Things to see and do Lakes And Volcanoes

Lake Edouard is shared by the DRC and Uganda. Located at an altitude of 916 meters, the lake has a total surface area of 224,083 hectares, of which 166,872 (74%) is Congolese territory. Lake Edouard is shallow and very rich in fish, and fishing is authorized for the riparian population at three locations on the Congolese shores. 20 years ago, this was the site of the world's largest hippopotamus population, of which several individuals remain today. The meeting point between the Semliki River and northern Lake Edouard in the Ishango area also represents an interesting option in terms of tourism, thanks to the presence of numerous savannah animals (elephants, hippos, crocodiles, birds...) and the magnificent view of the volcanoes and Ruwenzori. There are also opportunities for hiking along the river and lake, and discovering the archaeological site of Ishango, where the famous sticks of the same name were found. Ishango is little used or visited at present, but the site is accessible on request (for more information, contact the park's office in Beni). From Mutsora station (northern zone) to Ishango, 78 kilometers. Eventually, this area should become part of the "plains circuit" (under development), with a crossing over the lake to link the Rwindi plains (Lulimbi) to Ishango. This would enable "safari"-type tourism for the large savannah mammals that live there.

This lake is the largest of the large lakes with an area of 35 000 km 2. It is also the second largest lake (1 435 m) after Lake Baikal. The lake is fed by the waters of Lake Kivu via the Ruzizi River, and its liquid masses flow to Lualaba by the Modern River. It is less spectacular than Lake Kivu, but it is a lot of fish and is found in the Nile pole or Captain, called on sangala.

Among other tourist sites, one can cite in particular: The rapids of Watalinga to Beni, trained by the river Semliki with its falls covered in vegetation, the landscapes around Blessed on planted hills, the Ruwenzori and its ascent, the monastery of Naolum in Lubero, the Kabasha Escarpment near Lake Edouard, the lava fields in the region of volcanoes, Ishango on Lake Edouard, the island of Kivu on Lake Kivu, its snakes, Kyavinyonge along the river Semlinki on Lake Edouard and renowned for its large gatherings of birds such as pelicans, marabouts and flamingos, etc.

Lake Kivu and its torrentueux outlet, the Ruzizi River, form one of the pearls of black Africa. With an altitude of 1 460 m, Lake Kivu is the highest in Central Africa and is cut in a wonderful setting in the middle of the Graben. The area is approximately 2 700 km 2. To the north, the shores of the lake are formed by lava blocks that go up to the volcanoes that dominate the entire region. The west bank, wild in its northern part, is dominated by the mountain chain where the Graben is located and ranges from 1 900 m to 2 500 m with the peak of the Biega at 3 300 m.

The southern part consists of many islands and headlands, particularly in the Bay of Bukavu. The eastern shore consists of the mountains of Rwanda.

Unlike other large lakes, Lake Kivu has little fish. However, in the 1950 s, we introduced the tilapia that today flourished there.

The national park is one of the first protected areas in Africa and has, in an exceptional environment, many species of plants and animals. The park covers an area of 790 000 ha.

In the plain, it is the woody savannah where alternating bushes and tufts of euphorbia alternating. There is a variety of wildlife: elephants, buffalo, antelopes, lions, leopards, hyenas…

Around Lake Edouard, in aquatic vegetation, there are hippos, crocodiles, pelicans colonies, cormorants, serpentaires, Nile geese, Ibis… On summits, in the bamboo forest, you can discover the gorillas.

With the border war with Rwanda and the influx of refugees, the park area has escaped from regular control and is subject to significant pressure both in poaching and in its deforestation to provide firewood.

The park has been inscribed as a world heritage at risk by UNESCO since 1994.

Beautiful leisure framework to admire the rapids of the river, and the impressive ancestral technique unique to the world of fishing Name. Possibility to dine with fish of course caught and prepared locally.

This reserve, led and founded by the Swiss Rosmarie Ruf, has existed since 1987. More than 100 armed guards, formed by the reserve, of the Congolese Institute for Nature Protection (ICCN), monitor Okapi.

A World Heritage site since 1980, Kahuzi-Biega National Park is located west of Bukavu. It covers the provinces of Sud-Kivu, Nord-Kivu and Maniema. This 6,000 km² park boasts a remarkable biodiversity of flora and fauna, fostered by a variety of ecosystems spread over different altitudes. Primary tropical and swamp forests with abundant bamboo reserves follow one another up to the two extinct volcanoes that give the park its name: Mont Kahuzi (3308 m) and Mont Biega (2790 m). With its exceptional biological diversity, the PNKB is one of five World Heritage sites in the DRC. In total, the park is home to 136 mammal species; 335 bird species; 69 reptile species; 44 amphibian species and several hundred plant species, 145 of which are endemic to the Albertine Rift.

Watch lowland gorillas. Kahuzi-Biega Park is best known worldwide for the Grauer's gorilla(Gorilla beringei graueri), also known as the lowland gorilla (which distinguishes it from the mountain gorilla found in Virunga Park). It is the largest of all primate species and is found only in the east of the DRC, mainly in the PNKB. Its survival was greatly threatened during the war in Kivu. A visit to these remarkable hosts begins with a 1-2 hour walk through the forest with experienced guides who will take you to the location of one of the families accustomed to human presence. You can observe them feeding, playing, resting... It's a very impressive and magical moment. As well as allowing you to visit the park and contemplate its exceptional vegetation, the approach walk to the gorillas is also a must.

A 21-kilometrecircuit of footpaths starting from the Tshivanga station, allowing you to discover the park's unique ecosystem. A further 18 km 4x4 circuit takes you to the Mbayu-Mugaba bird-watching site.

Ascent of the Mount Kahuzi volcano (3,308 m), which takes 7 hours round trip from the Tshivanga station, where accommodation is available.

Another social component concerns the pygmy populations living around the park, and aims to improve their living conditions and involve them in the park's conservation project. The overall aim is to increase tourism and the visibility of the site. This will also involve the construction of a reception infrastructure (in progress), the previous lodges having been destroyed during the war... The area includes straw huts for welcoming visitors and for catering, with a view over the lake. It will also be possible to camp at the foot of the volcanoes.

Practicalities. The PNKB is easily accessible from Bukavu via a good road (allow 40 minutes). By cab: $150. Motorcycle: $10. Fuel and road tolls included. Or ask us to organize the trip for you via ICCN or travel agencies (same price range).

The park entrance is at Tshivanga, on the east coast. Follow the road from Kavumu airport, turn left at Miti and continue straight on to the Tshivanga visitor center.

You need to organize your visit in advance. You can either contact ICCN, travel agencies or hotels in town, which can also take you there.

(s) Masisi is a locality and territory in North Kivu province. Above all, it is a beautiful and fertile alpine region known as the "Petite Suisse", which is illuminated by its relief and green hills where animals graze in peace. The Masisi was already very popular and appreciated by Belgian time, also for its mild climate. We feel like being in the middle of the Alps, while the Congolese equatorial forest is not far away… Landscapes and magnificent views that carry miles to the round. This is also where the famous and delicious Goma cheese is produced. Tourism activities tend to develop there: Horse riding, visit of the cheese production, guest houses… Ideal for a green setting and to immerse itself with the beauty of the landscapes of Kivu.

Superb road on 50 kilometers along mountainous escarpments, which alternates the points of view on the hills and the ravines on the sides. In the past, vehicles could not pass each other, so the tom-tom was used to announce the arrival of a vehicle. The last 25 kilometers follow the course of the Rusisi River. The road is passable but not uniformly, the beauty of the landscape compensates. At the junction of Bungarama, a stop is necessary at the small market to taste tasty oranges and mandarins. It is possible to go there by cab or minibus.

Although officially located in Ituri Province, the Mont Hoyo Integral Reserve (6,000 ha) used to be accessed from the border town of Beni by taking the road to Kisangani (113 km) and then a short 13 km stretch of road heading east through the forest. The site has not been accessible to the public since it was closed. The Institut Congolais de la Conservation de la Nature (ICCN) is working to rehabilitate the site, following the destruction of the visitor infrastructure, and to improve the access track. The Mont Hoyo site should therefore be operational and open to visitors again, but when? It's a small rocky massif made up of different variants of sandstone, dolomite and schist, with a large number of caves, which the Walese natives refer to as "homa". Hence the name Mount Homa. The first caves were discovered and studied in 1943 by the geological engineer Ruscart. To date, 26 main caves have been uncovered, but a number remain unexplored. This is a major site with the potential to become a major tourist attraction. As is the nearby forest, home to some remarkable specimen trees and numerous deep-set streams whose courses are interspersed with impressive waterfalls (the famous Escalier de Venus) and underground passages. The star animal species is the okapi, whose survival in this ecosystem is under threat.

This small crescent-shaped island, located in the turquoise waters of Lake Kivu, is part of the Virunga Park. It has strong tourist attractions. On a clear day, the island offers a spectacular view of the Nyiragongo and Nyamuragira volcanoes. A few tents with private sanitary facilities have been installed while waiting for the construction of a future lodge. Only 15 minutes by motorized pirogue from Goma, or via Hotel Ihusi. Ideal for hiking or kayaking, and for observing the many migratory birds that call this place home.

Located about 100 kilometers southwest of Butembo and 250 kilometers northwest of Goma, the Tayna Gorilla Reserve, which covers just over 90,000 hectares, aims to protect lowland gorillas as well as the local populations of these regions. It is located between the Maiko Park, the Virunga Park and the Kahuzi-Biega Park. It is part of a project to create a vast biodiversity corridor linking these different protected areas.

The okapi, this strange ruminant mammal of the giraffe species is endemic to the DR Congo and the Ituri equatorial forest where it lives and where it was discovered in 1901. If the okapi was only discovered late, it is mainly because it is an extremely discreet and solitary animal. Today, the number of okapi living in the wild in this specific biotope of northeastern Congo is estimated at 5,000 to 6,000 individuals. The Okapi Wildlife Reserve (OWR) was created in 1992 to conserve this endangered species and to prevent the destruction of its habitat in the Ituri primary forest.

The RFO covers an area of 13,700 km² and was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996. It is a reserve and not a natural park, since populations (notably pygmies) live in this territory. The okapi has become the ambassador of conservation in Congo, the animal symbol of the country and its natural wealth in danger.

Discovery tour of the Mbuti Pygmies' way of life: traditional night hunting (with bivouac in the forest), camp visit, forest walk, honey harvesting..

The Epulu station is located halfway along the National Road 4 between Bunia/Beni and Kisangani. It is relatively easy to reach by road from either city. It is a 4-6 hour drive by car or bus. ICCN can also arrange transportation upon request.

Reservations are essential for purchasing permits. Either directly with the office, or through a travel agency. The agency can also provide transport to the various sites and organize a visit from Goma to Mont Ruwenzori, accessible from the town of Beni.

Located along the Rwandan and Ugandan borders, the Virunga National Park (PNVi) is Africa's oldest park (originally the Albert National Park, created in 1925). It covers an area of 785,000 hectares and is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (in danger). It boasts an incredible variety of landscapes: active and extinct volcanoes; the Semliki rainforest; mountain forests; the glaciers and snow of Ruwenzori (the country's highest point and third highest on the continent); the grassy savannahs of Rwindi; and a multitude of swamps, lakes and rivers, including Lake Edward on the border with Uganda.

Its biodiversity is the richest on the African continent. It is home to numerous animal species, most of them endemic and threatened with extinction: over 700 species of birds and almost 220 species of mammals. Among the emblematic species spread across the park's various biotopes are: okapi, lion, buffalo, elephant, hippopotamus, antelope, warthog, serval... And of course the famous primates, of which the park is home to 22 species, including three varieties of great ape - unique among all the world's protected areas: the mountain gorilla, a few specimens of the lowland gorilla (the majority of which are found in the neighbouring Kahuzi-Biega park in South Kivu) and the chimpanzee.

But the Virunga Park has paid a heavy price for the war that took place inside the park in the 2000s, resulting in the severe destruction of the natural environment, systematic poaching and the death of many rangers. Even today, the Virunga region continues to be affected by armed conflict and political instability. This forces the authorities at times to partially or completely close the park and suspend tourist activities.

It is therefore essential to follow travel advisories issued by the relevant authorities, consult the latest information on the security situation and contact local travel agencies or tourism operators for up-to-date information before planning a visit.