BEST SELF-DRIVE ROUTES IN CONGO
What are the best self-drive routes in Congo? Explore the best self-drive routes in Congo for an unforgettable adventure. A self-drive road trip in the Democratic Republic of Congo offers the most memorable experience of a lifetime. Self-driving in Congo is more adventurous and can be more enjoyable when you know better the routes to your destinations. Different routes in Congo usher enthusiastic solo travelers a lifetime chance to visit and explore the myriad of tourist attractions.
DRC is an extensive East-Central African safari destination. A visit to Congo for a tour allows you to explore enriching sites but requires an adequate period to have a full expedition in this magical destination. Here are the top routes that guarantee visitors the best self-drive road trip experiences in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The best self-drive routes in Congo
Kinshasa route
The best road trips in Kinshasa are excellently enjoyed as part of the mesmerizing self-drive tour in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Multiple road trip options are available for visitors to explore in Kinshasa. They include Kimbaseke to Kimwenza; Kingasa naar Kikwit, Western Bde –Bakongo 209, New Mines to Ntc. Other sites to explore in Kinshasa include the National Museum of the D.R. Congo, Our Lady of the Congo cathedral, and overall, Kinshasa is a perfect place to explore and experience authentic Congolese life.
Road trips in Kingasani
You can also explore Kingasani 14.14 miles lying at an elevation of 230 feet. What to explore in Kingasani, enjoy the off-road trails, and hiking trails, and also explore several outdoor activities in this particular part of the DRC.
The best road trips in Ndolo, Kinshasa
Self-drive road trips in Ndolo in the DRC are a great chance to explore 3.44 mile route. Or you can drive on the Ndolo to Kalina. At Ndolo, expect to engage in the rewarding hiking trails.
Explore the Mpasa in Kinshasa
Drive on a 4.04-mile route to Mpasa. It is one of the most populated places/towns. Expect to explore different landmarks and attractions available in the Mpasa area. Mpasa is found near Mikondo just close to Kinshasa city. The nearby attractions include Notre Dame du Jardin, kn Emeraude Centre Hospitalier and more.
Goma road trips
Visitors can also embark on a road trip from Goma on a bumpy road also known by locals as ‘Congo Massage.’ A 4×4 self-drive safari vehicle is suitable for such routes, and if you aren’t familiar, embark on the road trip with an experienced guide.
Kigali to Kahuzi-Biega National Park
Visitors can also spend about 6-7 hours driving from the heart of Kigali to Kahuzi-Biega National Park for you to explore more about the eastern lowland gorillas in the wild. You can connect to Kahuzi-Biega National Park via Rusizi 1 or Bukavu. A rental 4×4 vehicle is best-suitable for all road trips from Kigali to Kahuzi-Biega National Park.
While at Kahuzi-Biega National Park, you have plenty of things to explore. Top things to expect to enjoy include active gorilla trekking to see the Eastern lowland gorillas in the wild. Eastern lowland gorilla trekking is a premier adventure that allows you to explore more about how eastern lowland gorillas behave and take their pictures for lasting memories.
Birding in Kahuzi Biega National Park is a great opportunity to explore the park’s 342 bird species. Top bird species to expect to explore in Kahuzi-Biega National Park include Shelley’s Crimsonwing, Congo peafowl, African green broadbill, yellow chested helmet, Rwenzori turacos, Rockefeller’s sunbird, Handsome francolins, African black swift, red-eyed doves, and long-crested eagles, etc.
At Kahuzi-Biega, there is also a chance to explore Mount Biega and Kahuzi. These are the two extinct volcanoes from which Kahuzi-Biega National Park derives its name. Mt. Kahuzi is 3308m and Biega stands at an elevation range of 2790m.
Kigali to the Virunga National Park
It is also possible to cross from Kigali to the Virunga National Park in Congo. The park is lying in the Eastern end of the DRC and is one of the oldest parks, established in 1925. The Virunga National Park expands up to 7800 sq. km and is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The vast Virunga National Park prides itself of a myriad of wildlife species. These include chimpanzees, mountain gorillas, leopards, duikers, topis, Okapis, elephants, and other attractions. The park is also home to the scenic Mt. Nyiragongo, Mikeno, and Nyamuragira Volcanoes.
More than 706 bird species also survive in the Virunga National Park. These include regal sunbirds, Diederik cuckoos, handsome spurfowl, Rwenzori batis, Shelley’s crimson wing, African goshawk, Klaas’s cuckoos, cinnamon bracken warblers, grey-crowned cranes, black-faced rufous, blue-headed sunbird, red-throated alethe, Kivu ground thrush, and hadada ibis.
Top activities to enjoy in the Virunga National Park include gorilla trekking, Nyiragongo hike, bird watching, visit to the Senkwekwe, and others.
Other places to expect to explore on the Congo tour include Lake Kivu, Okapi Wildlife Reserve, Lola ya Bonobos Sanctuary, Salonga National Park, and Garamba National Park, etc. These and more are among the untapped destinations worth exploring on the Congo safari tour.
Best to go self-drive in Congo
The best time to visit Congo for a vacation or self-drive is during the peak dry months. The dry months in the DRC are marked by May, June, July, August to September. The beauty about embarking on a self-drive road trip in Congo around the dry months is that the routes and forest trails can be drier and smoother to navigate through. The short dry months begin from January to February.
What to pack for the Congo self-drive road trip
Essential packing list to consider for your Congo self-drive tour. They include a first aid kit, a headlamp, a pair of binoculars, hiking boots, a camera, gardening gloves, a daypack, insect repellents, waterproof hiking boots, toiletries, extra batteries, and anti-malarial medicine.
