Budget-friendly places to visit in DRC

In the central part of Africa is the second largest country commonly known as the Democratic Republic of Congo. This country is endowed with exceptional natural resources like gold, oil, and diamonds. large tropical rain forests, incredible biodiversity, hydropower potential, and arable land for agriculture. Formerly known as Zaire, the Democratic Republic of Congo shares borders with several African countries including Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, Angola, Zambia, Central African Republic, South Sudan, and the Republic of Congo.

Congo is not only recognized for its mineral resources but also a variety of wildlife species ranging from the big five animals, birds, reptiles and plants.  In addition, are the rare wildlife that are only found in this country including the bonobos (pygmy chimpanzees), elusive okapi, Congolese guinea fowl, bongos, eastern lowland, and mountain gorillas.

More interesting ventures in DRC are the active volcanoes, Mount Nyiragongo and Mount Nyamuragira, where you can observe boiling magma at the top. Taking a boat cruise on the beautiful rivers and lakes is an opportunity to explore the country’s natural beauty.

However, due to the insecurity that existed in this country for several years, some parts have been left underdeveloped, especially in the rural areas and there are still some tourism ventures that have not been exposed to the outside world for tourism.

Today most towns and cities are safe, trade is going on smoothly and tourists visit the country with less tension. Soon the rebels and militias will be no more and, in a few years, to come, DRC will be one of the most visited countries.

Most of the things to do in DRC are budget friendly as compared to the neighbouring countries.   This enables travelers to enjoy the adventure at a low cost.  Below are some of the places to visit in DRC.

Virunga National Park.

Virunga National Park is the oldest and most biologically diverse protected area in Africa. The park covers about 3,000 square miles and was created in 1925. Virunga National Park covers the largest area of the Albertine Rift Valley in the eastern region of DRC, and has river valleys, volcanoes, lakes, and tropical forests, and an almost unequalled diversity of ecosystems and landscapes. This park is an important shelter for endangered gorillas and hundreds of other rare wildlife species including chimpanzees, okapis, lions, savanna and forest elephants among others.

Visit Virunga National Park for eastern mountain gorilla trekking, chimpanzee habituation, hiking Mount Nyiragongo, nature walks, and landscape viewing among others.

Kahuzi-Biega National Park

 This is another home of the critically endangered eastern lowland gorillas.  It covers over 2300 square miles and is one of the largest national parks in the DRC.

This vast park was named after the two dormant volcanoes located within its curbs, Mount Kahuzi and Mount Biega. It has both mountainous and lowland terrain at the boundaries, covered with primary tropical forest that provides shelter to a wide range of flora and fauna. These include around 136 species of mammals, 349 species of birds, and more than 1,170 plant species. Visitors to this park can engage in activities like lowland gorilla trekking, birding, chimpanzee habituation, cultural visits to the local community and hiking.

Gorilla trekking in DRC is a bit cheap compared to other countries that offer the same activity. In DRC it at $400 , in Uganda it is $800and Rwanda it is $1500.

Mount Nyiragongo

This is an active volcano found in Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo.   It is part of the Virunga massif and has erupted at least 35 times since 1982. Despite the eruptions, this mountain offers successful hiking trips as it holds the worlds largest  bubbling lava lake at the summit. A two-day hike with accommodation on Mount Nyiragongo costs $300 provided you have the necessary hiking equipment and travel documents to the country. The foothills of this mountain are occupied with highly populated villages with hospitable natives.

Mount Nyamuragira

This is another active volcano in DRC in the Virunga National Park. The volcano lies 25 kilometers north of Lake Kivu  and 14 km northwest of Mount Nyiragongo. It is so active that it has erupted more than 40 times since 1885.   This mountain does not have lava flows but instead emits Sulphur-dioxide which brings negative impacts to the surroundings. Interestingly, this mountain has kept lava lakes which provide scenic views as you hike. As you hike, you will luckily spot some mammals, birds and primates because the slopes are covered with thick vegetation where some wildlife creatures reside.

Hiking permits to this mountain cost $300 per hiker and the dry season is most convenient for the activity as the hiking trails are dry and expect to get the clearest views of the park and quick summiting.

Okapi Wildlife Reserve.

The Okapi Wildlife Reserve, located in the Congo river basin was established in 1992 and listed as a World Heritage Site in 1996. Covering about 5,300 square miles of the Ituri forest in the north-east of the Democratic Republic of Congo, the reserve helps to protect rare plant and animal life, as well as the traditional lifestyle and culture of nomadic pygmy hunter-gatherers. The reserve takes its name from the rare okapi that live in its forests. Okapis are identified by zebra-like markings on their legs, though closely related to giraffes, which is why they are often referred to as forest giraffes, Congolese giraffes, or zebra giraffes. The reserve is home to over 5000 okapis.  The reserve is also home to other animals like forest elephants, forest buffalos, bongos, giant forest hogs as well as primates.

 The reserve is protected by rangers and is highly recommended for adventurous tourists. It is the best place to interact with the Mbuti and Efe hunters, who live in the reserve and have maintained their culture and tradition for centuries.

Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla Center

 It is a home for orphaned mountain gorillas. It is found in Virunga National Park close to Mikeno lodge at Rumangabo the park headquarters. The place was named after the the silverback gorilla who was killed along with three other family members in 2007. The two survivors were sheltered in Goma for some time and later transferred to Virunga National Park. more 2 gorillas were rescued from Rwanda and brought to the reserve. The center also has some lowland gorillas from Kahuzi – biega national park,

 A team of skilled and dedicated people care for these animals and aim to see this home grow bigger. If you wish to visit this sanctuary, you must book accommodation at Mikeno Lodge.

Lake Kivu

This is another large lake on the eastern border of Congo close to Virunga and Kahuzi-Biega national parks.  The lake is also shared by Rwanda. The lake provides the best sites for relaxation and holiday safaris. Beneath this lake is disastrous methane gas which researchers are currently trying to put to positive productivity through the construction of a power plant. After a long safari from different activities in Congo or Rwanda, the lake shores are so conducive for relaxation and enjoying other beach activities like swimming, boat cruises, visiting islands, visiting local communities, local fishing, canoeing, and other water sports. The lake is free of hippos, crocodiles, and bilharzia, so no worries while swimming.

Visit Idjwi Island

Idjwi Island is the largest island on Lake Kivu, covering over 340 square kilometers with a population of over 200,000 people. It is mainly occupied by the Bantu people who largely depend on agriculture and traditional fishing. On a visit to the island, expect to interact with the locals and enjoy their culture, hiking, guided nature walks and also take part in fishing. From Kahuzi Biega National Park, experience the best boat cruise from Bukavu to the island for about two hours.

 Maiko National Park

Maiko National Park is one of the most remote and inaccessible parks in  DRC. The park covers over 10,885 sq km but is a prominent home to some of the rare endemic species including the okapi, eastern lowland gorillas (Grauer’s gorilla), and the Congo peafowl. Other animals that can be seen on a visit to this park include chimpanzees, African forest elephants, a few leopards, and the elusive bongo.

While in the park, expect to meet the Simba Mai Mai people who took refuge in this park after the assassination of Patrice Lumumba in 1964 and have been there for over half a century. The park is great and fit for adventure due to its untouched resources, unique protection, and conservation efforts.

Symphonies Natualles

 This is a cultural area located within walking distance from Kinshasa, the capital city of DRC. this lei sure place keeps you away from the hustles and bustles of the city. It’s partially covered by a small forest zone that harbors some creatures like primates, birds butter files, and several tree species. it is a perfect spot for sport fishing in the pond, other sports, dancing, and buying arts and crafts which are part of Congolese culture.  It provides peace and relaxation.

 Lola ya Bonobo sanctuary

 The Lola ya bonobo sanctuary is one of the most interesting places where you can have an unforgettable experience.  This sanctuary is a unique home for another group of human cousins known as the bonobos. It is located on the outskirts of Kinshasa city. This is an interesting place where you will meet knowledgeable guides who will provide detailed information about the bonobos. Observe and learn their way of life, watch them play, feed, and interact with each other. The sanctuary has over 70 amazing bonobos whose behavior is closely human.

You can hike through the forested vegetation as you enjoy the breathtaking environment and support the conservation efforts at the sanctuary by buying some items from the souvenir shop.

 The Congo River

Congo River formerly known as river Zaire is Africa’s second-longest river and the eighth in the world. It is also considered the deepest river in the world with some parts having a depth of 220 meters. Its mouth was first discovered by Portuguese explorer Captain Diogo Cao in 1482and later in 1877, Henry Morton Stanley concluded its exploration.

River Congo is divided into four sectors that is the upper basin, the middle basin, the lower basin, and the estuary.  Despite the size and popularity of this river, most of the places and features surrounding it remain untouched and less explored due to safety concerns. The main area that receives tourists is the estuary where Congo meets the Atlantic Ocean. This place is accessible by roads and has several attractive waterfalls.

Garamba National Park

 It is one of Africa’s oldest national parks. It was established in 1938. It stretches from DRC-Congo to South Sudan and the Central African Republic. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980 for its amazing biodiversity and abundance of wildlife. Due to uncontrolled poaching and civil unrest, the park lost its popularity and wildlife as many animals were killed. However, the park still remains rich in biodiversity with vast savanna grasslands, rivers, tropical rainforests, and swampy vegetation. With the few animals that survived the threat, they have now multiplied, and current game drives in the park expose visitors to sights of the big five animals, Kordofan giraffes, vervet monkeys, giant forest hogs, and golden cats. Several plant and bird species can be spotted in this park as it is relatively stable.