The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) is the 2nd largest country in Africa. With a size of 2.344,858 sq. km, of which 2,267,048 sq. km are land and 77,810 sq. km are water including a 40 km coastline along the Atlantic Ocean. The country encompasses some of the spectacular physical features such as the Congo River, the Congo rainforest, the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains, the active volcanoes of Mount Nyiragongo and Mount Nyamulagira; Katanga plateau, the Albertine Rift Valley, and 3 of the 7 Great Lakes which include Lake Albert, Lake Edward, and Lake Kivu.
DR Congo has a variety of habitats including dense lowland and Afro-montane tropical rainforests, bamboo forests, savanna grasslands, freshwater lakes, swamps, rivers, which harbor rich biodiversity including 15,000 plant species, over 1,189 species of birds, over 51 primate species, over 450 mammal species, and 400 fish species. Some of the rare wildlife species include the Okapi, bonobos, the lowland gorillas, mountain gorillas, African forest and bush elephants, Congo peacock, Congo bay owl, and Itombwe owl. DR Congo has a network of over 60 protected areas including 48 national parks. There are 5 UNESCO heritage sites which include Okapi wildlife reserve, Garamba, Virunga, Kahuzi Beiga, and Salonga national parks. DR Congo offers the best tropical rainforest adventure with opportunities for lowland and mountain gorilla safaris. Among other activities include Nyiragongo volcano hike and Congo River boat cruise.
In addition to rich biodiversity, DR Congo also has rich mineral deposits with over 1,000 minerals including those designated as ‘conflict minerals’. The 3TGs which include tin, tungsten, tantalum, and gold are associated with the decades-long conflict in eastern DR Congo. Driven by greed and control over natural resources. Among other minerals include diamonds, high grade cooper, cobalt, coltan, lithium, germanium, uranium among others. The mining capital is Lubumbashi city found in Haut Katanga Province in southeast along the border with Zambia. Among other prominent mining towns include Tshikapa capital of Kasai Province for diamonds. Rubaya town in Masisi Territory in North Kivu Province is known for Coltan. Kilo town in Ituri Province for gold mining.
How to apply for a tourist visa
The DR Congo single entry tourist visa cost is $100 valid for 60 days and is available for application through diplomatic missions including those found in Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, Ghana, Italy, France, London, and Washington DC. The visa can also be obtained through a genuine tour operator given that visitors have to submit an invitation letter, itinerary or purpose of visit during the application process which takes 2 to 3 weeks. Among other things needed to enter into DR Congo include a yellow fever vaccination certificate obtained at least 10 days in advance, a passport valid for six months. Health and immigration forms must be filled on arrival at any of the entry points including Kinshasha capital city and Goma city.
Border crossing from Rwanda
Visitors can also travel to DR Congo from Rwanda via the border town of Cyangungu to Bukavu for those intending to visit Kahuzi Beiga national park. Another entry point is Rubavu town formerly Gisenyi for those intending to visit Goma city, Virunga national park or Nyiragongo volcano.
Visa for Virunga National Park
Those intending to visit Virunga national park for gorilla safari can obtain a visa valid for 2weeks. The cost is $105 available for application through the official visit Virunga website or a tour operator. In order to qualify for the visa, you must first book a tour package. An electronic visa is issued to the applicant’s email and it must be brought on arrival along with the printed copy of the tour package.
Travel advice
Safety and security
Some areas of DR Congo are safe to visit while others may not be due to civil conflicts. The eastern part of DR Congo which includes South Kivu, North Kivu and Ituri Provinces is neighbored by Rwanda, Uganda, and Burundi has been the most affected by civil war for over 30 decades including the first and second Congo wars and the recent humanitarian crisis involving the M23 rebel insurgency. Here’s an insight into the civil war in eastern DR Congo and its impact on wildlife and tourism. The areas where rebels operate are well known and therefore can are easily be avoided when planning a safari. Some of the safer places to visit in eastern DR Congo include the following:-
Where to go in eastern DR Congo
The eastern part of DR Congo which includes South Kivu, North Kivu and Ituri provinces are neighbored by Rwanda, Uganda, and Burundi, making it easier to reach by car. As a matter of fact, this region has been the most affected by civil war including the first and second Congo wars and the recent humanitarian crisis involving the M23 rebel insurgency, however. The areas where rebels operate are well known and therefore are easily avoided by tour operators.
Bukavu
Bukavu capital city of South Kivu Province is safe to visit via Rusizi border town of Rwanda can also be reached from Burundi. Located on the shores of Lake Kivu, the town is peaceful and characterized by scenic views of Lake Kivu and a blend of local and Belgian colonial heritage including architectural buildings and monuments such as Cathedrale Notre Dame de la Paix, College Alfajiri, and Place de I’independance. The main reason for traveling to Bukavu is for the opportunity to come face to face with the critically endangered Grauer’s gorillas (eastern lowland gorillas) in Kahuzi Beiga national park, a UNESCO world heritage. Going gorilla trekking in Kahuzi Beiga is safe given that the habituated gorilla families are monitored daily by wildlife rangers of the Congolese Institute for Nature Conservation (ICCN). The park is 32 km away and Bukavu offers some budget aaccommodations including Kekele guesthouse, Orchid hotel, and Elizabeth Hotel.
Goma
Goma capital city of North Kivu Province along the shores of Lake Kivu is also safe to visit. Goma serves as the starting point for a gorilla safari to Virunga national park and hiking Mount Nyiragongo, one of the 8 Virunga Ranges and Summits. Virunga and Nyiragongo are still closed, however, there are other things to see and do in Goma. For instance, visiting lava fields to understand the impact of the violent volcanic eruption in 2021. Village walks in communities adjacent to the park, and paddling on Lake Kivu. Goma can be reached by car via the Rwanda border town of Rubavu and by air via Goma international airport. There are banks, ATM machines, shops, markets, restuarants, and hotels including the 5-start Goma Serena hotel. Goma is 163 km (4-hour drive) west of Kigali capital city, 69 km (1-hour drive southwest of Volcanoes national park Rwanda, and 10 km away from Rubavu formerly Gisenyi town.
Masisi Town
Masisi Territory is 83 km (2-hour drive) northwest of Goma and offers farm life experience at Auberge de Rushengo farm house. Located at 2,200 meters above sea level, Masisi is characterized by verdant green rolling hills, livestock farms, and friendly people making for safe and great destination to experience the tranquility of the countryside. The farm house offers accommodation and a wide range of Agro-tourism experiences. From horseback riding, homemade cheese, bio meals and fresh mint tea from the garden, cow milking, and nature walks.