Maiko National Park
One of only two protected strongholds for the Grauer's gorilla, Maiko's dense, largely unmapped rainforest also shelters okapi, forest elephants, and the endemic Congo peacock.
One of Africa's last true wilderness parks
Maiko protects roughly 10,830 km² of dense equatorial rainforest straddling three provinces in eastern DRC, and remains one of the least explored regions on the African continent, largely due to its remoteness and decades of regional insecurity.
The park is one of only two formally protected areas within the range of the Grauer's gorilla, and its combination of gorilla, okapi, and Congo peacock populations, all endemic or near-endemic to DRC, makes it ecologically comparable to the Okapi Wildlife Reserve further north.
A 2015 Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund survey of a small section of the park found evidence of considerably more gorilla groups than expected, suggesting Maiko's true gorilla population, largely unsurveyed across most of its area, may be significantly higher than historical estimates.
Because Maiko has no visitor infrastructure, it remains firmly a destination for expedition-style travel rather than conventional tourism; see our Kahuzi-Biega National Park guide for a more accessible Grauer's gorilla destination.
What makes Maiko distinct
Maiko's remoteness has kept much of its wildlife unsurveyed, making it a genuine frontier for Congo Basin conservation science.
Grauer's gorillas
Maiko is one of only two formally protected areas for the eastern lowland gorilla, with recent surveys suggesting a larger population than previously known.
Okapi
The elusive forest giraffe forages through Maiko's dense canopy, one of the park's three signature endemic species.
Congo peacock
The rare, endemic Congo peafowl was one of the deciding factors in Maiko's original 1970 designation.
Forest elephants
Forest elephants move through the park's river systems and dense forest interior.
Chimpanzees
Eastern chimpanzees share Maiko's forest with its gorilla population.
Oso River wildlife
Broadbills, egrets, kingfishers and cormorants concentrate along the Oso River, which cuts through the park.
What planning a Maiko expedition involves
Maiko has essentially no tourism infrastructure; any visit is a self-supported expedition arranged well in advance with a specialist operator and ICCN.
Coordinate with ICCN and a specialist operator
Given the park's remoteness and security context, visits require direct coordination with park authorities.
Travel to a regional access point
Routes typically approach via North Kivu or Maniema towns, depending on current road and security conditions.
Overland and forest travel to the park boundary
Onward travel into Maiko itself is difficult terrain, generally on foot or by motorbike.
Camping-based forest exploration
With no lodges inside the park, all visits are fully self-supported camping expeditions.
Return via the same route
Departures retrace the overland route back to the nearest regional hub.
A critical but under-surveyed gorilla stronghold
Maiko's remoteness has been both a protection and a challenge: the forest has avoided large-scale development, but conflict, artisanal mining, and difficult terrain have historically limited ranger presence and scientific surveys across most of the park's area.
Organisations including the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund have worked with ICCN and local communities on joint patrols and gorilla surveys since the early 2000s, an approach that has revealed more gorilla groups than expected wherever surveys have been possible. See our travel guide for current conditions.
Planning questions, answered
Can tourists visit Maiko National Park?
Technically yes, but Maiko has essentially no tourism infrastructure and requires a fully self-supported, camping-based expedition arranged with a specialist operator and ICCN.
What makes Maiko significant for conservation?
It's one of only two formally protected areas for the Grauer's gorilla, and also protects okapi and the endemic Congo peacock in the same park.
How many gorillas live in Maiko?
Historical estimates suggested small numbers, but a 2015 survey of a limited area found more gorilla groups than expected, suggesting the true population across the unsurveyed park may be larger.
Is there accommodation inside Maiko?
No. There is no lodge infrastructure inside the park; visitors must camp and bring full supplies.
Why is Maiko so unexplored?
Its remote location across three provinces, difficult terrain, and decades of regional insecurity have historically limited scientific access and ranger presence.
More of the DRC to plan around Maiko
Considering an expedition into Maiko?
Our team coordinates the logistics, permits, and current security guidance needed for one of DRC's most remote parks.
What to do here
Top experiences in Maiko National Park
- Grauer's gorillasMaiko is one of only two formally protected areas for the eastern lowland gorilla, with recent surveys suggesting a larger population than previously known.
- OkapiThe elusive forest giraffe forages through Maiko's dense canopy, one of the park's three signature endemic species.
- Congo peacockThe rare, endemic Congo peafowl was one of the deciding factors in Maiko's original 1970 designation.
- Forest elephantsForest elephants move through the park's river systems and dense forest interior.
Entry requirements for visiting Maiko National Park
Every traveller needs a visa in advance. Read our step-by-step DRC e-visa and Congo tourist visa guide for the official DGM portal walkthrough, letter of invitation (LOI) requirements, fees, processing times and airport entry checks.
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