Departure City Logistics Hubs
Kinshasa
Arrival
N'djili International Airport (FIH) - Direct flights from Addis Ababa, Nairobi, Johannesburg, Paris, Brussels
Onward Routes
Gateway to Lola ya Bonobo, Mai-Ndombe, Congo River expeditions
Domestic Connections
Flights to Goma, Bukavu, Lubumbashi, Kisangani
Local Transfer
Urban taxis, organized transfers, hotel pickups
Goma
Arrival
Goma International Airport (GOM) - Flights from Kinshasa, Addis Ababa, Kigali
Onward Routes
Gateway to Virunga National Park, Lake Kivu, Nyiragongo
Domestic Connections
Regional hub for Nord-Kivu
Local Transfer
4x4 vehicles, organized park transfers
Bukavu
Arrival
Kavumu Airport (BKY) - Flights from Kinshasa
Onward Routes
Gateway to Kahuzi-Biega National Park, Lake Kivu south
Domestic Connections
Connection to eastern DRC conservation areas
Local Transfer
Road transfer, lake crossings available
Lubumbashi
Arrival
Luano International Airport (FBM) - Flights from Kinshasa, Johannesburg
Onward Routes
Gateway to Upemba, Kundelungu, southern mining regions
Domestic Connections
Southern DRC hub
Local Transfer
Commercial vehicles, organized transfers
Kisangani
Arrival
Bangoka International Airport (FKI) - Flights from Kinshasa
Onward Routes
Gateway to Congo River expeditions, Boyoma Falls
Domestic Connections
Central-eastern DRC hub
Local Transfer
River transport, road connections
Park & Region Logistics Clusters
Virunga National Park
Access
Goma (1-3 hours by road depending on destination)
Entry Points
Rumangabo headquarters, Bukima sector for gorillas
Permits
Gorilla trekking permits, volcano hiking permits
Season
Year-round; dry season (June-September) preferred
Kahuzi-Biega National Park
Access
Bukavu (45 minutes to park entrance)
Entry Points
Tshivanga sector headquarters
Permits
Eastern lowland gorilla trekking permits
Season
Year-round; dry season recommended
Okapi Wildlife Reserve
Access
Bunia or Kisangani, then road/river transfer
Entry Points
Epulu research station
Permits
Reserve entry permits, research permissions
Season
Dry season (December-February) for accessibility
Salonga National Park
Access
Kinshasa via river or air charter
Entry Points
Monkoto or Anga sectors
Permits
Bonobo tracking permits, park entry
Season
May-September (dry season)
Permits, Visas & Entry Requirements
Visa Process
- • Tourist visa required for most nationalities
- • E-visa available through official DRC government portal
- • Visa on arrival available at select entry points
- • Processing: 5-10 business days (e-visa)
- • Required: Passport, photos, invitation letter, itinerary
Park Permits
- • Gorilla permits: Arranged through ICCN or operators
- • Volcano hiking: Separate permit required
- • Bonobo tracking: Limited availability, advance booking
- • Processing: 2-4 weeks recommended
- • Operators typically coordinate permit logistics
Transfers & Transport Logistics
Domestic Flights
Essential for long distances. CAA, Congo Airways, and charter services connect major cities. Book in advance; schedules can change.
Overland Travel
4x4 vehicles recommended. Road conditions vary seasonally. Escorts or guides required for remote areas. Allow buffer time.
River Transport
Congo River barges and boats for remote destinations. Essential for Salonga and riverine routes. Multi-day journeys possible.
Safety, Health & Operational Considerations
Security Coordination
- • Travel with registered operators
- • Follow local guide instructions
- • Park rangers coordinate security in protected areas
- • Monitor travel advisories before departure
Health Requirements
- • Yellow Fever vaccination (mandatory)
- • Malaria prophylaxis recommended
- • Comprehensive travel insurance with evacuation
- • Consult travel health clinic 6-8 weeks before
Why Trust This Information
- Local operator and authority coordination
- Regular updates based on ground conditions
- Ground-verified routes and access information
- Transparent limitations where data varies seasonally
Last updated: January 2026