Camping Safaris in DR Congo
Discover DR Congo differently only on camping safaris. The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is by far a land of misty jungles sheltering half of the remaining lowland gorillas on the planet earth, the endangered mountain gorillas, diversity of birds, chimpanzees and a lot more making it one of the Africa’s favorite eco-tourism destinations.
DR Congo prides itself for its magnificent national park, most of which are still virgin thus guaranteeing tourists authentic African wilderness experiences. The country’s pristine parks are the most explored whether on luxury tours or bush camping experience. Nature is one incredible asset attracting majority of tourists on camping safaris. Camping safaris offer a better close interaction for tourists with nature.
Where to go for camping safaris in Congo?
Virunga National Park
The Virunga National Park is a true hidden treasure in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). It is a home to a section of the planet’s 1063 mountain gorillas and also one of the Africa’s largest parks, spreading to cover about 7800sq.kms. This park isn’t only popular for gorilla trekking safaris but also an ideal camping safari destination. It has many places for tourists to camp from and they include;
Nyiragongo Volcano summit shelters; unlike other accommodation facilities in Virunga National Park, Nyiragongo Volcano summit shelters provides specifically camping experiences to visitors on a hike to the scenic Nyiragongo Volcano. It is comprised of 12 summit shelters with each of them consisting of 2 single beds.
Tchegera Island Tented Camp; this tented camp lies along the Northern shore of the scenic Lake Kivu. It is a tranquil camp making it the best place to chill after a breathtaking Nyiragongo Volcano trek. Tchegera Island Tented Camp is a perfect place any camper should consider and an ideal escape away from the noisy Goma Town. While at this camp, you get to enjoy exceptional views of not only Lake Kivu but also 4 Virunga Volcanoes; Nyiragongo and Nyamuragira.
Tchegera Island Tented Camp features 8 best tents with the best amenities to make your camping safari a memorable one. The amenities to enjoy here include the hot or cold water and there is also possibility to spot diverse bird species like gulls, cormorants. Besides camping, you can also engage in other varied activities especially boat rides, kayaking, primate walk, birding.
Bukima Tented Camp is one amazing camp lying just outside the Virunga National Park. It is situated just at the point where visitors are briefed about gorilla trekking rules. This tented camp comprises of 6 tents and while it was originally built for researchers, it is currently an essential accommodation facility for the trekkers on gorilla safari in Virunga National Park.
On the southern part of the camp, visitors enjoy remarkable views of Mt. Mikeno (4437m) and this is what makes camping here such a rewarding experience. Luckily, camping at Bukima Tented Camp presents possibility for you to spot the mountain gorillas as they roam around.
Lulimbi Tented Camp; this is one of the newest camps in Virunga National Park, set just at its centre. It comprises of 10 private canvas tents, 4 consisting of twin beds. It comes with amenities like bar, restaurant, lounge among others.
Kibumba Tented Camp, this is one of the best budget friendly accommodations worth to spend a night on gorilla tour in Virunga. This tented camp can accommodate up-to 36 visitors in its 18 tents. Kibumba Tented Camp lies near the border with Rwanda and just close to the base of Nyiragongo.
Kahuzi Biega National Park
While on camping safaris in Congo, Kahuzi-Biega National Park should be a must-visit for Eastern lowland gorilla trekking. Remarkably, the park runs several camping grounds within the park and with one already at its headquarters. All the camping sites at Kahuzi-Biega are well-equipped with variety of necessary camping gear. While on camping tour at this park, there is possibility to also explore the beautiful Mt Biega and Mt. Kahuzi where this park takes its name as well as the waterfall, Lwiro chimpanzee sanctuary. Tourists can have their night in one of the mobile tents which can easily be transferred to iconic tourist site in DR Congo for you to have a night stay.
Maiko National Park
Maiko National Park is a home to some of the lowland gorillas and camping is preferably the best way to explore it. The park features no accommodation and interested visitors require to carry along with them camping gears. This is to enable them camp within the nearby villages adjacent to the park or at designated camping ground at the park.
Mbanza Ngungu caves
The Mbanza Ngungu caves are also popular as Thysville caves and they are found about 150kms away from Kinshasa. They stretch to cover over 750sq.kms and they are popular for the threatened blind fish. While on tour in DRC, these are some of the magical tourist sites you shouldn’t miss visiting.
What to pack on camping safaris in Congo?
If you are considering visiting DR Congo for camping safaris then you must come along with essential gear. Your camping packing list should comprise of warm jacket, t-shirt, walking shoes/boots, socks, safari trousers, hat, camera, passport, yellow fever certificate, cutleries, tent, mattress and many others.
