Democratic Republic of Congo
Riveting, rarely done; the outer wilderness fringes
Located in equatorial West Africa, the vast landmass of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) offers stunning landscapes seen by relatively few people. Safaris to the DRC are specialist and riveting; carefully designed for the seasoned adventurist. The DRC is culturally fascinating, home to approximately 150 distinct ethnic groups and the source of much of Africa’s popular music. As for the natural world, the country hosts the globe’s second-largest rainforest and boasts a wonderfully broad range of wildlife. Having suffered from a tragic and tumultuous history, DRC is now in a state of considerable peace and stability, aided by the growth of tourism.
The main attraction for adventurous travellers is the Virunga Mountains, where lie two UNESCO World Heritage sites – Virunga National Park and Kahuzi-Biega. Virunga National Park is Africa’s oldest park and one of the continent’s most biodiverse spots, with dense forests, savannahs, volcanic peaks and lava plains. Virunga has experienced a wildlife resurgence in recent years as a result of the determined dedication of conservation advocates and is home to the critically endangered mountain gorillas. Experienced by relatively few people, Virunga offers visitors a unique chance to explore an incredible array of wildlife including two major species of great ape — gorilla and chimpanzee. Add on a trip to the Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage Center where visitors can learn about the care and rehabilitation of orphaned mountain gorillas. Other highlights in DRC include trekking up Mount Nyiragongo, an spectacular active volcano with bubbling lava lake. Visitors have a once in a lifetime opportunity to spend the night camped on the crater rim, falling asleep to the hissing rumble of the volcano and bearing witness to mother nature in its rawest form. Follow this exciting adventure with bird-watching and kayaking during a relaxing stay on Tchegera Island.
Demanding of meticulous planning and expert connections
In terms of accommodation, Kinshasa, the country’s capital city has numerous high-end hotels and restaurants however, across the rest of the country, it is less abundant. Everwild has a very select number of handpicked lodges and camps where we trust you will be beautifully cared for. Travel within the DRC is also a challenge meaning a safari requires careful planning along which the insider knowledge and close in-country connections that Everwild Africa have. Despite relative peace the country continues to be considered at risk by various authorities, there is a small chance visitors may need to alter or postpone travel plans if situations in the country change. We recommend DRC for the seasoned adventure traveller seeking remote and little-explored wilderness.
