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    The people who lead the way when it comes to those things which matter to us: exploration, the environment, women’s empowerment and education.

Nyiragongo molten lava, Virunga National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo

Democratic Republic of Congo

The DRC is a country of vast jungles and dark corners, endangered primates and tribal strongholds, equatorial rainforests and active volcanoes.

They say that the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is the country around which all other African countries revolve and that you can only know Africa if you know the DRC. Two-thirds of 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. It is easy to see the appeal.

Nyiragongo molten lava, Virunga National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo
Virunga National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo
Acacia Tree, D.R.Congo
Democratic Republic of Congo
Eastern lowland (Grauer's) gorilla, Kahuzi Biega National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo
Kahuzi-Biega National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo

Ideas for a Democratic Republic of Congo Safari

  • Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kahuzi-Biega, home to Grauer’s gorillas, as well as a wealth of bird and animal life
  • Take a helicopter safari over the Virunga Mountains, spending time on active volcanoes
  • Head north, into Virunga National Park’s savannah grasslands and stay at Lulimbi Camp, beside the Ishasha River
  • Visit Idjwi Island, located in the centre of Lake Kivu and untouched by conflict but isolated from the outside world
  • Meet the park’s anti-poaching bloodhounds and go chimp trekking from the beautiful Mikeno Lodge.
Bonobo with Stick, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Bonobo, Democratic Republic of Congo

Discover extraordinary in the DRC

  • Visit Kinshasa’s Ethnographic Museum, which includes the original boat that Stanley used to travel down the nearby rapids
  • Head to Lola Ya Bonobo, a sanctuary for orphaned bonobos – indigenous to the DRC
  • Set off deep into the DRC’s interior, heading to the Lomako Reserve in search of wild troops of bonobos

Explore Democratic Republic of Congo

  • Kahuzi Biega National Park
  • Virunga National Park

Experiences

Tell us what you love doing and we’ll curate a journey that’s perfect for you.

Relax Beside Lake Kivu

Have some downtime amidst crumbling colonial mansions beside the shores of Lake Kivu.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Track Chimpanzees

Follow chimpanzees through the forests, tracking a habituated family.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Visit Idjwi Island

Take a boat trip to Idjwi Island, located in the centre of Lake Kivu and swim in the cool waters.

Climb Mount Nyiragongo

Spend a night on Nyiragongo Volcano and watch the world’s largest lava lake from above.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Track Forest Elephants

Walk the forest trails in search of the (very) elusive forest elephants and bongo.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Climb Kahuzi-Biega’s Peaks

Climb the summits of Mount Bugulumiza or Mount Biega for spectacular views of the park.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Trek in Search of Grauer’s Gorillas

Go gorilla trekking in Kahuzi Biega National Park, home to habituated Grauer’s gorillas.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Birding in Kahuzi-Biega

Discover Kahuzi-Biega’s 200 resident bird species, including the Congo peacock and Rwenzori turaco.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Explore Virunga’s Savannah

Head north, into Virunga National Park’s savannah grasslands and stay at Lulimbi Camp, beside the Ishasha River.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Gorilla Sanctuary

Visit Senkwekwe – the only orphan mountain gorilla sanctuary in the world.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Need inspiration?
Browse our DRC holiday ideas.

Our experts have created and curated these holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something that is the spark for your unique adventure.

Meet our experts

A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.

Chris Johnston

25 years ago, my first trip to Africa took on a life of its own. I planned for three months, I stayed for two years. Whilst there, I was mistaken for a priest, attacked by sharks and arrested. Yet the countless, clattering journeys opened my eyes to the beauty of the landscapes and the grace of the people. My recent trips are undoubtedly more comfortable, but the welcome is as warm as ever and the best experiences are still those I never see coming.

Talk with our experts
  • 01285 880 980

Frequently asked questions about Democratic Republic of Congo

Where can I see gorillas in DRC?

Can Steppes arrange trips to areas outside of eastern DRC?

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Very satisfied with all aspects of our trip. Steppes kept us fully informed of the progress of the arrangements and gave us various choices of hotels.

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Fallen Rangers textiles women
Fallen Rangers, Congo

Centre for Wildlife Studies - Fallen Rangers

We support projects right across the planet. For example, in the Democratic Republic of Congo we have donated to the Centre for Wildlife Studies. The Rangers of Virunga National Park lay down their lives to protect the amazing biodiversity of the park; which means, in turn, the park has a duty to look after those who are left behind. In 2016, Virunga National Park, in collaboration with the NAT GEO Rainforest, developed the Widows Workshop to protect and empower the widows of the rangers.

When planning your trip speak to our experts about how you can also support the destinations you are visiting.

Why Choose Steppes?

Our knowledge and expertise set us apart. So too our curiosity. It is this that drives us to create a journey that is really bespoke to you, all the while ensuring we travel and operate sustainably.

Are you ready to discover extraordinary once again?


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