Bordering the Congo river in Central Africa, Congo may refer to either of the two countries.
The Democratic republic of Congo, formerly known as Zaire to the South east and the Republic of Congo, also known as Congo Brazzaville to the Northwest. There is room in the land with so many sights to discover and enjoy and discover, there’s a great incentive to go on a walkabout adventure.
Whether exploring the traditional lifestyle of the nation’s people, relaxing and reveling the night away in a city hot spot, Congo has something special to offer every visitor.
Congo is known for many things which include extraordinary primate-lowland gorillas, laid-back cities and towns, beautiful scenery.It really feels good to see the country and fail to experience all it has to offer on a single trip.
But there are over 20 national parks and activities should be at the top of any traveler’s bucket list, whether he’s a foreign tourist flying in from afar or a native Congolese looking to explore his own country.
Let’s face it: when it comes to travelling around this country, Congolese tend to be a bit self satisfied. They love hosting foreigners who come to Rwanda and get excited at seeing the eastern lowland Gorillas,Mount Nyiragongo, Yet how many of us can say we have truly explored the many charms of our land? All too often, we stick with easy options, the tried-and-true getaways where we know exactly what we’re getting,
The country offers most of its breathtaking wildlife terrain and is famous of its lowland gorillas and its national parks such as; Virunga National Park, Kahuzi Biega National,Garamba national park,Odzala national park, Salonga national parks, Nouabale National park , Upemba National Park among others.An over view of the country’s tourist sites include;
Virunga national park-famous for Mountain gorilla trekking and Mount Nyiragongo hike
Virunga National Park is one of the most biologically diverse protected areas on the African continent. Half of all the biodiversity in sub-Saharan Africa can be found in Virunga. The park is home to two of the world’s most active volcanoes as well as a geologic wonder.Despite the fact that Virunga National Park has been severely threatened by armed conflict. Thanks to the dedication of the park rangers and wardens, Virunga has been able to survive.
Kahuzi-Biega National Park operated by the Institut Congolais Pour La Conservation de la Nature (ICCN) is a World Heritage Site. Kahuzi-Biega National Park is famous as the largest refuge of the highly endangered Eastern Lowland (Grauer’s) Gorillas. The last census of the gorillas in 2013 counted only 145 individuals. The highland section with most of the gorillas is open for visits, with three gorilla groups habituated for visitation.
The park also features two seasons annually, that is; from April to May, or from October to January with the temperature ranging from 19-21 degrees centigrade.
Odzala National Park-Western lowland gorillas
Home to globally significant populations of Western lowland gorillas,elusive forest elephants and bird species. For nature–lovers, the park is situated in the heart of the second-largest tropical rain forest in the world, beneath the can-descent canopy, an unparalleled level of floral diversity creates a breath-taking landscape in which some the planet’s rarest and most enigmatic species can be found. Odzala has the highest numbers of diurnal primates and highest density of Chimpanzees for any forest block in central Africa. Bais Bais, or salines are swampy, grassy areas dotted across the rain forest. These offer a rare chance to catch a glimpse into the lives of forest dwellers. Various mammal species come to the bais on a regular basis for the water, grasses, minerals, salts and sedges.
Nouabalé Ndoki National Park is located at the extreme northern part of the Republic of Congo with an area of about 4,000 km2, covered with primary forests.
It was created in 1993 and is one of the largest forest area reserves of West Central Africa. The park covers about 2% of Congo’s forests.
This area has a botanical and biological interest. Rich in flora and fauna,and many species of large mammals such as elephants, western lowland gorillas, chimpanzees, panthers; bush pigs, buffaloes, etc. It also contains more than 300 bird species; 1000 plants species and a rich diversity of forests. Some Swamps in flooded forest are home to different species such as the blue yellow and black front backed duikers. The three species of African crocodiles live in the national park, where freshwater turtles frequent the marshes and bay.
The park is one of the last regions in Africa where elephant sare protected from poachers
However, other parks in congo include;
- Upemba national park
- Garamba national park
- Salonga National Park
- Lomami national park
- Maiko national park
Not only the above are parks within Congo, but their other existing National parks which cannot be easily accessed, while others are in hard to reach areas.
Whether you’re more of a bird lover, an adrenaline junkie, a gorilla enthusiast, or a Big Five fan, You are highly recommend to visit one or more of the above national parks in Congo.
As an ending note, Congo national parks highly recommends you to check out and take a glance on Congo of your dreams. It is incredible, magical, indescribable and all you can say is WOW!