The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) is one of Africa’s most exciting destinations for adventurous travelers. Its national parks protect vast rainforests, active volcanoes, and some of the continent’s rarest wildlife. Virunga National Park, Africa’s oldest national park, is famous for mountain gorilla trekking and the challenging hike to the summit of Mount Nyiragongo, home to one of the world’s largest permanent lava lakes. Kahuzi-Biéga National Park offers the rare opportunity to track eastern lowland gorillas, while Garamba, Salonga, Maiko, and Upemba National Parks protect elephants, okapis, chimpanzees, forest buffaloes, and hundreds of bird species.
Each national park in DR Congo offers a different experience, from gorilla trekking and volcano hiking to rainforest walks, birdwatching, and wildlife safaris. Although still an emerging tourism destination, the country rewards visitors with fewer crowds, untouched wilderness, and authentic adventures that are difficult to find elsewhere in Africa. For travelers looking beyond the traditional safari circuit, DR Congo remains one of the continent’s most remarkable places to explore.
