The DRC’s wilds, though, are good enough reason to visit. The jungles and the foothills of the volcanic peaks are famous for their primate population, including the endemic eastern lowland gorilla, as well as okapi, giraffe and elephant, and the forests also offer an abundance of birdlife. It is a country filled with surprises.
Areas of the DRC are more akin to a European Alpine landscape, particularly around the Virunga Mountains, which play host to two national parks, both UNESCO World Heritage sites – Virunga National Park and Kahuzi-Biega.
Whether travelling by foot, boat or driving excursions, each method of transportation affords real frontier encounters that will provide the traveller with an array of exhilarating experiences.
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Why Visit
They say that the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is the country around which all other African countries revolve and that you can only truly know Africa if you know the DRC. Two-thirds the size of Western Europe and home to nearly 300 different languages and tribes, the DRC is a country of vast jungles and dark corners, endangered primates and tribal strongholds, equatorial rainforests and active volcanoes.
With tourism returning to the Virunga National Park, the allure of the DRC for intrepid travellers looking for a rich and rewarding experience is clear.
Quick Facts
Why you’ll love it
Of all wildlife in Africa, Congo is best known as a habitat for gorillas, particularly, mountain gorillas. “, “Soak In The History At Brazzaville. It is safe to say that a must-see place in Congo is its capital – Brazzaville. This old French city exudes history, as it is reminiscent of the old French colonial era.”,”Ride the La Gazelle. If you’re in no hurry and want to experience the magical country to its fullest, take a ride on the La Gazelle, a long-distance passenger train operated by the Congo-Ocean Railway”,”Mount Nyiragongo is an active stratovolcano with an elevation of 3470 m in the Virunga Mountains associated with the Albertine Rift.”,”The Kahuzi-Biega National Park is a protected area near Bukavu town in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is situated near the western bank of Lake Kivu and the Rwandan border
Something to think about
They say that the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is the country around which all other African countries revolve and that you can only truly know Africa if you know the DRC. Two-thirds the size of Western Europe and home to nearly 300 different languages and tribes, the DRC is a country of vast jungles and dark corners, endangered primates and tribal strongholds, equatorial rainforests and active volcanoes. With tourism returning to the Virunga National Park, the allure of the DRC for intrepid travellers looking for a rich and rewarding experience is clear.
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What to know before you go
Traveling is the most fun thing to do, but it can turn into a nasty affair if you don’t do it right. Proper research and planning is necessary to make it enjoyable & memorable. So, when you get down to plan your next adventure, do your homework before stepping out into an entirely different place, amidst a culture you’ve never experienced before, and people you’ve never met before! Here are various things to know before travel that can make wanderlusting an all the more easy and hassle-free travel for you.
What can I pack for my safari ?
On flights and land-based tours within East Africa, each passenger is limited to a maximum baggage weight of 33 pounds (15 kilograms). This includes the weight of purses and camera equipment in addition to regular luggage. Luggage restrictions are adhered to very strictly and passengers should pack their bags accordingly. Soft-sided luggage or duffels are preferable to hard luggage for storage on safari vehicles and also on aircraft used throughout East Africa. Dimensions should not exceed 23 inches (58 centimetres) long x 13 inches (33 centimetres) high x 10 inches (25 centimetres) wide.
As a convenience, GoExplore safaris provide each safari guest with a guide who is readily available at the airport by the time of your arrival.
This makes it easier for our guests to feel at home once they arrive because your driver guide will collect and manage your luggage for you.
Packing List
For your African safari, Visit Our Comprehensive Packing List Here
Note: Many properties provide insect repellent in rooms/tents. However, you may wish to bring your own preferred brand.
Laundry Service is available at most hotels, lodges and camps. Because some laundries in East Africa do not accept any underclothing, be prepared to wash your own smalls. Laundry techniques may not be suitable for delicate and/or synthetic fabrics. But we recommend our guides to advise on whatever might come up.
Getting There
Served by numerous international carriers and home to improved and somehow classy airports, flying into East Africa is as easy as flying anywhere else in the world. East African countries are connected to outside countries with various international and national airports acting as gateways to their remote and iconic safari destinations. However, Our GoExplore Safari Experts always advise our guests intending to visit the region based on the tailor-made itinerary/plan.
Goma International Airport
Goma International Airport has been operating for overtime and it was initially built with a paved 3 km runway and a large terminal and apron. In 2002, Goma International Airport faced one of its worst disasters when Mount Nyiragongo, a volcano erupted and destroyed part of the airport, 14 kilometres north of Goma International Airport.
Money, Tipping & Gratitudes
The question of when and where not to tip can be difficult in a foreign country. We give you a quick guide to tipping destination guides, safari guides and waiters in Uganda/Kenya/Tanzania/Rwanda/Congo. In East Africa, it is normal to tip your driver/ guide at the end of a safari or hike, as well as any cook or porter that accompanies you. A figure of roughly USD10-20 per day would be a fair benchmark, while decisions regarding tipping rest entirely with you, we suggest some advice and that’s why we say it’s better to check this with your safari company in advance.
I see no reason why you shouldn’t give a bigger or smaller tip based on the quality of service. It’s not essential to tip the guides who take you around in the national parks and other reserves, but it is recommended, and the tip will surely be appreciated by the recipient, assuming the service has been excellent, anything given out is just fine.
In some African countries, it is hard to travel anywhere without being latched onto by a self-appointed guide, who will often expect a tip over and above any agreed fee.
Is travel insurance a necessity ?
At GoExplore Safaris we understand that a trip to Africa is a significant investment. It requires time, money and expert advice, and you need to be sure that you’re dealing with a trustworthy company. You don’t just want a great trip, you want complete peace of mind, before, during and after travel.