The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is one of Africa’s most biodiverse countries, playing host to species found nowhere else. From the haunting beauty of the okapi to the awe-inspiring presence of mountain gorillas, the wildlife of the DRC is as extraordinary as it is fragile. Home to Africa’s oldest national park (Virunga National Park, established in 1925), as well as vast rainforests, savannahs, wetlands and volcanic landscapes, a visit to the DRC is not just a safari – it’s an expedition into the heart of one of the world’s last true wildernesses.
The DRC is best known as one of the last strongholds of gorillas. The critically endangered mountain gorilla can be found in Virunga National Park, where visitors can trek to see these gentle giants in their natural habitat. Lowland gorillas, equally fascinating but slightly smaller, inhabit the lush forests of Kahuzi-Biega National Park. Chimpanzees and bonobos, humanity’s closest relatives, also call the DRC home. Bonobos, in particular, are unique to the Congo Basin and can be seen in reserves like the Lola Ya Bonobo Sanctuary, which rehabilitates orphaned bonobos and provides an opportunity to observe their social and playful behaviour.
The Big Five
While the DRC is home to the Big Five, sightings are limited compared to other African safari destinations. Garamba National Park offers the best chance to see them all, with elephants, buffalo, lions and leopards, plus the recent reintroduction of white rhinos after decades of local extinction. Virunga National Park, better known for its mountain gorillas, is also home to elephants, buffalo and elusive leopards. While Upemba National Park has leopards, buffalo and a small elephant population, the DRC’s wildlife has been heavily impacted by poaching and conflict. Conservation efforts are underway, but safaris here remain an adventurous and less conventional experience..
Unique species
The DRC’s dense rainforests are a sanctuary for many rare and endemic species. The okapi, sometimes called the ‘forest giraffe,’ is a striking and elusive animal found only in the DRC. It inhabits the Ituri Forest and is most commonly observed in the Okapi Wildlife Reserve. Other endemic species include the Congo peafowl, a colourful and elusive bird found deep in the rainforests, and the Grauer’s gorilla (eastern lowland gorilla), the largest of the gorilla subspecies, found in Kahuzi-Biega.
Birds and aquatic life
With more than 1,100 bird species, the DRC is a birdwatcher’s dream. The Congo Basin is home to rare birds like the Congo sunbird, yellow-crested helmetshrike, and African grey parrot. Wetlands like those in the Malebo Pool and Lake Tele region attract waterbirds, including herons, egrets, and African fish eagles. The Virunga Massif also supports highland species, making the region a magnet for ornithologists. The Congo River and its tributaries teem with aquatic life, including hundreds of fish species found nowhere else. Crocodiles and hippos inhabit many of the river systems and wetlands. The Congo River is also a lifeline for communities and wildlife alike, hosting a unique array of species adapted to its powerful currents.
Endangered wildlife
The DRC is critical to the survival of several endangered species. Mountain and lowland gorillas face significant threats from habitat loss and poaching, and conservation efforts in Virunga and Kahuzi-Biega are vital to their protection. Bonobos, with declining populations due to hunting and deforestation, are another key focus for conservation. The okapi is also endangered, with its survival closely tied to the preservation of the Ituri Forest and anti-poaching initiatives.
Something different
The DRC offers some of the most distinctive wildlife experiences on the continent. Virunga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, not only provides opportunities to trek to mountain gorillas, but also to climb active volcanoes like Mount Nyiragongo, whose lava lake is among the most dramatic on Earth. The Salonga National Park, a remote and pristine rainforest, allows for rare encounters with forest elephants, bongos, and other elusive wildlife. The DRC is also one of the only places where you can see bonobos in the wild, offering a deeply personal and emotional wildlife experience.
If these wildlife species of the the Democratic Republic of Congo impress you and you’re dreaming of a holiday in DRC we’d love to help. Please do reach out via telephone or email.
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