Democratic Republic of the Congo

Democratic Republic of the Congo: Land of Rich Heritage and Natural Wonders

The Democratic Republic of Congo is the largest country in sub-Saharan Africa and the second largest on the continent. It straddles the equator in central Africa, bordered by the Republic of Congo to the west, the Central African Republic and South Sudan to the north, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and Tanzania to the east, and Zambia and Angola to the south. The Congo River, the second longest in Africa and the deepest river in the world, flows through the heart of the country.

The DRC has extraordinary natural wealth: more than 60 percent of Africa’s rainforest, significant deposits of cobalt, coltan, gold, and diamonds, and a biodiversity that is genuinely staggering. It is also one of the most politically complex and conflict-affected countries in the world. Large parts of the country, particularly in the east, have experienced ongoing armed conflict for decades. Travel to most areas requires careful planning and current security assessment.

Why Visit DR Congo

For serious travelers and wildlife enthusiasts, the DRC has two extraordinary attractions that justify the logistical challenges.

Gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park, in the east near the Rwandan border, puts you in the presence of mountain gorillas in one of the world’s oldest national parks, established in 1925. When the park is accessible, the gorilla experience here is comparable to that in Rwanda and Uganda but often with significantly fewer visitors, adding to the feeling of a genuinely wild encounter. The Virunga landscape, with its volcanic peaks, smoking lava lakes, and dense forests, adds an otherworldly quality to the experience.

The Congo Basin rainforest is the most biodiverse region in Africa. Bonobos, our closest living relatives found only in the DRC, are one of the great wildlife treasures of the continent. Forest elephants, okapis (found only in the DRC), Congo peafowl, and hundreds of other endemic species live in forests that have been largely undisturbed for millions of years. Conservation organizations have established community-based tourism programs in some areas.

Kinshasa

Kinshasa, the capital, is one of the largest cities in Africa with a population estimated between 15 and 17 million people. The city sits on the Congo River directly across from Brazzaville, the capital of the Republic of Congo, and the two capitals face each other across the river in a pairing found nowhere else in the world.

Kinshasa has extraordinary creative energy in its music (Congolese rumba is a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage and the foundation of much of modern African popular music), fashion, visual arts, and food. The city’s live music scene, particularly around the Matonge neighborhood, is one of the most vibrant in Africa.

The Congo River and its Tributaries

The Congo River is one of the great natural features of the world. The river’s basin covers nearly 3.7 million square kilometers, almost as large as the entire continent of Europe. River travel on the Congo, particularly on the large passenger ferries that ply the route between Kinshasa and Kisangani, is one of the most extraordinary travel experiences in Africa. The multi-day journey passes through unbroken rainforest, with dugout canoes paddling out from riverside villages to trade with passing boats.

Nyiragongo Volcano

Nyiragongo, a large active stratovolcano in Virunga National Park, contains one of the world’s largest and most active lava lakes. Hiking to the summit and camping at the rim overnight to watch the glowing lava lake beneath you is one of the most dramatic and memorable experiences in Africa. The volcano is accessible from Goma when the security situation permits.

Practical Travel Tips for DR Congo

A visa is required for entry and must be obtained in advance from a Congolese embassy. The official language is French. The Congolese franc is the currency, though US dollars are widely used. The country is enormous and travel between regions usually requires internal flights. Security conditions vary dramatically by region and must be researched comprehensively before any visit. Malaria prevention and yellow fever vaccination are required. Working with an established local operator is essential.