Want to visit DRC Congo for an expedition? Here is a list of experienced Congo safari companies, destination management companies (DMCs), and tour operators for your next trip. These Congo tour and travel companies offer affordable tour packages to a few safari parks that are open to visitors. Congo’s tourism industry is one of the best in Africa, but only a few parks are safe and open for tourism.
Best Congo Tour Operators & DMCs
- Magical Gorilla Adventures
- Gorilla Hurly Burly Ltd
- Dream Destination Safaris
- Standard Safaris Ltd
- Gorilla Riddles
- African Gorilla Trekking
- Bwindi Uganda Safaris
- Uganda Safaris Adventure
Most of these Congo tour operators arrange safaris that begin and end in Rwanda. You arrive in Rwanda, cross into Congo for your safari, and return to Rwanda after. Due to political challenges, these companies only work in areas that are safe and open for tourism. Some of the places include Virunga National Park, Kahuzi Biega National Park, Mount Nyiragongo, and a few other nearby sites.
If your main reason for visiting is gorilla trekking, check these mountain gorilla trekking companies. I listed them separately because their main focus is organizing gorilla tours in Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda.
These recommended companies offer both budget and luxury gorilla trekking safaris in Congo.
Choosing the Best Operator for Your Congo Tour
Below are important points to consider when choosing a tour operator for your expedition in DRC Congo. It is a good idea to contact at least five companies, compare prices and services, and then choose the one that suits you best.
- Experience: Congo can be unpredictable, so experience is very important. Your Congo operator should know how to plan the trip well. They should be familiar with safe routes, know how to handle security checks, and manage travel distances properly. If a company has handled 10 or more trips in Congo, they likely have enough experience to manage your safari smoothly.
- Package Offered: This is the most important thing to look at because it is what you will experience. A good safari package includes less driving time, more time for activities, comfortable accommodation, an affordable price, and a good experience overall. Congo is a large country. If your tour is not planned well, you may spend too much time driving and feel too tired to enjoy the activities. The driving distances should be short so that you stay fresh for each activity.
- Pricing: You should not pay too much for a package that should cost less. Setting the right price for a package needs experience. The price should match the services offered. It is hard to know the right cost if you contact only one or two companies. But if you ask several, you will get an idea of the average cost, which makes decision-making easier.
- Reputation: Reputation also matters. However, companies with big names often charge more, and sometimes their services are not better than those of smaller companies. Do not focus only on reputation. If a small operator gives you a good package with a fair price and short driving distances, go ahead and book. Many owners of small tour companies have worked with bigger companies before and know how to plan good trips. You can tell how experienced they are by the quality of the package they give you. Those with little or no experience may give prices that are either too high or too low.
- First Contact: Some clients have shared stories where tour operators stopped communicating after confirming the trip. This is not a good sign. You can tell how an operator will treat you based on how they handle your first inquiry. Some Congo tour companies are quick to reply and helpful from the beginning. These are the ones likely to stay in touch during your trip and check on your progress. If a company makes you feel welcome and responds quickly, keep them high on your list.
Over to You
I have traveled with all the companies listed above, and I can confirm their services are good. Their Congo safari packages are affordable and offer standard services. Try them and see how your trip turns out.
If you still prefer to search on your own, use the tips above to help you choose a good Congo tour operator for your upcoming expedition.
