Primate Holidays

Explore Congo Safari Destinations

Everlasting Signature of Memories

Untamed Beauty of Congo’s National Parks

Discover the untamed beauty of Congo’s national parks, where primordial rainforests teem with rare gorillas, vibrant birdlife, and cascading waterfalls. Embark on an unforgettable safari adventure through Virunga’s volcanic craters and Salonga’s winding rivers, and experience biodiversity at its rawest. Book your Congo wildlife expedition today and unlock nature’s best-kept secrets!

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Kahuzi-Biega National Park

Explore wild beauty where lush forests meet rare wildlife. Adventure, peace, and unforgettable moments await you in a true natural wonder.

Garamba National Park

Discover wild beauty where nature roams free vast savannas, rare wildlife, and unforgettable adventure await. Your next great escape starts here.

Virunga National Park

Explore untamed beauty where wild landscapes meet rare wildlife. Adventure, wonder, and nature’s magic await you in a world like no other.

Salonga National Park

A vast, untouched wilderness where rich wildlife thrives and nature’s beauty unfolds in every corner. Experience adventure, peace, and the wild.

Mangroves National Park

Coastal escape where nature’s beauty thrives lush greenery, calm waters, and vibrant wildlife. Dive into serenity and explore a unique world of peace and wonder.

Maiko National Park

Wildlife, lush landscapes, and unforgettable adventure in a hidden natural paradise. Experience nature like never before wild, wild, and wonderfully untamed.

Upemba National Park

A wild paradise where nature’s beauty and adventure come alive. Explore vast landscapes, vibrant wildlife, and unforgettable moments waiting just for you.

Odzala-Kokoua National Park

Lush forests breathe life, and unforgettable adventures await at every turn. Step into nature’s untouched beauty and experience the thrill of true wilderness.

Lomami National Park

Where nature thrives untouched landscapes, rare wildlife, and endless adventure await. Escape to a place of pure wonder and unforgettable moments.

Mount Nyiragongo

Trek through emerald rainforest trails with expert guides, encounter habituated lowland gorilla families, and unwind in eco‑lodges for an unforgettable wildlife immersion.

Lola ya Bonobo

Home to the world’s largest lava lake. This adventure takes you through lush rainforest and volcanic terrain, ending with an unforgettable night at the crater rim.

Kinshasa

This unforgettable journey takes you through DR Congo’s lush forests for a close-up encounter with one of the world’s most iconic primates.

Virunga National Park

Stands out as the premier destination for a Congo safari, most notably for its population of endangered mountain gorillas the only place in Africa where these magnificent creatures can be tracked alongside those in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Guests from around the globe journey here for the chance to observe these rare primates in their natural habitat, guided by expert trackers who ensure both safety and respect for the animals.

 

Beyond gorilla trekking, Virunga’s lush forests and savannas are home to an impressive array of wildlife, including forest elephants, warthogs, red‑tailed monkeys, grey‑checked mangabeys, and striking black‑and‑white colobus monkeys. Each safari game drive reveals new wonders, as diverse ecosystems converge within the park’s boundaries to support a rich tapestry of species.

 

A defining feature of Virunga is Mount Nyiragongo, an active stratovolcano whose spectacular lava lake draws adventurous travelers. Climbing Nyiragongo offers an unforgettable experience: reaching the crater’s edge to peer into its simmering magma is a once‑in‑a‑lifetime sight that perfectly complements the park’s wildlife encounters.

Garamba National Park

Established in 1938, is one of Africa’s oldest protected areas. Nestled along the South Sudan border in the northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo, it forms part of the stunning sudano‑guinean savanna zone.

 

Renowned for its rich biodiversity, Garamba is home to many of Africa’s iconic mammals’ lions, elephants, giraffes, hippos, hyenas and numerous antelope species alongside over 286 species of birds. This remarkable array of wildlife makes it a jewel of the continent’s conservation landscape.

 

However, decades of civil conflict, relentless poaching and the presence of armed rebel groups have severely undermined both the park’s ecological integrity and its tourism potential. Recognizing these threats, African Parks and several international partners have stepped in with funding and conservation programs to safeguard Garamba’s future and prevent further decline of its unique ecosystems.

Kahuzi Biega National Park

Straddling the border between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda, is home to the rare eastern lowland gorilla a species found nowhere else. Its lush rainforest setting provides an unparalleled opportunity for travelers to witness these magnificent animals in their native habitat through guided trekking expeditions.

 

Many visitors pair their Kahuzi Biega gorilla treks with similar excursions in nearby Virunga National Park, allowing them to compare the distinct behaviors and appearances of eastern lowland and mountain gorillas. Beyond wildlife encounters, the park’s namesakes Mount Kahuzi and Mount Biega offer challenging hikes and panoramic views, adding an extra dimension of adventure to any safari itinerary.

Odzala‑Kokoua National Park

Nestled in the heart of the Republic of Congo, offers one of the region’s most exceptional safari experiences. Renowned for its thriving population of forest elephants, the park’s mosaic of savannah, rainforest and waterways provides guests with unparalleled wildlife viewing opportunities.

 

From thrilling boat safaris along winding rivers to guided treks through lush forest corridors, every excursion into Odzala‑Kokoua reveals the richness of its wild inhabitants and the breathtaking beauty of its landscapes.

Salonga National Park

Originally established as Tshuapa National Park in 1956 is positioned roughly midway between Kinshasa and Kisangani in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Renowned for its exceptional plant life and as the world’s largest contiguous rainforest, the park is accessible only by navigating the Congo’s vast river network.

 

Visitors are drawn by its spectacular wildlife, including leopards, African elephants, bonobos, and the rare Congo peafowl, while birdwatchers delight in sightings of egrets, yellow‑billed storks, forest owls, and a wealth of other species. Despite its immense ecological value, Salonga remains largely unexplored, and ongoing threats from encroachment, poaching, and other human activities have placed this UNESCO World Heritage Site at serious risk.

Mount Nyiragongo

Located within Virunga National Park is one of Africa’s most studied and fascinating active volcanoes. Renowned for its dramatic lava lake, Nyiragongo offers a rare opportunity for visitors to ascend and witness the mesmerizing sight of bubbling magma up close. This extraordinary experience makes it one of the most sought-after natural attractions in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

 

The volcano is not only a site of scientific interest for researchers studying volcanic activity and its environmental impact but also a thrilling destination for adventurous travelers. Often combined with gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park, the hike to the summit and descent of Mount Nyiragongo typically takes two days. The panoramic views from the crater, especially at night when the lava glows vividly, are truly unmatched. Capturing this spectacle in photographs and videos offers a once-in-a-lifetime memory.

Tchegera Island

Is a breathtaking U-shaped volcanic caldera island located on the northern shores of Lake Kivu, straddling the border between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda. Though relatively unknown to many travelers, it is one of the hidden gems of Congo safari tours and an ideal destination for relaxation. Often included at the end of Congo safari itineraries, Tchegera Island offers a perfect retreat following the physically demanding experiences of gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park and hiking Mount Nyiragongo.

 

The island is rich in biodiversity, hosting a variety of flora and fauna, as well as numerous bird and butterfly species that will captivate nature enthusiasts. Just a short 15 to 20-minute boat ride from Goma Harbour, Tchegera Island is easily accessible and offers a serene atmosphere with quality accommodation options, making it an exceptional choice for leisure travelers and honeymooners alike.

Lola ya Bonobo Sanctuary

Stands out as one of Kinshasa’s most captivating wildlife destinations. Home to endangered bonobos pygmy chimpanzees found only in the wilds of the Democratic Republic of Congo the sanctuary offers a rare and meaningful safari experience. Unlike their more aggressive chimpanzee relatives, bonobos are known for their gentle nature, yet they continue to face significant threats due to poaching and the illegal bushmeat trade.

 

Many of the bonobos at the sanctuary are orphans, rescued after their families were killed. Spanning approximately 30 hectares of lush forest, the sanctuary provides a safe haven where dedicated staff and volunteers nurture, protect, and rehabilitate these vulnerable primates. In addition to safeguarding them from exploitation in the black-market pet trade, the sanctuary plays a vital role in conservation education and awareness.

 

With its rich biodiversity and cultural depth, the Congo remains a hidden gem for adventurous travelers seeking authentic African safari experiences. After a thrilling wildlife expedition, visitors are encouraged to explore unique destinations like Lola ya Bonobo to witness the country’s profound natural and humanitarian efforts. For a seamless and unforgettable journey, partnering with an experienced and trusted operator such as Primate Holidays is highly recommended.

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