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The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) offers a wealth of unique experiences for travellers, blending natural beauty, adventure, and cultural immersion. Begin your journey in Kinshasa, the bustling capital, where you can visit the National Museum and enjoy vibrant nightlife along a ride over the Congo River. Head east to Virunga National Park, home to the world’s largest concentration of mountain gorillas and the stunning Nyiragongo Volcano with its lava lake for a once-in-a-lifetime display of the power of nature.
At A Glance
Nearest Airport
Kigali or Goma
Best Time to visit
All Year Depending on what you want to do
Activities
Privately Guided Trips, Trekking, Culture
Min Recommended Stay
07 to 08 days
For an off-the-beaten-path adventure, explore the dense Ituri Rainforest, rich with biodiversity and traditional pygmy villages. Lake Kivu provides a serene escape with opportunities for boating and swimming in crystal-clear waters. Don’t miss the majestic waterfalls of Zongo, which are perfect for hiking and picnicking. Immerse yourself in the local culture by visiting markets and participating in community projects that support conservation and development efforts. The DRC is a destination for intrepid travellers seeking raw, unfiltered experiences amidst some of Africa’s most breathtaking landscapes.
HAPPY HATHI TIP
One of the most unique experiences here is the Lowland Gorilla Habituation Walk. Unlike a standard gorilla trek, this allows you to spend extended time with a semi-habituated family as researchers slowly acclimate them to human presence. You witness the process of trust-building in real time. It’s more immersive, less predictable, and incredibly intimate. It’s not just about seeing gorillas; it’s about being part of the story.
Trip Extensions: Kenya and other parts of Africa
Happy Hathi Recommends
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Mount Nyiragongo Volcano Hike: Hike Mount Nyiragongo to witness its vast, glowing lava lake. Camp at the summit for surreal views and an unforgettable overnight experience atop an active volcano.
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Bonobos in Lomako-Yokokala Reserve: Visit Lomako-Yokokala to observe wild bonobos, our closest relatives. Watch their playful, complex behaviors in a remote setting, offering both rare wildlife encounters and conservation insight.
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Habituation Walk in Kahuzi-Biega: Join researchers on a habituation walk with Eastern Lowland Gorillas. This immersive trek allows intimate, extended observation of gorilla behavior as they grow accustomed to human presence.
Suggested Itineraries
DRC – The Heart of Africa
13 nights, 14 days
Gorilla trekking in Virunga’s misty forests
Track eastern lowland chimps in Kahuzi-Biega
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Uganda Uncovered
13 nights, 14 days
Trek to see gorillas in Bwindi’s dense rainforest
Track chimpanzees and spot birds in Kibale
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Rwanda’s Pristine Wilderness
13 nights, 14 days
Trek to see mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park
Spot golden monkeys and enjoy the misty forest trails
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Whispers Among Giants: African Primate Trails
12 nights, 11 days
Trek through ancient forest trails to meet mountain gorillas and playful chimpanzees in their natural habitats—an experience both humbling and transformative.
Visit world-renowned hotspots like Kibale (Uganda) and Nyungwe (Rwanda), where lush ecosystems harbor 13+ primate species—blue monkeys, red colobus, mangabeys, and more.
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Ultimate Botswana – A Private Charter Safari
13 nights, 14 days
Drift silently in mokoro canoes through papyrus-lined Okavango Delta channels
Track lions, leopards, and wild dogs on game drives
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East African Wilderness
13 nights, 14 days
Witness the Great Migration in the Maasai Mara and Serengeti
Game drives across two of Africa’s top parks
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The Great Kenyan Safari
13 nights, 14 days
Game drives in Maasai Mara during the Great Migration
Spot Wildebeest, Zebras, and Big Five sightings
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From Desert to Delta – Kalahari to Vic Falls
13 nights, 14 days
Quad biking and bush walks in the vast Makgadikgadi Pans
Spot Kalahari lions and cheetahs in the Central Kalahari
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Deserts, Dunes & Wildlife
12 nights, 11 days
Climb Sossusvlei’s red dunes
Explore Deadvlei’s surreal salt pan
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Geladas, Wolves & Ancient Hills: Ethiopia Revealed
10 nights, 11 days
Trek rugged escarpments and plateaus to see the endemic Gelada baboon troops and scarce Walia ibex, high in the Simiens.
Sanetti Plateau and Harenna Forest offer rare chances to spot the Ethiopian wolf, alongside highland flora and dramatic vistas.
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