzees, etc.
- Bird species
- Reptile species
- Musanze caves
Tourist activities in the park include
- Endangered mountain Gorilla trekking
- Chimpanzee habituation
- Chimpanzee trekking
- Nature walks
- Bird watching
- Landscape viewing
- Visiting Senkwekwe orphanage center, etc.
Virunga National Park Accommodation
| · Virunga Homestays | · Virunga Hotel |
| · Virunga Lodge | · Virunga Inn Resort & SPA |
| · Mikeno Lodge | · Kibumba tented camp |
Why wait? Visit Virunga National Park for a heart-filled experience.
4. Salonga National Park
Salonga National Park is one of the best tourist places in Congo. It is in the Congo River basin in the area of rainforest between Kinshasa and Kisangani.
This was established in 1970 and inscribed among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1984. It is a protected area for plant and animal life due to continuous civil wars in the Eastern Congo. The civil wars have always made poaching for bush meat thrive.
The park covers an area of 3600 km².
Salonga NP is also known for protecting the largest rainforest in Africa and the second largest in the world.
Interesting things to see in Salonga NP
- Over 735 plant species
- Over 56 fish species, e.g., catfish
- Bird species, including the Congo peacock, Congo peafowl, etc.
- Several primates, like the Dryas monkey, red-tailed monkey, Tshuapa red Colobus monkeys, Salonga monkeys, elusive Okapi potto, and African slender-snouted crocodile.
- Bonobo, Bongo antelopes, leopards, African forest elephants, etc.
Fun activities in the park
| · Guided nature walks | · Bird watching |
| · Cultural tours | · Wildlife viewing |
| · Tracking monkeys, e.g., Salonga monkeys | · |
Best hotel option to stay while in the Salonga NP
| · Hotel Belle Vie | · Relax Hotel |
| · Jadoby Hotel | · Hotel Atlantic |
| · Ixoras Hotel | |
Book your safari to Salonga NP and grab an opportunity to enjoy the tremendous wildlife viewing.
5. Maiko national park
Maiko National Park is a tourist site in Congo located in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo near Kisangani. It was established in 1970, and it covers an area of 10885 km².
Maiko NP is home to Grauer’s gorilla (eastern lowland gorillas), the okapi, Congo peafowl, great apes like eastern chimpanzees, African forest elephants, aquatic genet, etc., in the Lindi River.
Interesting things to do
- segorilla trekking
- Wildlife viewing
- Cultural encounters
- Boat cruises on the Lindi River
- Guided nature walks
Where to stay near Maiko NP: Benanda Forest Resort, Kikorongo Safari Lodge, Entale Safari Lodge, etc.
We invite you to plan your trip today to explore Maiko NP.
Other national parks rank among the places visited in Congo.
- Kundelungu NP (8236 km²)
- Lomami National Park (8879 km²)
- Mangroves Marine NP (216 km²)
- Upemba NP (13674 km²)
- Conkouati-Douli National Park (8000 km2) in the Wild coast Congo
Visit any of Congo’s national parks for a memorable experience.
National Reserves in Congo
Congo is home to several national reserves, which are protected areas and conservation areas for wildlife. These include:
Okapi Wildlife Reserve
Okapi Wildlife Reserve, a tourist place in Congo, is in the Ituri Forest northeast of the DR Congo, near the borders with South Sudan and Uganda.
It covers an area of 13,726.25 km2 (5,299.73 sq mi). It was established in 1992, and because of the large population of endangered okapis and its high overall biodiversity, it was declared among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1996
Attractions in the reserve
- Elusive okapi, forest buffalo, bongo, leopard, Bates’ pygmy antelope water chevrotain, golden cats, African dwarf crocodiles, and giant forest hog.
- Over 17 primate species, e.g., chimpanzees, Anubis baboons, etc.
- Gold mines
- Waterfalls, river Congo, Ituri and Epulu
- Over 370 species of bird, e.g., Congo peafowl
Fun things to do in the reserves
| · Birding | · Cultural encounters with the pygmies |
| · Camping | · Nature walks |
Near hotels for a comfortable stay are
- Hotel Fokad
- Hotel Phoenix
- Ramela Hotel
- Auberge Les Mambo’s, among others.
Whether you are a bird lover, culture lover, or nature lover, Okapi Wildlife Reserve is your final destination.
Other national reserves/nature reserves in Congo with their area coverage:
| Nature reserves with their area of coverage |
| · Abumonbazi Nature Reserve (5726 km²) | · Mangai Nature Reserve (1903 km²) |
| · Itombwe Nature Reserve (6009 km²) | · Mangrove Nature Reserve (1000 km²) |
| · Kisimba Ikobo Primate Nature Reserve (963 km²) | · Ngiri Triangle Nature Reserve (5500 km²) |
| · Lake Tshangalele Nature Reserve (447 km²) | · N’Sele Nature Reserve (34 km²) |
| · Lomako-Yokokala Nature Reserve (3602 km²) | · Sankuru Nature Reserve |
| · Tayna Nature Reserve (893 km²) | · Tumba-Lediima Nature Reserve (7412 km²) |
Okapi remains one of the must-see tourist places to visit in Congo. You should not miss out on your Congo safari.
Sanctuaries in Congo
In addition to national reserves, Congo has sanctuaries, and the notable ones are the following.
Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage Sanctuary
Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage Sanctuary is located at the Virunga NP. This tourist place in Congo is the only mountain gorilla orphanage in the world, home to 7 other individuals.
This gorilla orphanage is a rehabilitation and conservation education center opened in 2010 to take care of the young endangered mountain gorillas who survived the massacre and were rescued. It also rehabilitates young Grauer’s gorillas (eastern lowland gorilla orphans).
Senkwekwe gorilla orphanage was named after a giant silverback known as Senkwekwe who was killed by poachers while he attempted to protect his family and recover an infant captured by animal traffickers.
Tourist attractions include
| · Fresh green forest cover | · Orphan Gorillas |
| · Primates like baboons, Columbus monkeys, and vervet monkeys | · Bird species |
| · Gorilla habitats | |
Fun activities include Gorilla trekking, bird watching, monkey tracking, etc.
Different eastern lowland gorilla orphans and mountain gorilla orphans are given to different caretakers, which makes the primates look less like wild animals.
Accommodation at Senkwekwe Sanctuary
| · Mikeno Lodge | · Kibumba Tented Camp |
| · Lulimbi Tented Camp | · Bukima Tented Camp. |
Other sanctuaries may include great apes like the Chimpanzee Sanctuary and Lola ya Bonobo Sanctuary, where orphaned bonobos can be found. It is protected under protection to prevent pet traders from hunting bonobos for bush meat and provide a good place for raising orphaned bonobos.
Your visit to Senkwekwe can greatly help us improve and preserve the lives of these orphan gorillas.
Epic Mountains in Congo
Explore Congo’s magnificent and epic mountains in Africa, standing on high elevation to give DR Congo a natural beauty. Nyiragongo volcano itself is spectacular with all its wonders.
Mount Nyiragongo
Mount Nyiragongo is an active volcano standing at a height of 3470m (11,385ft) in the Virunga Mountain range. It is a tourist place in Congo.
It is located in the Virunga NP in the DR Congo. The mountain has faced eruptions many times, about 34 times, and the most recent happened on 22 February 2024.
Mount Nyiragongo’s lava lake has, for some time, been the most voluminous known lava lake. This lava lake is the largest in the world.
Other tourist attractions include different wildlife in Virunga NP, the Nyiragongo volcano, a panoramic view of Lake Kivu, and the Rwenzori Mountains.
Fun tourist activities
Mountain climbing, Congo gorilla trekking in Virunga NP, gorilla habituation, and birdwatching, among others.
Hotels And Lodges Near Mount Nyiragongo
| 5 Volcanoes Boutique Hotel. | Lulimbi Tented Camp |
| Bukima Tented Camp | Ihusi Hotel |
Your adventure at Nyiragongo volcano awaits—book now.
Other mountains in the democratic republic of Congo and Congo Brazzaville
| Democratic Republic of Congo | Congo Brazzaville |
| Nyamurangira 3058 meters | Mount Nabemba 1020 meters |
| Mount Mikeno 3711 meters | Mayombe Massif 800 meters |
| Mount Bisoke 3711 meters | Mount Berongue 903 meters |
Book your DR Congo or Congo Brazzaville safari and get an opportunity to climb to the peak of any mountain.
Majestic Forests in Congo
Congo is popular for its lush jungles, which hide African forest elephants, great apes like eastern lowland gorillas and chimpanzees, and various plant species.
Commonly toured forests are:
Ituri Forest
The forest is a popular place to visit in Congo. The forest is a hidden treasure to explore while on a Congo, Africa, safari. It is a rainforest in the Ituri province near the river Ituri in the northern part of DR Congo.
The forest covers an area of 63,000 km² (24000 sq mi).
Things to see in the Ituri rainforest are:
- In the grasslands and savannah woodland – okapi, leopards, wild dogs, wild cats, cheetahs, buffaloes, black and white rhinoceroses, etc.
- In the eastern lowland are primates like chimpanzees, baboons, and colobus monkeys, among others
- Giraffes in the northern grasslands
- Variety of bird species
- Ituri River
Fun things to do in the forest include nature walks, chimpanzee trekking, monkey tracking, bird watching, and wildlife viewing, among others.
Visitors to this forest have a chance to visit the Okapi Wildlife Reserve and have access to many other attractions.
Other forests in Congo
| In DR Congo | In Congo Brazzaville |
| · N’junga | · Ntokou |
| · Regenwoud | · Mayombe on the wild coast |
| · The tropic rainforest | · Niari, |
| · Bili | · Chaillu massif |
A visit to Congo’s forest will introduce you to the diverse wildlife therein. Book now.
Rejuvenating Lakes and Rivers in Congo
Traverse the stunning lake and enjoy the gentle wind as you engage in the tremendous activities that the lakes and rivers offer.
Lake Kivu
Lake Kivu is one of Africa’s Great Lakes, shared by the DR Congo and Rwanda. It is the largest lake in the DR Congo, covering an area of 2,700 km², with 58% of its waters lying within Congo’s borders.
Lake Kivu is the sixth-largest lake in Africa and the deepest freshwater lake on the continent, with a depth of about 485 meters (1,591 feet). It is one of Africa’s Great Rift Valley lakes.
Tourist attractions at the lake include methane gas bubbles, water birds, fish species, and Idjwi Island, among other highlights.
Activities at the Lake:
| · Kayaking | · Island hopping |
| · Visiting local fishing communities | · Sport fishing for fish like Nile tilapia, redbreast tilapia, and many others. |
| · Swimming | · Boat cruise |
| · Cultural tours | · Skiing |
Lake Kivu Lodges for Your Best Vacation
- Lac Kivu Lodge
- Goma Serena Hotel
- Cap Kivu Hotel
- Bassin Du Congo Hotel, etc.
Other lakes include lakes like Albert, Ambale, Bikulika, Batuli, Albar, Bitei, Benait, Boyyo, etc.
Visit any of Congo’s lakes, most especially Kivu, and experience the magic of the methane air bubble that covers the surface of the waters.
The Congo River
The Congo River was formerly known as the Zaire River. It is the deepest river in the world. The Congo River’s depth is around 220 meters (720 feet). The Congo River flows into the Atlantic Ocean.
This river flows through several central Africa countries, including DR Congo, especially at Bas Congo around the river’s lower reaches where it empties into the Atlantic Ocean.
The Congo River is the second longest river in Africa after the Nile River, with over 40 power plants along it that supply electricity in the country.
Things to see along the Congo River include over 713 fish species, hippos, crocodiles, various birds, and waterfalls like Kisangani Falls, Stanley Falls, Livingstone waterfalls, and Nzogo Falls, among other attractions.
Fun activities at the Congo River include
- Swimming
- Cultural tours
- Bird watching
- River cruise
- Sportfishing
- A Visit to the Inkisi Falls
- Cultural encounters with the locals
Accommodations near the Congo River include Congo River Lodge, River Appart Hotel, Mike’s Flat Hotel, etc.
Other rivers that can be included on the safari bucket list include Lulonga, Momboya, Tsuapa, Luele, Lubwe, and Lukushi River etc.
Book your Congo safari tour now to the Congo River, Africa’s second-longest river.
Beautiful Cities in Congo
The country is home to beautiful cities stunning to reveal the nature and the beauty of the country, its hospitable and resilient people. The city architecture and the gentle air will give you a heartfelt experience. These cities include Kinshasa, Lubumbashi, Bukavu, and wild coast towns, among others.
Kinshasa
Kinshasa is the capital city of the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is the largest city, known for its vibrant culture, impressive architecture, and bustling streets.
The city is home to museums, art galleries, historical and cultural centers, luxury hotels, commercial centers, administrative centers, and industrial centers.
Interesting activities in the city
- Exploring N’Djili airport.
- Visiting the Palais de la Nation, which is a presidential home built in Congolese architecture.
- Visiting local markets, e.g., the Lubumbashi market, the most vibrant and largest market in Kinshasa, where visitors browse the stalls selling different items.
- Enjoying Congolese music from Congolese artists
- Exploring the Parc de la Victoire, a beautiful park in the heart of Kinshasa.
Beautiful hotels in Kinshasa
| Hotel Memling | Hotel Royal Kinshasa | Sultani Hotel |
| Kartel Suites Kinshasa | Pyramide II | Hilton Kinshasa |
Visit Kinshasa, the great city nestled in the heart of the Democratic Republic of Congo, and enjoy a breathtaking experience.
Other Cities in Congo
Lubumbashi – It is located in the southeastern part of DR Congo. It is the second-largest city with a great mining history. It is home to impressive colonial architecture and is surrounded by stunning mountains.
Bukavu – It is a city in the eastern DR Congo at the extreme southwestern edge of Lake Kivu, west of Cyangugu in Rwanda. The city is rich in cultural heritage.
It is an important transport hub, and it is the gateway to eastern DR Congo, with places of worship, historical buildings, etc.
Wild cost towns
Other cities in Congo Brazzaville
Brazzaville—this is the capital city of Congo Brazzaville. It is the largest city and economic and administrative, and religious center.
Pointe-Noire—This city acts as the main port of Congo Brazzaville, lying along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean.
With the help of an experienced private guide, take a look around these beautiful cities.
Religious Sites in Congo
These are some of the commonly visited religious sites in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
- Cathedral Saint Esprit in Goma
- The grand mosque of Kisangani
- Catholic Archdiocese of Lubumbashi
- Roman catholic cathedral of our lady of Congo
- Cathedrale Saints Pierre et in Lubumbashi
. Cathedrale de Kisantu in the bas Congo province
Commonly visited religious sites in Congo Brazzaville
- Basilique St. Anne
- Grand Mosque
- Cathedrale Saint-Pierre-Apotre
- Cathedrale du Sacre Coeur de Brazzaville
A visit to any of these religious sites will give you a new life experience and edify your spirit through the different activities.
Historical, Cultural Centers, and Museums
| Historical and cultural sites |
| Lubumbashi’s colonial architecture | It was originally named Elishabethville. It showcases a distinct colonial architectural heritage, reflecting the history of the Belgian colonial city. |
| Tombs of Lumumba | These tombs are in Ndele cemetery. Patrice Lumumba was a prime minister of DRC and an African nationalist who died in 1961 |
| Palais de la nation | This is the official residence and workplace of the president of the democratic republic of Congo, located in Gombe. |
| Leopold II’s statue | The place had the statues of King Leopold II of Belgium, the statue was removed after DRC got its independence in 1966. |
| Poto-Poto School of Painting | only the Congo Brazzaville is where this historical painting school was built. |
| Museums in the democratic republic of Congo |
| National Museum of the democratic republic of Congo (Kinshasa national museum) | It was established in 2019 in Kinshasa. It’s a museum of the cultural history of numerous ethnic groups and epochs of the democratic republic of Congo. |
| National Museum of Lubumbashi. | It was established in 1946 in Lubumbashi It is a center of the core collections in archaeology and ethnography |
| Goma museum | It is located in Goma city. It features the history and artifacts related to Goma and DRCongo, including the colonial past. |
| Kisangani museum | It is located in Kisangani. It hosts temporary exhibitions throughout the year. It showcases the culture and history of the region. |
Tourist Places in Congo FAQS (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. What Are Two Famous Attractions in Congo?
The two famous attractions in Congo are Virunga National Park, Africa’s oldest national park, and Mount Nyiragongo, an active volcano with its lava lake in Central Africa.
2. Is Congo Good for Tourists?
I’m still facing some challenges; the Congo remains one of the best tourist destinations given its hospitable people, epic mountains, and stunning cities, among others.
3. What Is Congo Most Famous For? | What Is DRC Most Famous For?
Congo is most renowned for its diverse wildlife, vast natural resources including rich mineral deposits, active volcanoes, and rich cultural heritage.
4. Why Do Tourists Visit the Congo?
Tourists visit Congo for its unique wildlife, including wild mountain gorillas, and for Virunga Mountain climbing, among other activities and attractions.
5. Is Congo Safe to Visit? Can US Citizens Go to Congo? Is Congo tourist friendly?
Congo is safe for tourists due to continued efforts made by friendly countries like Uganda, which has curbed most of the insecurities caused by militia groups in Eastern Congo. Tourists can now visit other parts of Congo for different tourist activities with ease.
6. What is the tourist center in Congo?
Kinshasa, the country’s capital, is its tourist center with many tourist destinations.
The Democratic Republic of Congo, the second largest country in Africa, remains one of the best tourist destinations when it comes to African safaris. From its epic Virunga mountains to the Congo’s rejuvenating Lake Kivu and Congo River, all are endowed with impressive wildlife and their habitats. Its mines are endowed with different minerals that add to its beauty.
Book your tour package and have the world explored.
