Which landscapes are part of nature in the Democratic Republic of the Congo?

They include, among others, the Congo Basin with rainforest, swamp and riverine forests, the peatlands of the Cuvette Centrale, the mountains of the Albertine Rift, the Virunga volcanic area, and savanna and Miombo landscapes. These areas differ substantially in species, use, access and hazards.

How is nature in protected areas in the Democratic Republic of the Congo managed?

Many protected areas are managed by ICCN, sometimes jointly with partners or local communities. Depending on the applicable arrangements, responsibilities lie with the state and the provinces; implementation and access often remain uneven because of insecurity, weak infrastructure and limited funding.

What rules apply to the use of forests, wildlife and other natural resources in the Democratic Republic of the Congo?

Subsistence hunting, fishing, gathering and other forest uses may be permitted under local rules, but they are not uniform nationwide. Protected animals and plants generally may not be intentionally captured, killed, traded or transported; exceptions are possible only under special legal conditions.

What requirements and risks apply to nature tourism in the Democratic Republic of the Congo?

Gorilla viewing, safaris, volcano and mountain tours, and forest and wetland excursions take place only in selected areas under park-, permit-, provider- and security-dependent rules. Prices and opening hours do not follow a uniform national tariff; in the Virunga area, gorilla tours and climbs of Nyiragongo were closed until further notice according to the available research.

Nature in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Nature in the Democratic Republic of the Congo includes tropical rainforests, wetlands, rivers, savannas, volcanic areas and exceptionally diverse wildlife. Protected areas, local resource use, nature tourism and the protection of endangered species are closely interconnected. Access, costs and security conditions vary considerably by area.

Tip

Plan any use of nature in the Democratic Republic of the Congo for a specific area and a specific purpose. For visits, check current accessibility, permits, providers and security conditions; for resource use, check local rules, responsibilities and the protection of protected species. Do not rely on uniform nationwide prices or on a general authorization for individual parks or landscapes.

byClarisse&Joel

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world. Its natural landscapes include the dense lowland rainforest of the Congo Basin, swamp and riverine forests, the central Congo Basin, the tropical peatlands of the Cuvette Centrale, the montane and bamboo-rich landscapes of the Albertine Rift, the Virunga volcanic area, and savanna and Miombo mosaics in the south and east. The forests and wetlands store carbon, regulate water, provide food, fish and other natural products, and have cultural significance for many communities. The peatlands of the Cuvette Centrale are estimated to store around 30 gigatonnes of carbon. According to the FRA-2025 data, the forest area covers 139,189.05 thousand hectares; the classification used there identifies it entirely as tropical forest.