National Parks in DRC: Discover all national parks in DRC, including Virunga, Kahuzi-Biega, and Salonga. Explore gorilla trekking, hiking, travel tips, safety, and how to plan your Congo safari.
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is one of Africa’s last true wilderness frontiers. While destinations like Uganda and Rwanda are more established for safaris, the DRC offers something rarer: raw, untouched biodiversity with fewer crowds and deeper exploration.
From active volcanoes in Virunga National Park to lowland gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega National Park and vast rainforest ecosystems in Salonga National Park, Congo is a destination for adventurous travelers seeking authentic wildlife experiences with Agasaro Safaris.
This guide covers everything you need to know, including how many national parks exist, where they are located, what to do, safety considerations, and how to plan your trip effectively.
How Many National Parks Are in DRC?
The Democratic Republic of the Congo has 9 officially recognized national parks, making it one of Africa’s most ecologically diverse countries.
List of National Parks in DRC– Comparison Table
| National Park | Location (Region) | Size (km²) | Key Wildlife | Top Activities | UNESCO Status | Accessibility | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virunga National Park | Eastern DRC (North Kivu) | ~7,800 | Mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, elephants | Gorilla trekking, volcano hiking, and safaris | Yes | Via Goma | Adventure + gorillas |
| Kahuzi-Biega National Park | Eastern DRC (South Kivu) | ~6,000 | Eastern lowland gorillas, forest elephants | Gorilla trekking, hiking | Yes | Via Bukavu | Lowland gorillas |
| Salonga National Park | Central Congo Basin | ~36,000 | Bonobos, forest elephants | River expeditions, jungle exploration | Yes | Remote (air/boat) | Deep rainforest |
| Garamba National Park | (Northeast DRC) | ~4,920 | Elephants, giraffes, lions | Game drives, birding | Yes | Remote air access | Savannah safaris |
| Upemba National Park | Southern DRC | ~11,730 | Antelopes, zebras | Game viewing, cultural visits | No | Limited access | Off-grid safaris |
| Kundelungu National Park | Southern DRC | ~7,600 | Buffalo, antelope | Hiking, waterfalls | No | Remote | Scenic landscapes |
| Maiko National Park | Eastern DRC | ~10,885 | Okapi, gorillas | Scientific exploration | No | Very limited | Conservation tourism |
| Lomami National Park | Central DRC | ~8,879 | Bonobos, okapi | Research, eco-tourism | No | Limited | Rare species |
| Mangroves National Park | Western Coast (Atlantic) | ~768 | Marine life, birds | Boat tours, birdwatching | No | Coastal access | Mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, and elephants |
Each park protects unique ecosystems ranging from savannah to swamp forests and volcanic mountains.
Key Insights
1. Largest National Park in DRC
- Salonga National Park is the largest at ~36,000 km²
- It is also Africa’s largest tropical rainforest reserve
2. Best National Parks for Gorilla Trekking
- Virunga National Park for Mountain gorillas
- Kahuzi-Biega National Park for Eastern lowland gorillas
Kahuzi-Biega hosts one of the largest populations of eastern lowland gorillas
3. UNESCO World Heritage Sites in DRC
Top parks with global recognition:
- Virunga
- Kahuzi-Biega
- Salonga
- Garamba
These parks are recognized for exceptional biodiversity and conservation value
4. Most Accessible Parks for Tourism
- Virunga National Park (via Goma)
- Kahuzi-Biega National Park (via Bukavu)
DRC National Parks Map and Geographic Overview
The parks are spread across a vast territory:
- Eastern DRC: Virunga, Kahuzi-Biega, Maiko
- Central Basin: Salonga, Lomami
- Southern DRC: Upemba, Kundelungu
- Northern DRC: Garamba
- Western Coast: Mangroves National Park
Most tourism activity is concentrated in the east near Goma and Bukavu due to accessibility and security management.
Best National Parks in DRC for Safari and Adventure
1. Virunga National Park
Africa’s oldest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Virunga is the most famous in the DRC.
Top Experiences:
- Mountain gorilla trekking
- Hiking Mount Nyiragongo
- Chimpanzee tracking
- Birdwatching
Why it stands out:
Virunga combines primates, volcanoes, and savannah wildlife in one park, something unmatched in Africa.
Getting There:
- Fly to Kigali → cross to Goma
- Transfer to the Virunga tourism office
- Secure permits before entry
From our guest Alex Holland: From experience, gorilla treks in Virunga often start early in the morning, and the terrain can be steep and humid, making moderate fitness essential.
2. Kahuzi-Biega National Park
Located near Lake Kivu, this park is famous for eastern lowland gorillas.
Top Experiences:
- Lowland gorilla trekking
- Forest hikes
- Cultural encounters with local communities
Unique angle:
Unlike mountain gorillas, lowland gorillas live in dense rainforest, offering a completely different trekking experience.
Fees note for Kahuzi-BiegaEstimated Kahuzi-Biega gorilla permit: USD 450. Use a trusted Tour operator to help with the booking
3. Salonga National Park
Africa’s largest tropical rainforest reserve.
Top Experiences:
- River expeditions
- Rare wildlife viewing, such as bonobos
- Deep jungle exploration
Best for:
Serious explorers and researchers are interested in biodiversity.
4. Garamba National Park
A savannah park known for elephants and giraffes.
Highlights:
- Open plains safari
- Birdwatching
- Conservation projects
Virunga National Park in DRC: Complete Travel Insight
Gorilla Trekking in Virunga
Virunga offers one of the most affordable gorilla trekking permits compared to Rwanda and Uganda.
Key facts:
- Trek duration ranges from 1 to 5 hours
- Small groups for conservation
- Guided by trained rangers
Explore our Gorilla Trekking Safaris for detailed itineraries and booking options.
Mount Nyiragongo Hiking Experience
Hiking Mount Nyiragongo is one of Africa’s most thrilling adventures.
- Features the world’s largest lava lake
- Overnight summit stays
- Moderate to challenging hike
Best Time to Visit National Parks in DRC
- Dry seasons: June to September and December to February
- Easier trekking and wildlife viewing
- Rainy seasons offer lush landscapes but tougher logistics
Is It Safe to Visit DRC National Parks?
Safety varies by region.
- Eastern parks like Virunga operate under strict security protocols
- Always travel with licensed operators
- Check current advisories before booking
Safety: Parts of eastern DRC remain high risk. Check official travel advisories before travel. Last checked: March 17, 2026.
How to Get to National Parks in DRC
Main entry routes:
- Via Kigali to Goma for Virunga
- Via Bukavu for Kahuzi-Biega
Airlines and flights:
- Regional flights from East Africa hubs
- Charter flights for remote parks
Cost of Visiting National Parks in DRC
Typical costs include:
- Gorilla permits
- Park entry fees
- Accommodation
- Transport and security
DRC is often cheaper than Rwanda but requires more planning.
Activities in DRC National Parks
Gorilla Trekking Safaris
Available in:
- Virunga
- Kahuzi-Biega
Volcano Hiking and Mountaineering
- Mount Nyiragongo
- Mount Nyamuragira
Related Blog Article: Best Mountains to Hike
Wildlife Safaris
- Elephants in Garamba
- Bonobos in Salonga
- Unique bird species across all parks
Cultural Experiences
Visitors can interact with:
- Local Congolese communities
- Traditional music and dance groups
- Indigenous forest communities
Political Environment and Travel Considerations
The DRC has experienced instability in certain regions, especially in the east. However:
- Tourism zones are monitored and managed
- Security escorts are often provided
- Travel should be booked through experienced operators
Understanding the political environment helps manage expectations and plan safely.
Accommodation Options in DRC National Parks
- Luxury eco lodges in Virunga
- Mid-range lodges near Bukavu
- Basic camps in remote parks
Virunga, in particular, has well-developed accommodation compared to other parks.
Why DRC National Parks Are Underrated?
- Lower tourist numbers
- More authentic experiences
- Untouched ecosystems
- Competitive pricing for gorilla trekking
This makes Congo a high-potential destination for niche safari markets.
FAQ Section
How many national parks are in the DRC?
There are 9 national parks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Which is the best national park in DRC?
Virunga National Park is the most popular due to gorilla and volcano hiking.
Can you see gorillas in DRC?
Yes, in Virunga and Kahuzi-Biega National Park.
Is DRC safe for tourists?
Some areas are safe with guided tours, especially managed parks like Virunga.
What is the largest national park in DRC?
Salonga National Park is the largest.
Do I need a visa to visit DRC?
Yes, most travelers require a visa before arrival.
Final Thoughts
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is not a typical safari destination, and that is exactly its advantage. For travelers willing to go beyond mainstream routes, it offers unmatched biodiversity, fewer crowds, and deeply immersive experiences.
With proper planning, expert guidance, and awareness of the environment, visiting DRC national parks can become one of the most rewarding safari adventures in Africa.
Ready to explore Congo’s wildest national parks?
Book your gorilla trekking, Mount Nyiragongo hike, or custom DRC safari with Agasaro Safaris.
We handle permits, logistics, and expert guides for a seamless experience.
Request your custom itinerary today before permits sell out.