What wildlife animals can you see in Congo? The Democratic Republic of Congo is among the top travel destinations in the world despite all the security instability that has been raining in the country in the past years. If you are looking to have a wildlife safari in Congo, you will get to see a number of wildlife in Virunga national park, Nyiragongo volcano and Kahuzi Biega national park.
The Democratic Republic of Congo, located in Central Africa, is one of the most significant African countries for biodiversity protection. More than 81 million people live here, as do a number of remarkable endemic species like as the okapi, Grauer’s gorilla, bonobo, and Congo peacock, as well as over 400 additional animal species, 1,000 bird species, 400 fish species, and 10,000 plant species.
Furthermore, the Congo Basin, the world’s second-largest tropical forest and river basin, is located in the nation, which also has high plateaus, three mountain ranges, and low coastal plains.
What wildlife animals can you see in Congo?
Mountain Gorillas in Virunga National Park.
Virunga National Park is home to more than one-third of the estimated 1,063 surviving mountain gorillas. Mountain gorillas have thicker hair than their eastern lowland siblings, an adaptation that protects them from the sub-zero temperatures common at altitudes ranging from 7 to 14,000 feet.
Gorilla trekking in Congo is not so strenuous as compared to gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable national park in Uganda. Trekking mountain gorillas in Virunga national park in Congo takes between 2-4 hours depending on the location of the gorilla family that you are trekking.
A gorilla permit in the Democratic Republic of Congo costs $400 per person compared to $1,500 for a gorilla permit in Rwanda and $700 in Uganda. Gorilla permits are best booked at least 3 months in advance in order to avoid any disappointments that come with late bookings.
Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo is located near the city of Goma on the country’s eastern border. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that spans 190 kilometers of savannas, river basins, jungles, and mountains. Visitors may expect to see gorillas, chimps, African bush elephants, aardvarks, warthogs, antelopes, and several bird species.
Eastern Lowland Gorillas in Kahuzi Biega National Park.
The IUCN has listed the rare Eastern lowland gorillas (Grauer’s gorillas) as endangered in Kahuzi-Biega National Park. Grauer’s gorillas are the biggest gorilla subspecies. A gorilla permit in Kahuzi Biega national park costs $400 per person.
Kahuzi-Biega National Park is located on Lake Kivu’s west bank. It covers around 2,300 square kilometers of highland and lowland landscapes. There will be gorillas, chimps, hippos, elephants, baboons, leopards, peafowls, and other unusual primates and birds for visitors to see.
Okapi
The okapi, a short-necked giraffe, is a prominent cultural and national emblem, while the leopard has historically decorated the Congo’s coat of arms.
Nile Crocodile
The Nile crocodile is a huge and ferocious predator that lurks in practically every major river system in Africa. It has been known to attack humans who inadvertently enter its domain. These reptiles have been known to attack fishermen in their boats.
Hippopotamus
Despite being a herbivore, a hippopotamus can easily kill a human. It is large, aggressive, and fast in and out of the water. They are thought to be responsible for hundreds of deaths each year.
Northern White Rhinoceros
This fragile white rhino subspecies is on the verge of extinction. There are just two known members of this subspecies left, both of whom live in Kenya; there are no known individuals left in the Congo.
Puff Adder
These venomous snakes may be found on the Congo’s northern and eastern borders. Because of its disguised hues, extensive distribution, and lethal venom, the puff adder is thought to be responsible for more bites than any other snake in Africa. There is always the risk of someone treading on them while they lie in the soil.
Chimpanzee
These curious and clever primates are endemic to northeast Congo. Because to habitat degradation, poaching, and sickness, the number of chimpanzees has declined from a million in the early twentieth century to around 150,000 to 250,000 now, What wildlife animals can you see in Congo?.
Black Mamba
The black mamba, so named because of its inky black lips, is one of Africa’s largest and deadliest snakes. The strong neurotoxic cocktail will directly damage the nerve system. Untreated patients have a high mortality rate.
African Elephant
Both the African bush elephant and the African forest elephant are on the verge of extinction due to habitat degradation, poaching, and illness. It is presently on the verge of extinction.
Dryas Monkey
This little-known monkey lives in a sliver of the Congo River. Because they are rarely seen, the species is thought to be highly endangered.
Bonobo
The bonobo is a near cousin of the chimp. It is thought that there are just 50,000 individuals left in the wild.
Wildlife in Garamba National Park
Another UNESCO World Heritage Site is Garamba National Park. The park, which is located in the northeastern savanna and basin zone, is a haven for elephants, buffalo, antelopes, hyenas, hippos, lions, and warthogs.
Wildlife in Upemba National Park.
Upemba National Park is a massive network of lakes, rivers, and marshes in the southern Congo. It is a great place to see freshwater fish and unusual birds like the shoebill and wattled crane.
There is so much to see and do during your Congo Safaris Tours. The Congo is a fantastic supply of rodents, bats, shrews, carnivores, and ungulates (hoofed mammals), with a larger concentration of primates than virtually anywhere else on the planet. Flycatchers, warblers, waxbills, bulbuls, swallows, water/wading birds, and birds of prey may also be found in plenty in the nation. The lush inner jungles are home to a plethora of reptiles, amphibians, and insects.