Democratic Republic of Congo is located in the central part of the African Continent bordering Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and Tanzania in the East, South Sudan and Central African Republic in the North, Congo Brazzaville in the West, Zambia and Angola in the South.
It’s among the popular destinations to visit in Africa with its two major National Parks to visit named Virunga National Park and Kahuzi Biega National Park inclusive of the Virunga Massif, the major and interesting activities done in Democratic Republic of Congo include Low land and Mountain gorilla trekking safaris and mountain Nyiragongo trek.
Gorilla Trekking in Democratic Republic of Congo
This is the most interesting activity done in Democratic Republic of Congo since it’s one of the destinations in Africa where these shy endangered apes are found. Gorillas are shy endangered ground dwelling herbivorous apes which feed on young bamboo shoot, stem, flowers, leaves, foliage and some fruits like mangoes, oranges, water melon and more.
These apes are divided into two species named Mountain Gorillas and Lowland Gorillas which are further divided into subspecies like Eastern Lowland Gorillas, Western Lowland Gorillas and more, Democratic Republic of Congo is a unique destination to visit because it hosts both species of Mountain and Eastern Lowland Gorillas which is not the same case with Uganda and Rwanda.
These Species of apes are found in Virunga National Park and Kahuzi Biega National Park which are rated to be Democratic Republic of Congo’s major National Parks where visitors go for exploration.
Virunga National Park is ranked to be the oldest National Park in Africa formerly called Albert National Park and it’s popularly known for the shy endangered Mountain Gorillas. it is located in the Eastern part of Democratic Republic of Congo bordering Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park of Uganda.
It is characterized with tropical rain forest, Savannah grasslands, Bamboo forests and some areas covered with Swamps. This Park is the major and boosting tourism center in Democratic Republic of Congo playing a major role as far as putting Democratic Republic of Congo’s tourism on board with its major attractions which include Gorillas and Chimpanzees in Tongo forest, other primates in Virunga include Black & White Colobus Monkeys, Vervets, Red tailed Monkeys, Baboons and more.
Kahuzi Biega National Park is Democratic Republic of Congo’s second National Park if not Virunga National Park and is popularly known for the Eastern Lowland Gorillas, Lowland Gorillas are brownish in color and bigger than Mountain Gorillas when compared, this park is characterized with tropical rain forest, Savannah grasslands, Swamps and some parts covered with Bamboo forests.
Nyiragongo Hiking in Democratic Republic of Congo
Mountain Nyiragongo is an active Volcano found in the suburbs of Democratic Republic of Congo inclusive of the Virunga Massif, most visitors to Democratic Republic of Congo feel it cozy leaving this destination without hiking this active Volcano. The Nyiragongo hiking activity in Democratic Republic of Congo is usually done in two consecutive days and you are required to be physically feet such that you can suit for this Journey, this hiking journey is usually started from Kibati starting point in the morning at 10:00am in a group with Virunga guide to lead you through the Journey plus armed officers to protect you on the way and by 4:00pm in the evening you will be at the top.
Nyiragongo Volcano hiking costs $300 USD per person and this money is paid in advance before your hiking dates such that your place is reserved in a group and catered for as per your date, Mikeno Package which include Water, food to be cooked while at the top, wearing gears like water proof jackets, snacks and sleeping gears is necessary for every person who is to take a hike, this package costs $100 USD including $20 USD for transporting it from Mikeno lodge up to the Starting point in Kibati, a walking stick costs $5 USD and also always porters are available to carry luggage from starting point up to the top of the Volcano at a cost of $24 USD per porter. Do not forget to bring yourself strong hiking shoes as the routes to the top are characterized with sharp stone particles dangerous to open feet.
When you reach at the top reserved shelters are available for your accommodation facilities and since this place is very cold you are advised to put the provided water proof Jackets and long sleeved shirts to keep your body at least warm, food for dinner is cooked at the top by the assigned chef and a night is spent there to sight the night view of burning Lava plus taking a lot of photos for memories. After the night experience day two is for descending back from the top to the starting point in Kibati.
