Top Wildlife Safaris & National Parks in Mbuji-Mayi, Congo (Kinshasa)
1. Salonga National Park
The largest tropical rainforest reserve in the world, offering a unique opportunity to spot endangered species like the forest elephant and bonobo.
- Biodiversity Hotspot: Home to more than half of Congo's known mammal species
- Remote & Intact: Remains one of the least disturbed rainforests on Earth
- Primatologist's Paradise: Boasts the largest known bonobo population in the world
2. Okapi Wildlife Reserve
A unique ecosystem where you can find the elusive okapi, a forest giraffe found nowhere else on Earth.
- Endemic Fauna: The only place in the world to see the okapi in the wild
- River-rich Landscape: Covered by dense rainforest, with the Ituri River flowing through it
- Wildlife Diversity: In addition to okapi, offers sightings of elephants, hippos, and numerous primates
3. Tumba-Lokolo Faunal Reserve
A small but important reserve protecting the last significant population of eastern lowland gorillas in eastern Congo.
- Gorilla Sanctuary: One of the few places left to see the critically endangered eastern lowland gorilla
- Remote and Undisturbed: Relatively untouched by human activities, allowing gorillas to thrive
- Birdwatching Paradise: Habitat for a variety of bird species including the Congo peafowl and the great blue turaco
4. Upemba National Park
A vast wetland park offering opportunities to see hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of waterbirds.
- Wetland Wonders: One of the largest wetlands in Africa, home to a diverse array of wildlife
- Birding Paradise: Home to numerous waterbirds such as the shoebill stork and the African skimmer
- Migratory Corridor: Serves as an important corridor for migrating wildlife, especially during the dry season
5. Kundelungu National Park
A remote park known for its large population of elephants and a variety of primates.
- Elephant Haven: One of the last strongholds for Congo's forest elephants
- Remote and Wild: Relatively undisturbed, offering a wilderness experience
- Primate Diversity: Home to several primate species including bonobos and chimpanzees
6. Lomami National Park
A newly created park that protects one of the most biodiverse regions in Congo.
- Biodiversity Goldmine: Home to a variety of endemic species, including the okapi and Congo peafowl
- Remote and Untouched: Remains one of Africa's last great wilderness areas
- Scientific Importance: Provides valuable data for scientists studying the region's unique ecosystem
7. Maiko National Park
A park that offers opportunities to see a variety of primates, including bonobos and chimpanzees.
- Primate Paradise: One of the few places left on Earth to see both bonobos and chimpanzees
- Remote and Wild: Relatively untouched, offering a wilderness experience
- Ecological Importance: Protects one of the largest areas of undisturbed tropical rainforest in Africa
8. Ruki-Marukula National Park
A remote and undisturbed park offering opportunities to see a variety of wildlife, including elephants and primates.
- Wilderness Experience: Offers a unique wilderness experience in a relatively untouched environment
- Elephant Haven: One of the last strongholds for Congo's forest elephants
- Primate Diversity: Home to several primate species including bonobos and chimpanzees
9. Mai Ndombe National Park
A park that protects a vast wetland area, offering opportunities to see a variety of waterbirds and hippos.
- Wetland Wonders: One of the largest wetlands in Africa, home to a diverse array of wildlife
- Birding Paradise: Home to numerous waterbirds such as the shoebill stork and the African skimmer
- Hippo Haven: Offers opportunities to see large populations of hippos
10. Kasai National Park
A park that offers opportunities to see a variety of wildlife, including elephants and primates.
- Wilderness Experience: Offers a unique wilderness experience in a relatively untouched environment
- Elephant Haven: One of the last strongholds for Congo's forest elephants
- Primate Diversity: Home to several primate species including bonobos and chimpanzees
11. Tsanga National Park
A park that protects a large area of rainforest, offering opportunities to see a variety of wildlife.
- Rainforest Sanctuary: Protects one of the largest areas of undisturbed tropical rainforest in Africa
- Wildlife Diversity: Home to a variety of wildlife including elephants, primates, and numerous bird species
- Scientific Importance: Provides valuable data for scientists studying the region's unique ecosystem
12. Lomami-Tshangalele National Park
A newly created park that protects one of the most biodiverse regions in Congo.
- Biodiversity Goldmine: Home to a variety of endemic species, including the okapi and Congo peafowl
- Remote and Untouched: Remains one of Africa's last great wilderness areas
- Scientific Importance: Provides valuable data for scientists studying the region's unique ecosystem
13. Itombwe Forest Reserve
A forest reserve that protects a mountainous region with diverse wildlife and plants.
- Mountain Magic: Offers a unique opportunity to explore the rugged mountains of eastern Congo
- Biodiversity Hotspot: Home to a variety of endemic species, including the Itombwe giant rat and numerous bird species
- Community-based Tourism: Supports local communities through ecotourism initiatives
14. Sankuru National Park
A park that offers opportunities to see a variety of wildlife, including elephants and primates.
- Wilderness Experience: Offers a unique wilderness experience in a relatively untouched environment
- Elephant Haven: One of the last strongholds for Congo's forest elephants
- Primate Diversity: Home to several primate species including bonobos and chimpanzees
15. Haut-Lomami National Park
A park that protects a vast area of rainforest, offering opportunities to see a variety of wildlife.
- Rainforest Sanctuary: Protects one of the largest areas of undisturbed tropical rainforest in Africa
- Wildlife Diversity: Home to a variety of wildlife including elephants, primates, and numerous bird species
- Scientific Importance: Provides valuable data for scientists studying the region's unique ecosystem