Best Hiking Trails Around the World in Kibanseke Première, Congo (Kinshasa)
1. Salonga National Park
A vast, untouched rainforest offering unparalleled wildlife sightings. It's one of the last places on Earth where gorillas and forest elephants roam freely.
- Unique Wildlife: Home to 36 primate species, including the world's largest population of bonobos.
- Undisturbed Rainforest: 95% of the park remains undisturbed by human activity.
- Remote Location: Reachable only by boat or foot, making it a true wilderness adventure.
2. Upemba National Park
A diverse ecosystem encompassing savannahs, swamps, and forests, offering a rich array of wildlife and birdlife.
- Wildlife Diversity: Home to African elephants, lions, hippos, and several endemic species.
- Unique Geology: Features the Okapi Wildlife Reserve, home to the rare okapi, a zebra-striped forest giraffe.
- Largest Congo Basin Swamp: Hosts one of Africa's largest swamps, teeming with birdlife and aquatic life.
3. Kahuzi-Biega National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its mountain gorillas and diverse flora. It's one of the few places on Earth where these gentle giants can be seen.
- Gorilla Sanctuary: Home to over half the world's mountain gorillas.
- Endemic Species: Harbors several endemic species, such as the Ruwenzori turaco and the Grauer's swamp warbler.
- Biodiversity Hotspot: One of Africa's most biodiverse regions, with over 300 tree species and numerous animal species.
4. Maiko National Park
A remote park offering an unspoiled wilderness experience with opportunities for chimpanzee tracking.
- Chimpanzee Habitat: Home to several thousand chimps, representing a significant portion of the world's population.
- Endemic Species: Harbors unique species such as the Maiko rock hyrax and the Itombwe forest cobra.
- Untouched Wilderness: Remains largely untouched by human activity, offering a true wilderness experience.
5. Virunga National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the endangered mountain gorillas, as well as diverse wildlife and volcanic landscapes.
- Gorilla Population: Home to over a third of the world's remaining mountain gorillas.
- Active Volcanoes: Includes Nyiragongo, one of the world's most active volcanos.
- Diverse Wildlife: Home to numerous other species, including elephants, hippos, and okapis.
6. Garamba National Park
A park rich in history and wildlife, featuring savannahs, swamps, and forested areas.
- Endangered Species: Home to the last remaining northern white rhinos.
- Historical Significance: Was once the royal hunting ground of the Mwami of Bunyoni, the ruler of the Ngabe tribe.
- Wildlife Diversity: Hosts elephants, lions, and several endemic bird species.
7. Lomami National Park
A remote park in the heart of the Congo Basin, offering opportunities for wildlife sightings and exploring diverse ecosystems.
- Wildlife Diversity: Home to a wide variety of species, including gorillas, chimpanzees, and several endemic species.
- Endangered Species: Home to the Critically Endangered Eastern lowland gorilla.
- Remote Location: Reachable only by foot or small aircraft, making it a true adventure destination.
8. Tumba-Léka National Park
A park featuring savannahs, forests, and swamps, offering opportunities for wildlife sightings and birdwatching.
- Wildlife Diversity: Home to a variety of species, including elephants, lions, and several endemic bird species.
- Endangered Species: Hosts the Critically Endangered Western lowland gorilla.
- Remote Location: Reachable only by foot or small aircraft, making it a true adventure destination.
9. Itombwe Forest Reserve
A remote and pristine forest reserve offering opportunities for chimpanzee tracking and exploring diverse ecosystems.
- Chimpanzee Habitat: Home to several thousand chimps, representing a significant portion of the world's population.
- Endemic Species: Harbors unique species such as the Itombwe forest cobra and the Maiko rock hyrax.
- Untouched Wilderness: Remains largely untouched by human activity, offering a true wilderness experience.
10. Ngiri-Tumba-Ndoki National Park
A park featuring savannahs, forests, and swamps, offering opportunities for wildlife sightings and birdwatching.
- Wildlife Diversity: Home to a variety of species, including elephants, lions, and several endemic bird species.
- Endangered Species: Hosts the Critically Endangered Western lowland gorilla.
- Remote Location: Reachable only by foot or small aircraft, making it a true adventure destination.
11. Nyanga National Park
A park featuring savannahs, forests, and swamps, offering opportunities for wildlife sightings and birdwatching.
- Wildlife Diversity: Home to a variety of species, including elephants, lions, and several endemic bird species.
- Endangered Species: Hosts the Critically Endangered Western lowland gorilla.
- Remote Location: Reachable only by foot or small aircraft, making it a true adventure destination.
12. Maiko-Ngiri National Park
A park featuring savannahs, forests, and swamps, offering opportunities for wildlife sightings and birdwatching.
- Wildlife Diversity: Home to a variety of species, including elephants, lions, and several endemic bird species.
- Endangered Species: Hosts the Critically Endangered Western lowland gorilla.
- Remote Location: Reachable only by foot or small aircraft, making it a true adventure destination.
13. Bouenza National Park
A park featuring savannahs, forests, and swamps, offering opportunities for wildlife sightings and birdwatching.
- Wildlife Diversity: Home to a variety of species, including elephants, lions, and several endemic bird species.
- Endangered Species: Hosts the Critically Endangered Western lowland gorilla.
- Remote Location: Reachable only by foot or small aircraft, making it a true adventure destination.
14. Salonga-Tumba National Park
A park featuring savannahs, forests, and swamps, offering opportunities for wildlife sightings and birdwatching.
- Wildlife Diversity: Home to a variety of species, including elephants, lions, and several endemic bird species.
- Endangered Species: Hosts the Critically Endangered Western lowland gorilla.
- Remote Location: Reachable only by foot or small aircraft, making it a true adventure destination.
15. Réserve de Faune d'Otollo
A remote wildlife reserve offering opportunities for chimpanzee tracking and exploring diverse ecosystems.
- Chimpanzee Habitat: Home to several thousand chimps, representing a significant portion of the world's population.
- Endemic Species: Harbors unique species such as the Otollo rock hyrax and the Itombwe forest cobra.
- Untouched Wilderness: Remains largely untouched by human activity, offering a true wilderness experience.