I’ve just returned from a two week solo travel adventure, and am excited to share the 11 best things to do in Congo in 2021!
Before I begin, I just want to specify that this is for the Democratic Republic of Congo (there is also the “Republic of Congo”). And that these recommendations are all in areas considered safe for tourists.
If you’re concerned or wondering if D.R. Congo is safe for tourists, please check out my post, “Is D.R. Congo Safe?”
Also be sue to check out my “Ultimate Honest D.R. Congo Travel Guide”!
Top Best Things to do in Congo: Go Gorilla Trekking
For me, and most visitors, gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park is at the top of the best things to do in D.R. Congo! It was actually one of the most incredible experiences in my life, and I can’t wait to do it again in 2022 with my group trips!
The permit for gorilla trekking in D.R. Congo costs $400 on its own, but you also need to pay for a guide, the lodge, transport, etc. You can book all of that with my friend Obed of Kumbukumbu Tours, or join one of my trips!
Essentially the trip consists of a ride in a safari vehicle on bumpy roads through beautiful villages for 1.5 hours first. You have armed guards, but please don’t be alarmed, as this is protocol. Then you’ll climb a lot of stairs up to the gorgeous lodge! The actual gorilla trekking usually takes 1 hour (moderate difficulty) there and back, and you get 1 hour maximum to see them.
See my full blog post about gorilla trekking in D.R. Congo here!
Visit Local Villages in Virunga
After you’ve finished gorilla trekking, you will have the rest of the day free at the lodge. You’ll want to shower and relax for a bit, but later you should explore the local villages outside of the National Park’s fence!
There’s tons of beautiful farms and nature, plus the inevitable crowds of cute little kids that will come to say hi. You can give a monetary donation to them through the advice of your guide. I also gave some of my clothes to some women, in case you have some you’d like to donate!
This area is where people do not have clean drinking water. I am working on fundraising for water filters that will be brought with my group trips in 2022. If you’d like to donate to those, please send an email to info @ mylifesamovie.com .
Best Things to do in Congo Besides Gorillas: Stay on Tchegera Island
Tchegera Island in D.R. Congo is the perfect place to relax after gorilla trekking! It’s a beautiful island (technically a caldera) formed from the rim of an extinct volcano that is sunken in Lake Kivu.
To get to Tchegera Island, you also drive through beautiful farmlands and villages, then you board a small boat for a 15 minute ride. Tchegera Island is part of Virunga National Park, and it is very well taken care of, and safe.
You will stay in chic glamping tents, all along the lake, and have the option to hike, kayak, paddleboard, or just relax!
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