The Best 10 Unique Things To Do In Congo By Africa Safari Experts

Things To Do In Congo: (Discover the Untamed Beauty of Congo)

The Best 10 Unique Things To Do In Congo By Affordable Luxury African Safari Experts. Book Congo Safari Packages and explore the hidden gem things to do in Congo.

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) offers one of Africa’s most raw and amazing travel experiences (things to do in Congo) for those seeking something truly off the beaten path. Unlike its more visited neighbors, Congo rewards the bold traveler with authentic things to do in Congo, unspoiled wilderness, rare wildlife encounters, and ancient cultures. One of the most iconic things to do in Congo is tracking the endangered eastern lowland gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega National Park or hiking to see the critically endangered mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park, Africa’s oldest and most biodiverse park. For thrill-seekers, trekking up Mount Nyiragongo to witness its bubbling lava lake is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Congo’s landscapes range from thick rainforests to active volcanoes and sweeping river systems, making it an extraordinary playground for eco-tourism.

Discover an exciting array of things to do in Congo beyond the famous gorilla trekking and volcano hikes. Explore Salonga National Park, Africa’s largest tropical rainforest reserve, home to rare wildlife like the Congo peacock, forest elephants, and bonobos. Cruise along the legendary Congo River, a vital artery offering river safari experiences and authentic interactions with local communities. Dive into the traditions of the Pygmy people in remote villages, admire colonial-era architecture in Kinshasa, and enjoy the country’s vibrant music and art scene. With untamed landscapes and minimal crowds, safaris and cultural experiences in the Democratic Republic of the Congo promise raw adventure and deep authenticity.

Detailed Overview Of The 10 Unique Things To Do In Congo

“Things To Do In Congo For Every Traveller”

1. Trek to See Mountain Gorillas in Virunga National Park

Experience the raw thrill of standing face to face with a silverback gorilla in the lush jungles of Virunga National Park. Home to some of the world’s last remaining mountain gorillas, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers guided treks through misty volcanic forests teeming with wildlife. The journey is rugged and intimate, limited permits ensure a personal, ethical encounter with these gentle giants. Beyond gorillas, expect encounters with golden monkeys, colorful birdlife, and breathtaking mountain vistas. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife adventure that brings conservation and culture together in the heart of Africa.

2. Climb Mount Nyiragongo, Africa’s Most Active Volcano

Ascend the smoking slopes of Mount Nyiragongo, a majestic volcano towering above Goma in eastern Congo. This extraordinary trek takes you through surreal lava fields and ancient forests before reaching the summit, where the world’s largest lava lake boils in a caldera of fire. Spend the night in crater-edge shelters, watching molten rock swirl below as stars ignite the sky. The journey is challenging but incredibly rewarding, offering unmatched views and a tangible sense of Earth’s power. Few experiences on Earth compare to standing at the edge of a living volcano.

3. Explore the Congo River by Boat

Take a trip through lush jungle, isolated communities, and lively local life by sailing the powerful Congo River, the second-longest river in Africa, in a traditional pirogue or motorboat. This meandering stream serves as a cultural lifeline in addition to being a route. Pass markets full of merchants, fishermen lowering nets, and kids waving from muddy banks as you cruise by. Stops at islands, wildlife-rich banks, and secret coves are possible on multi-day excursions. The river offers a genuine and engrossing look into the rhythms of rural Congolese life, whether you’re floating close to Kinshasa or farther into the Congo Basin.

4. Discover Lola ya Bonobo Sanctuary

One of the other most meaningful things to do in Congo is visiting Lola ya Bonobo, the world’s only sanctuary for orphaned bonobos, one of our closest relatives. Located just outside Kinshasa, this refuge allows visitors to observe these intelligent and gentle primates in forested enclosures that replicate their natural habitat. You can watch them play, groom one another, and swing through the trees. Guided tours offer insights into their behaviors and the conservation efforts that protect them from threats like the bushmeat trade. Visiting this sanctuary is a heartwarming and ethical way to connect with Congo’s unique wildlife and support a powerful mission rooted in compassion, education, and action.

5. Hike Through Maiko National Park’s Untamed Wilderness

One of Congo’s lesser-known gems is Maiko National Park, which provides daring travelers with an unadulterated, off-the-grid experience. It is only reachable on foot or by boat because it lacks major infrastructure and roads, which is what makes it so unique. Along with forest elephants, the park is home to rare endemic species such as the Congo peacock, okapi, and Grauer’s gorilla. Here, trekking is a real adventure led by local guides who have extensive knowledge of the Congo jungle. Those who travel to Maiko discover unadulterated biodiversity and genuine cultural links, but it’s not for the faint of heart.

6. Visit the Idjwi Island on Lake Kivu

One of the most peaceful things to do in Congo is visiting Idjwi Island, a serene haven floating in Lake Kivu. Accessible by boat from Bukavu or Goma, this tranquil island offers a refreshing escape from the modern world. Explore its rolling hills, hike through banana plantations, and interact with welcoming locals who still live in harmony with nature. Sample traditional banana beer, learn the art of pottery from local artisans, and embrace a slower pace of life. Idjwi Island has no cars and minimal infrastructure, making it feel like a timeless retreat. It’s an ideal destination for travelers seeking authentic culture, nature, and connection.

7. Track Lowland Gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega National Park

Unlike their mountain cousins, the eastern lowland gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega National Park are larger and dwell in lower, denser rainforests. Guided treks here are less crowded, offering more personal encounters and a deeper immersion in Congo’s rich ecology. Walk beneath towering mahogany trees and past waterfalls, listening for the rustle of gorilla families in the undergrowth. The park also shelters forest elephants, chimpanzees, and over 300 bird species. Kahuzi-Biega is a must for those seeking unique wildlife experiences in a more serene, lesser-visited setting.

8. Experience Urban Energy in Kinshasa

Kinshasa, Africa’s third-largest city, pulsates with music, color, and Congolese charisma. The city’s streets come alive with soukous rhythms, vibrant fashion, and an energy that never seems to sleep. Visit the Marché Central, admire Congolese contemporary art at the Académie des Beaux-Arts, or catch a live band at a rooftop club overlooking the Congo River. The local cuisine, featuring grilled fish, cassava, and moambe chicken, delights the senses. Kinshasa is a cultural explosion that defies expectations and invites visitors to dance, eat, and engage with the Congo’s beating urban heart.

9. See the Rumbles of Boyoma Falls

Boyoma Falls is a magnificent sequence of seven cascades on the Lualaba River that stretches over 100 kilometers close to Kisangani. Boyoma is one of Africa’s strongest and longest sequences of rapids; however, it is not as tall as Victoria Falls. Experience the waters of the river by hiking or taking a guided boat ride. You can also meet the Wagenya fishermen, who utilize wooden tripods that date back hundreds of years to catch fish in the rushing water. It displays a lesser-known but fascinating aspect of Congo and is a singular fusion of human creativity and natural force.

10. Visit the Mysterious Caves of Zongo

Curiosity-seekers will enjoy exploring a network of limestone caverns nestled in the heart of Bas-Congo province, near the stunning Zongo Falls. Among the top things to do in Congo, these cool, stalactite-adorned caves are rich in local folklore and are still used by nearby communities for spiritual rituals. They offer a refreshing retreat from the tropical heat and a fascinating look into the area’s geological and cultural past. Be sure to include a visit to the nearby Zongo Waterfalls, an impressive natural spectacle surrounded by lush greenery, ideal for nature lovers, photographers, and cultural adventurers looking for an authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience.