Maiko National Park

Maiko National Park DR Congo

Maiko National Park is situated in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s remote lowland rain forest and dense equatorial rain forest stretch across either side of the Oslo River, giving rise to magnificent jungle landscapes. This rugged paradise is unmarred by tourism and remains one of the most unexplored regions on the African continent; making it a desirable destination for extreme expeditions.The 10,830 square kilometers of malachite color terrain occupies a remote forested sector of the DRC and straddles the borders of 3 countries. The park is known for its high concentration of eastern lowland gorillas (Grauer’s gorilla), endemic to the Congo.

The inhospitable northern reaches of the park that extend to the Lindi River are only accessible if visitors are willing to undertake a tedious day of trekking. Most of Maiko National Park comprises untamed blocks of forest, combined with dense waterlogged regions surrounding snaking rivers which is a true paradise for wildlife.

Size of Maiko National Park DR Congo

Maiko National Park Congo lies in one of the most remote rain forest areas of Congo, Covering an area of 10,885 km² (4,203 sq mi). Maiko National park is divided into three sectors, straddling the states of North Kivu, Province Orientale, and Maniema.

Though the national park is facing threats from human activities and mining many NGOs have started campaigns to protect the rain forest for more information about how to help please contact Wilderness Explorers Africa

Location of Maiko National Park

Maiko National Park, reserve in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, about equidistant from Bukavu, in the great Western rift valley just south of Lake Kivu at the Rwandan border, and Kisangani, about 320 miles (515 km) to the northwest, at the great westward bend of the Congo River. The park’s 4,180-square-mile (10,830-square-kilometre) expanse spans the Oso River and extends north to the Lindi River. The dense equatorial forest characterizes the park. Forest-dwellers include gorillas, elephants, leopards, and Okapi. Maiko National Park has not been developed for visitors. The park has been adversely affected by civil strife that began in the late 1990s and continued into the 21st century.

How to get to Maiko National Park

Accessibility to the park is not easy. Visitors need to prepare for an adventure. There is no airstrip within the park, apart from the UN. The closest international airport is Bangoka international airport in Kisangani, and from there, it’s a 515-kilometer drive to the outskirts of the park.

There is just one 4×4 “road” leading from Bafwasende to some small villages within the park. There are some off-piste 4×4 tracks for only the most die-hard overlanders in properly-equipped vehicles that can tackle.

Maiko national park can be reached from Okapi wildlife reserve, Benin, Goma, or Butembo. Tourists traveling to the park should use four-wheel-drive vehicles, especially during the rainy season. The park can be visited all year round but the best time is in the drier months of June to August.

Things to in Maiko National Park

The park’s wildlife includes the eastern lowland gorillas, okapi, forest elephants, Congo peacock, chimpanzee, bongo, and the Congo Peafowl. There are an estimated 800 gorillas in Maiko National Park making it one of the richest gorilla habitats in Africa. The park’s gorillas are an endangered species whose conservation is supported by the Dian Fossey Fund since 2003.

The park is home to numerous endemic & rare species and, almost certainly, many rare species yet to be documented. However, the presence of former rebels who have made their homes in the park, along with illegal mining and poaching means that many species are threatened with extinction.

Eastern lowland gorilla trekking

Though the national park is located in the remote area of the Democratic Republic of Congo gorilla trekking is the main activity that is being targeted in the area and it’s the second habitat after Kahuzi-Biega National Park, there is not a lot of experiences on the success of trekking compared to other gorilla trekking areas in Rwanda and Uganda where the countries are peaceful and have more developed services.

Okapi sanctuary

The Okapi Wildlife Reserve, established in 1992 and listed as a World Heritage Site in 1996, helps protect the habitat of the okapi and preserve rare plant and animal life, as well as the lifestyle and culture of indigenous people. The Reserve encompasses 13,700 square kilometers of the Ituri Forest – one of the most important centers of plant and animal diversity in Africa – in the north-eastern portion of the DRC.

The largest population of okapi, forest elephants, and chimpanzees in DRC, along with 13 species of primates, leopard, forest buffalo, bongo antelope, water chevrotain, and a wide variety of birds and insects, are among the wildlife harbored in the Reserve.

Congo peacock

The Congo peafowl, known as the African peafowl or Mbulu by the Bakôngo, is a species of peafowl native to the Congo Basin. It is one of three extant species of peafowl, the other two being the Indian peafowl and the green peafowl and this bird has been recorded in the Congo basin and adventure travelers can give it a try.

When to visit Maiko National Park

The climate is hot and humid in the river basin, but cool and dry in the southern. The Democratic Republic of Congo lies in the equator with a third to the north and two-thirds of the country to the south, Visits to the country is done all year round but better months are from June to August and from December to February when the rainfall pattern is low and you should avoid March, April, and October

Where to stay in Maiko National Park

When it comes to accommodation in the park, unfortunately, the national park has no developed facilities, and clients wanting to venture this expedition must ensure they have their own complete camping gear before traveling to Maiko national park.

Wilderness Explorers Africa can help you arrange an adventure of a Lifetime to some of Africa’s most remote safari attractions on the Continent.