Things to Do in Congo

Things to Do in Congo: The Congo region spans two remarkable countries — the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of the Congo — and together they form one of the most thrilling travel destinations on the African continent. Few places on Earth offer what the Congo delivers: ancient rainforests that stretch beyond the horizon, wildlife that exists nowhere else in the world, and cities that pulse with music, color, and life. At Safari Vacations and Travel Services, we take travelers deep into this extraordinary region and bring them back changed. Here is everything you need to know about what to see and do when you visit the Congo.

Top Wildlife and Nature Expeditions

The Congo is one of the last places on Earth where you can stand face to face with a wild gorilla.

That single fact draws adventurers from every corner of the world, and it is the experience that defines a Congo safari. In the DRC, Virunga National Park gives you access to mountain gorillas — powerful, gentle giants who move through the forest with quiet authority. Kahuzi-Biega National Park takes you to the Eastern Lowland gorilla, a subspecies found only in this corner of the world. Cross into the Republic of the Congo, and Odzala-Kokoua and Nouabalé-Ndoki National Parks let you track Western Lowland gorillas through some of Africa’s densest jungle. Our expert guides accompany you on every trek, reading the forest and leading you safely to these incredible animals. Gorilla trekking is not just a highlight of a Congo trip — it is a life-changing encounter.

For those who want something even more dramatic, Mount Nyiragongo awaits.

This active volcano in eastern DRC holds the world’s largest persistent lava lake at its summit, and hiking to the top ranks among the most intense natural experiences available to travelers anywhere. You begin the climb through thick forest and push steadily upward until the landscape turns raw and volcanic. When you reach the crater’s rim and look down into that churning red lake of molten rock, the sight is unlike anything else on the planet. We organize this expedition with full safety support and overnight crater-rim accommodation so that you watch the lava glow after dark.

Just outside Kinshasa, the Lola ya Bonobo Sanctuary offers a completely different kind of wildlife encounter.

This is the only sanctuary in the world dedicated entirely to orphaned bonobos — our closest living relatives among all primates. You walk among rescued bonobos as they climb, play, and interact in a large forest enclosure. The sanctuary also runs a serious conservation program, and a visit here supports that important work directly. It is a warm, moving experience that pairs perfectly with the wilder expeditions further afield.

The Congo River itself is a destination.

This is the world’s deepest river, and traveling along it by traditional pirogue or motorboat puts you at the center of Congolese life. You drift past fishing villages, watch locals cast their nets in the early morning light, and move through dense jungle that lines both banks. The river connects communities across the region, and traveling it gives you a sense of the Congo’s true scale and character. We offer river cruise options ranging from short day excursions to longer multi-day journeys.

The Congo also rewards waterfall seekers.

In the DRC, Zongo Falls draws visitors with its powerful cascades and surrounding trails perfect for hiking and quiet relaxation. In the Republic of the Congo, the Loufoulakari Falls offer panoramic views of the dramatic point where two rivers converge. Both sites sit within lush green settings that make them ideal spots to slow down and absorb the natural beauty around you.

Urban and Cultural Experiences

Kinshasa is one of Africa’s most electrifying cities, and it demands your attention.

The capital of the DRC moves fast, sounds loud, and dresses boldly. Kinshasa gave the world Congolese rumba, and the music scene here remains one of the most vibrant on the continent. Start your urban exploration at the National Museum of the DRC, where a rich collection of historical artifacts tells the full story of the country’s past. Then head to Marché Central and let the energy of one of Africa’s great markets wash over you — the colors, the sounds, the smells, and the people all combine into a sensory experience you will not forget. We guide our guests through Kinshasa safely and knowledgeably so that you see the real city, not just the surface.

Across the river, Brazzaville moves at a gentler pace.

The capital of the Republic of the Congo carries a distinctly different energy — more relaxed, more contemplative. Tour the beautiful Basilique St. Anne, one of Central Africa’s most striking pieces of colonial-era architecture. Then spend time in the Poto-Poto district, a neighborhood famous for its art scene where local painters produce vivid, expressive work that captures Congolese life with honesty and joy. Brazzaville and Kinshasa face each other across the Congo River and form one of the world’s only pairs of neighboring capital cities — visiting both in a single trip gives you a fascinating comparison.

Further into the DRC, Lubumbashi and Goma each offer their own rewards.

Lubumbashi, in the south, takes you through a city shaped by mining history, colonial architecture, and the Lubumbashi National Museum. Goma, near the Rwandan border, sits on the shores of beautiful Lake Kivu, where you can relax, explore local villages, and connect with everyday Congolese life in a setting framed by volcanoes and water.

Quick Travel Tips from Our Team

The best time to visit for gorilla trekking and hiking runs from June through early September, when the long dry season keeps trails firm and forest conditions comfortable. Always check current travel advisories before visiting eastern DRC, as some areas require additional care and planning. Book all expeditions through trusted operators — we handle all logistics so that your safety and experience stay firmly in expert hands. And when you shop, look for ebony carvings, hand-woven baskets, and local paintings in city markets. These make meaningful souvenirs that directly support Congolese artists and craftspeople.

The Congo calls to travelers who want something real. Let Safari Vacations and Travel Services take you there.