Democratic Republic of Congo Safaris are among the top bucket list adventures for several wildlife enthusiasts. DR Congo is among the best Mountain Gorilla trekking and other safari adventure activities. The country even though faced with several internal security issues, is still by far the most gifted and diverse destination.
DR Congo’s size gives it an added advantage in wildlife numbers. The country does not have Savanna wildlife events like the great wildebeest migration by several Congo safaris you can be a part of.
At Discovery Journeys we take you on adventures and exploration journeys to many off-beaten paths like the Congo. Let us look at the leading Democratic Republic Of Congo safaris and exclusive experiences.
Virunga Gorilla Trekking safaris
The famous Virunga mountains along Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo Border stretch to Virunga National Park. This has 6 of the eight Virunga mountains with Mount Karisimbi the Highest of all. Mount Bisoke stands at an elevation of 3,711 meters above sea level and is shared with Rwanda.
Mount Sabyinyo stands at 3,674 meters above sea level shared with Rwanda and Uganda. Other mountains (Mount Mikeno, Mount Nyiragongo, and Mount Nyamuragira) are in Congo and form the foundation of the Democratic Republic of Congo Safaris.
These Virunga mountains are home to several wildlife species including the rare and endangered mountain gorillas. Virunga National Park is home to ten habituated mountain gorilla families that are open to tourism. Mountain gorilla trekking in Virunga is exclusive and enjoyable. The park is not as crowded are the other mountain gorilla national parks in Rwanda and Uganda.
The Mountain Gorilla Trekking Experience
One is expected at the park headquarters by 7:00 am for a briefing about the gorilla trekking regulations. After this, you are guided by the park ranger guides to the forested mountains where you meet the mountain gorillas.
Just like in Volcanoes National Rwanda, Mgahinga Gorilla, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, only 8 tourists are allowed to track mountain gorillas. You are also only given an hour in the presence of the mountain gorillas keeping a distance of about 7 meters.
Mountain gorilla trekking safaris in Virunga National Park are however currently on hold because of the insecurity in the area. Several rangers in Virunga National Park have lost lives trying to fight for the park’s wildlife. Some rangers still monitor the park but with high caution. Once the park management is sure that it is safe that is when tourism activities will be open again.
Eastern Lowland Gorilla Experiences
The forested mountains of Kahuzi and Biega in the southern Kivu province are home to the eastern lowland gorillas. These just like their counterpart mountain gorillas also live in families led by a dominant male called Silverback. Eastern lowland gorillas are vegetarian and entirely depend on plant vegetation. They are however bigger than the mountain gorillas and are the largest of the four gorilla subspecies.
Democratic Republic of Congo Safaris to Kahuzi Biega National Park for lowland gorilla trekking are exclusive. Eastern lowland gorillas are endemic to Kahuzi Biega. This means it is the only place where you can see them in the wild. Lowland gorilla trekking experiences here are intimate and uninterrupted.
There is also a limit to the number of people trekking to the gorillas and the time spent with them. The lowland gorilla habituation experience is more rewarding as it allows you more time with the gorillas. In this experience, you follow the eastern lowland gorillas with the park rangers as you monitor how they go by their routine. The lowland habituation experience gives you up to 4 hours in the presence of the lowland gorillas. This is ideal for primatologists and even photographers who want to capture more about these amazing primates.
Birding Safaris
The forested mountains of Kahuzi Biega and the Virunga mountains are also home to several bird species. These also include Congo forests and Albertine Rift Valley endemics. Several bird species in Congo do not occur in any other place in East Africa. This makes Congo safaris and birding Discovery Journeys some of the most remarkable.
Virunga National Park has over 706 bird species which is three times more than the bird species in the UK. Some of the notable birds include Rwenzori Turaco, Rwenzori Bantis, Olive Sunbird, and black bishop among others.
Kahuzi Biega National Park has over 350 bird species including Hornbills, Turacos, Sunbirds, and others. Congo birding safaris are therefore a must-do if you are an avid birder.
Tchegera Island is a small island less than 2 kilometers. It has a crescent shape that is a top of the crater rim of an extinct Volcano.
The island’s shape makes it a natural harbor with calm waters favoring several wildlife species including fish and crab. Tchegera Island is also covered with plant vegetation that is home to several birds.
Some of the main activities on Congo Safaris featuring Tchegera Island include Kayaking, snorkeling, birding, and nature walks among others.
Tchegera island is fortunately several meters away from the Virunga National Park area has insecurity issues and is open for tourism. You can have a tailor-made Discovery Journey from Tchegera Island and then continue south to Kahuzi Biega for an adventure with the lowland gorillas.
Lwiro Sanctuary Primate expeditions
Lwiro Sanctuary is a rehabilitation center for orphaned primates. It was initially primarily set up to help chimpanzees but it has many other primates that are rescued from poachers. The sanctuary has over 112 chimpanzees, 16 monkey species, and other species that are often hunted and captured for trade. At Lwiro all these are taken great care of and a tour here also offers great primate experiences.
The sanctuary is also located in Southern Kivu near Kahuzi Biega National Park and can be visited after lowland gorilla trekking and habituation experiences.
Join Discovery Journeys off beaten paths Congo safaris for more fun and discovery.
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