National Park · Central DR Congo
Salonga National Park
The largest tropical rainforest reserve in Africa, deep in the Congo Basin, and one of the least accessible parks on the continent.
How to get there
Extremely remote, reached mainly by river and light aircraft; not part of typical tourist circuits.
What to find
Bonobo, Congo peafowl and forest elephant in largely unbroken rainforest.
Overview
Salonga National Park is Africa's largest tropical rainforest national park, covering about 36,000 km² in the heart of the Congo Basin. It was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984.
It's the most important protected area for the bonobo, a great ape found only in DR Congo, and is also home to forest elephants, the Congo peafowl and the dwarf crocodile. It's extremely remote, and reachable mainly by river or small aircraft.
Highlights
- Bonobos, humans' closest relatives along with chimpanzees
- Vast, largely unbroken rainforest
- Forest elephants and the Congo peafowl
Things to do
Expedition travel
Only for specialist expeditions organised with the park authorities.
Best time to visit
Rain falls in all seasons. Expeditions are planned case by case.
Getting there
By light aircraft and river from Kinshasa or regional towns. Logistics are complex.
Where to stay
Research and expedition camps only.
See accommodation options in DR Congo →
Good to know
- Salonga is far from the eastern conflict areas, but travel is logistically very demanding and only for specialist trips.
Permit prices, park rules and access can change. We always confirm the latest details when we plan your trip.