Maiko National Park is one of the most remote and biologically rich protected areas in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Located in the eastern region of the country, it covers an area of approximately 10,885 square kilometers across the provinces of Tshopo, Maniema, and North Kivu. Maiko is renowned for its dense tropical rainforests and its population of endemic and endangered wildlife, including three of Africa’s rarest species: the Eastern lowland gorilla (Grauer’s gorilla), the okapi, and the Congo peafowl.

Brief History of Maiko National Park

Established in 1970, Maiko National Park was created to protect the unique biodiversity of the Congo Basin rainforest. Despite its legal status, the park has faced decades of challenges, including:

Civil conflict and armed groups operating within the region

Illegal mining and poaching

Limited infrastructure and conservation capacity

Despite these setbacks, ongoing efforts by the Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature (ICCN) and partners like Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and Fauna & Flora International are reviving hope for long-term conservation.

What to Do at Maiko National Park

Due to its inaccessibility and security challenges, Maiko is not yet developed for mainstream tourism. However, it holds great promise for conservation tourism, scientific research, and adventurous exploration.

1. Primate Tracking
Maiko is one of the last refuges of the Eastern lowland gorilla. While tracking is not yet organized for tourists, researchers and conservationists may get rare opportunities to observe these gorillas in their natural habitat.

2. Wildlife Viewing
Maiko’s thick rainforests are home to elusive and threatened species, including:

Okapi (forest giraffe endemic to the DRC)

Forest elephants

Leopards

Bongo antelopes

Chimpanzees

3. Bird Watching
Birdlife in Maiko is extraordinarily diverse, with over 500 species recorded. Highlights include:

Congo peafowl (endemic and endangered)

African green broadbill

Great blue turaco

Hornbills and sunbirds

4. Botanical and Ecological Research
The park’s rainforests are teeming with rare plant species, many still undocumented. Scientists continue to study its flora for conservation and medicinal potential.

How to Get to Maiko National Park

Maiko’s remoteness and lack of infrastructure make access a major challenge. It is typically only visited by researchers, conservation teams, or specialized expedition groups.

By Air:
The nearest airports are in Kindu, Kisangani, or Beni.

From there, charter flights or helicopters are sometimes used for park access, depending on security and logistical feasibility.

By Road and River:
Overland travel is arduous and requires 4×4 vehicles and guides familiar with the region.

Some teams access the park via rivers and footpaths, often traveling for days from the nearest town.

Important: Due to security concerns, all visits must be coordinated with ICCN and conservation NGOs operating in the region.

Accommodations at Maiko National Park

There is no formal tourism infrastructure in Maiko. Accommodation options are extremely limited and are generally restricted to:

1. Research Stations or Ranger Posts
Basic facilities for scientists, rangers, and conservation staff

Occasionally available for visiting researchers or film crews

2. Camping
Tent camping is possible but must be arranged with support from ICCN

Visitors must bring all supplies, including food, water purification, and medical kits

Nearby towns like Lubutu or Walikale may offer basic guesthouses for staging expeditions.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to plan an expedition to Maiko is during the dry seasons:

December to February

June to August

These months have fewer rains and slightly easier travel conditions. However, the area is largely rainforest, so some rainfall is expected year-round.

Conservation Significance of Maiko National Park

Maiko is globally significant for the protection of three flagship species found almost nowhere else:

Grauer’s gorilla (Eastern lowland gorilla): Critically endangered

Okapi: Endemic to the DRC, threatened by poaching and habitat loss

Congo peafowl: Rare bird found only in Congo’s forests

Additionally, the park is part of the Congo Basin, the second-largest tropical rainforest in the world after the Amazon. Protecting Maiko contributes to global climate regulation, freshwater protection, and biodiversity conservation.

Why Visit or Support Maiko National Park?

To help protect some of the world’s most endangered species

To explore one of the last pristine rainforests in Central Africa

To support community-based conservation efforts in a post-conflict region

To contribute to scientific research and ecological resilience

Maiko National Park is a true frontier of wilderness conservation—challenging to access but invaluable in ecological significance. While not yet a tourist hotspot, it holds tremendous potential for those committed to preserving the Earth’s most irreplaceable habitats.