Salonga National Park is the largest tropical rainforest reserve in Africa and one of the most remote national parks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). It spans over 36,000 square kilometers and is only accessible by river, making it a truly wild and untouched haven for biodiversity. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Salonga plays a critical role in the conservation of Central Africa’s rainforest ecosystems and endangered species.

Brief History of Salonga National Park

Salonga National Park was established in 1970 to protect the unique biodiversity of the Congo Basin. It was later designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984 for its outstanding ecological value. However, due to threats from poaching, illegal logging, and armed conflict, the park was placed on the List of World Heritage in Danger in 1999.

Since then, international organizations and Congolese authorities have worked together to enhance protection, biodiversity research, and community-based conservation. These efforts have led to significant improvements in monitoring and habitat preservation.

What to Do at Salonga National Park

While Salonga is not yet a mainstream tourist destination due to its remote nature, it offers extraordinary opportunities for scientific research, eco-tourism, and immersive wilderness experiences:

1. Wildlife Viewing (for Researchers and Conservationists)
Salonga is home to a remarkable array of species, including:

The bonobo (pygmy chimpanzee), found only in the DRC

Forest elephants

African slender-snouted crocodiles

Congo peafowl, an endemic bird species

Red colobus and mangabey monkeys

Most wildlife sightings occur during river expeditions and in less-disturbed forest regions.

2. Bird Watching
Salonga is a haven for ornithologists, with more than 300 bird species recorded. The dense forest canopy and riverine habitats support endemic and migratory species alike.

3. River Exploration
The park is crisscrossed by rivers like the Lomela, Luilaka, and Yenge. River journeys by pirogue or canoe are the primary means of navigation and exploration. These provide scenic views of untouched rainforest and encounters with remote wildlife.

4. Ecological Research and Conservation Projects
Salonga is a priority site for conservation work. Organizations such as WWF, ICCN, and UNESCO support field stations focused on bonobo research, forest ecology, and anti-poaching efforts. This makes the park ideal for researchers and conservation volunteers.

How to Get to Salonga National Park

Salonga’s remoteness is part of its mystique—but also its biggest challenge.

From Kinshasa:
Take a flight to Mbandaka or Lodja.

From there, boat transport is the only way to reach the park’s interior, often requiring multi-day river travel along the Lukenie and Luilaka Rivers.

From Kananga:
Flights to Kananga are available from Kinshasa.

Overland routes connect to the park’s southeastern sections, followed by river transport.

Important: All travel to Salonga requires advance planning, local guides, and coordination with the Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature (ICCN). Most visitors are researchers, conservationists, or part of guided scientific expeditions.

Accommodations at Salonga National Park

Due to its remoteness, Salonga has very limited tourist infrastructure. Accommodation is generally in the form of:

Research stations or field camps

Basic guesthouses in nearby towns (e.g., Monkoto)

Tent camping arranged with guides or NGOs operating in the park

Visitors must bring their own supplies or work with specialist eco-tour operators or conservation teams.

Best Time to Visit

The park is accessible year-round, but the dry seasons offer slightly easier river travel and fewer mosquitoes:

June to August

December to February

The wet seasons (March–May and September–November) can cause flooding and slow travel, though they also bring lush vegetation and more active wildlife.

Why Visit Salonga National Park?

To witness one of the world’s largest and least-explored rainforests

To support bonobo conservation and scientific research

To experience pure wilderness with no crowds or commercialization

To explore diverse river systems that shape Congo Basin ecology

To protect a critical part of the planet’s biodiversity

Salonga National Park is not your typical safari destination—it’s an ecological frontier for those seeking a deep connection with nature, conservation, and scientific discovery. Though it requires commitment to reach, the rewards are unmatched for true wilderness enthusiasts, researchers, and advocates of global biodiversity protection.