Best Time to Visit Congo – The Democratic Republic of Congo, formerly known as Zaire, is located in Central Africa.
The name “Zaire” was introduced by Gen. Mobutu Sese Seko, who changed it from the Republic of Congo after independence from Belgium in 1960. He believed that an African name would be more fitting, with “Zaire” meaning “great river.”
The name “Congo” was originally derived from the Kingdom of Kongo by early colonialists. After Gen. Mobutu was overthrown, the country’s original name was reinstated in 1997.
Congo is one of Africa’s richest countries in terms of resources, boasting high deposits of copper, diamonds, cobalt, gold, and more.
Best Time to Visit Congo
Due to its position along the equator, Congo experiences an equatorial and humid climate. The eastern plateau areas experience a montane climate, while the coastal areas have an Atlantic climate influenced by the Benguela Current and low elevation.
As the second-largest country in Africa, Congo is divided into four major climatic regions: the tropical climate zone, Atlantic climate zone, equatorial or sub-equatorial climate zone, and the montane climate zone.
Congo is an all-year tourist destination, depending on your preferred activities.
However, some months are better suited for certain activities, so let’s explore the best times to visit Congo according to seasons and activities. Most parts of the country experience two dry seasons and two wet seasons.
- January to February: January to February is the short dry season in Congo. This is an ideal time to visit, particularly the northern part of the country, as roads are in good condition. It’s also an excellent time for photography safaris, with lush green vegetation sprouting after the short rains.
- March to Early June: The wet season starts from March to early June. This period is generally not recommended for travel, as the roads to many tourist destinations become difficult to navigate, and there’s a high risk of getting stuck. Tourism activities are often disrupted by rain, which can fall all day or interrupt activities unexpectedly. Trekking trails are muddy and slippery, making rainforest hikes challenging.
- End of June to August: This is the long dry season, especially in the southern section, and is considered the best time to visit Congo. If you’re interested in mountain gorilla trekking or mountain climbing, this season is ideal. The dry weather also makes it easier to spot wildlife and navigate hiking trails, as vegetation is less dense, and the trails are clear and dry.
- September to December: During this period, the northern part of the country experiences a decline in rainfall, but the southern part becomes very wet. Roads are challenging to travel, and the thick vegetation makes wildlife spotting more difficult. While wildlife viewing is best in the dry season, birding is ideal in both wet and dry seasons, particularly from November to April, when migratory birds from North Africa and parts of Europe are present in the parks.
One of the best birding destinations is Virunga National Park. The low rainy season offers budget travelers an advantage, as mountain gorilla trekking permits are more affordable than in the dry season. Many accommodations also offer off-season rates to attract visitors.
During this time, gorilla families are easier to find, as they tend to forage on lower slopes where food is more abundant.
Best Tourist Activities in Congo
The above seasons can help in planning your trip to the Democratic Republic of Congo. There are numerous activities to enjoy, including:
- Mountain Gorilla Trekking: Mountain gorillas are endemic to only three countries: Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Congo is the most affordable destination for mountain gorilla trekking, offering the lowest permit prices compared to Uganda and Rwanda.
- Mountain Climbing: Congo is home to two of Africa’s most active volcanoes: Mount Nyiragongo and Mount Nyamuragira. These mountains are part of the Virunga Mountains, which span Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. They are habitats for endangered mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, and various bird species. The sight of Mount Nyiragongo and Mount Nyamuragira is breathtaking and unforgettable, offering views that are best experienced in person.
