Is It Safe to Travel in the Congo Basin?

The word “Congo” can understandably prompt questions about safety. The reality, however, is more nuanced than the headlines often suggest.

Our safaris in this region take place across the Republic of Congo, the Central African Republic and, on selected itineraries, a short and carefully managed visit into the Democratic Republic of Congo for bonobo tracking. These are extraordinary destinations, but they are not conventional safari countries, and we believe it is important to be open about that from the outset.

The Democratic Republic of Congo is enormous — roughly the size of Western Europe — and much of the instability people associate with the country relates to the far east, close to the borders with Rwanda, Uganda and Burundi. Our bonobo experiences take place in a remote forest area in the north-west of the country, a very long way from those regions.

Where an itinerary includes the DRC, guests cross only with the expedition team and follow an established local process. They are accompanied by specialist guides, conservation staff and local project teams throughout. There is no independent exploration, unescorted road travel or movement through areas affected by the conflict seen elsewhere in the country.

The same careful approach applies across all of our Congo Basin safaris. We work with established lodges, specialist guides, conservation partners and local teams with long experience in the areas concerned. Accommodation, transfers, boats, forest activities and community visits are all carefully selected, and daily plans are shaped around local conditions and the advice of those operating on the ground.

These are remote parts of Central Africa, so flexibility is important. River levels, weather, forest conditions and local circumstances can all influence the day’s plans. That is not a weakness in the journey; it is part of travelling responsibly in places where nature and local realities still set the pace. Should a change be needed, safety will always come first.

Our Congo safaris suit travellers who are comfortable with a more exploratory style of travel, limited infrastructure in places and the possibility that plans may adapt along the way. In return, they offer access to remarkable rainforest landscapes, wildlife, conservation projects and communities that very few visitors ever experience.

As with every safari we arrange, we will provide practical advice on health preparations, entry requirements, insurance and the realities of travelling in the countries involved. Travel insurance is available for these destinations, and we will help guests understand the right cover to put in place before they travel.

For the right traveller, the Congo Basin remains one of Africa’s most rewarding frontiers: remote, complex, very different from a conventional safari, but carefully planned and supported from start to finish.