Spectacular Wildlife of Congo: The Democratic Republic of the Congo is one of Africa’s most significant biodiversity protection countries. It boasts the most species in practically every type of creatures, with the exception of plants, where it is second only to South Africa.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo also has a variety of remarkable unique species, including the okapi, Grauer’s gorilla, bonobo, and Congo peacock. It is home to more than half of Africa’s tropical forests. Dense forests and woods represent more than half of the DRC’s total land area of 2.3 million km2 and are vital to the maintenance of global climate cycles.
It is abundant in natural resources. The Democratic Republic of the Congo has huge quantities of coltan, which is used in a variety of electrical gadgets, copper, gold, and a variety of other precious minerals. It is also one of the largest producers of industrial diamonds in the world.
Spectacular Wildlife of Congo.
The Democratic Republic of Congo is well recognized as the world’s top destination for lowland gorillas and wild chimps, which are often located in the dense sections of rainforest that make up the world’s second biggest expanse of tropical rainforest. This is without a doubt one of Africa’s most unknown places, with outstanding wildlife safari potential. There are other additional species and natural features to interest visitors, and the number of quality campgrounds providing ideal bases for exploration is growing.
Mountain Gorillas
The Virunga Mountains, an amazing chain of nine volcanoes in varying phases of extinction, dormancy, and activity that crosses the borders of Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Rwanda, are the last surviving home of mountain gorillas, together with Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. One of the most popular questions when planning a gorilla expedition is whether to travel to Rwanda or Uganda. It may be unreasonable to claim that one place is superior to another, but there are distinctions to consider that may help you make your pick.
While on your gorilla trekking safari in Congo, visitors can see mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park. The national is situated in the eastern province Democratic Republic of the Congo, near the borders with Rwanda and Uganda. The park is part of the Virunga massif, which also contains Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and Uganda’s Mgahinga National Park. The Virunga massif is well-known for its diverse biodiversity and as one of Africa’s oldest wildlife protection zones. The Virunga National Park was founded in 1925 by the European conservation movement, making it Africa’s oldest national park.
Mountain gorillas are the second biggest gorilla subspecies. Because they dwell at a greater elevation, they have more fur on their bodies. They, like all gorilla subspecies, eat only vegetation, particularly tree branches, shoots, vines, and leaves. Mountain gorillas are not aggressive. They wander from one location to another in search of food and refuge. Mountain gorillas, despite their frightening appearance and weight of up to 160 kilos, are generally gentle primates. They are also incredibly sociable primates, living in groups of 6 to 30 people.
Easter Lowland Gorillas
Eastern lowland gorillas are the biggest gorilla subspecies, with mature males reaching more than 210 kg. The greatest population of eastern lowland gorillas may be found in Kahuzi Biega National Park. The eastern lowland gorilla, like all gorilla subspecies, is a peaceful animal. It will not attack or become hostile unless provoked. Even when agitated, they would seek to frighten visitors away by barking or thumping their chest. The Grauer’s gorilla, like other gorilla subspecies, spends the most of its time on the ground.
A gorilla permit for eastern lowland gorilla trekking in Congo costs 400 USD and visitors are advised to book their gorilla permits at least 6 months earlier. Our gorilla safaris to Kahuzi Biega national park include pickup and drop off in Kigali hence making it easier for visitors travelling to Rwanda.
Other Spectacular Wildlife found in the Democratic Republic of Congo include;
- Congo Peafowl
- African Forest Elephant
- Chimpanzees
- Bonobos
- Forest Buffalo
- Okapi
- Bongo
- Aardvark
- African civet
- African Leopard
- Allen’s swamp monkey
- Manatee
- Blue monkeys
- Bush pigs
- Common duiker
- Dwarf crocodile
- Common eland
- Western lowland gorillas
- Honey badger
- Johnston’s Chameleon
- Kob
- Grey parrot
- Greater Kudu
- Lions
- Monitor Lizard
- Olive baboons
- Oribi
- Pangolin
- Yellow-backed duiker
- Topi
- Waterbucks and so many more
Best Time to visit DR Congo on a Wildlife Safari.
The long dry season, which lasts from May to September, is the best time to explore the Democratic Republic of Congo; nevertheless, arranging a Congo safari is entirely reliant on the weather. The Congo has an equatorial climate, which means that humidity levels are high throughout the year.
