Congo Safari in Lola Ya Bonobo Sanctuary 2026-2027: This sanctuary was founded in 1994 by Claudine Andre in Kinshasa to protect Bonobos – also known as pygmy chimpanzees. Lola Ya bonobo means “paradise of bonobo” in the Congolese local language. Bonobos are only found in the Democratic Republic of Congo and are man’s closest relatives, along with the common chimpanzee. They have long been victims of poaching and encroachment into their original habitats. They are hunted down mostly for meat and as pets by animal traffickers. The sanctuary was established to rescue young orphans who were left alone in the forest after losing their parents to poachers. Lola Ya Bonobo Sanctuary also helps educate and raise awareness about the bonobos. Once rescued, the orphaned bonobo is introduced into a forest in the sanctuary to begin the process of rehabilitation and integration with others. As they interact with other individuals in the sanctuary, they slowly get back their lives and can then be ready to be taken back into the wild. The sanctuary provides resident bonobos with excellent care from caregivers and international volunteers.

Safari experiences while on your visit to Lola Ya Bonobo Sanctuary

Guided tours

Guided tours in the Lola Ya Bonobos sanctuary are an adventurous experience at the site. Guided tours here are one way visitors can explore the lush landscapes of the sanctuary. Visitors here are accompanied by the experienced guide through the lush forest, witnessing the bonobos in their semi–wild environment, observing these playful young bonobos swinging through the trees just a few feet away, and learning more about the tourism conservation efforts. A visit to Lola ya Bonobo is an unforgettable experience that will open your eyes and heart to the majesty of  Congo.

Bonobo Encounters

Lola Ya Bonobos is the world’s only sanctuary for orphaned bonobos, a species of great primates closely related to the world’s fascinating chimpanzee. Visitors on a Congo wildlife adventure safari in the sanctuary would have the opportunity to observe these captivating bonobos up close in their semi-wild habitat. These gentle creatures share similarities with humans, making your encounter truly captivating. Visitors will gain insights into their daily lives, social dynamics, and unique personalities, among others

Education programs

Lola Ya Bonobos sanctuary offers education programs to visitors wishing to learn more about these fascinating primates. The Lola Ya Bonobos sanctuary offers educational programs aiming at raising awareness about the bonobo conservation and significances of protecting their natural environment. During your visit to the sanctuary, you will get a chance to participate in face-to-face interactions with the site authorities, workshops, and lessons about bonobos and their importance in the wild.

Visiting Lola Ya Bonobos Sanctuary in the Democratic Republic of Congo can be combined with other activities such as visiting Virunga National Park for gorilla trekking, hiking Mount Nyiragongo, exploring Kinshasa city, taking a leisurely boat cruise along the Congo River, among others

 Hiking Mount Nyiragongo

This amazing attraction is located in Virunga National Park. The Nyiragongo Volcano is one of the most studied active volcanoes in Africa. The mountain is an ideal research subject for researchers or scientists who are interested in studying active volcanoes and their impact on the environment. Nyiragongo is one of the few, if not the only volcano where tourists are allowed to climb just for the purpose of seeing a boiling lava lake. Because of its unique offering, it is one of the most visited natural attractions in Congo at the moment. Hiking safaris to this captivating volcano take about 2 days to climb and descend the volcano. The erupting magma offers a magnificent view in a way that cannot be experienced anywhere else in the world. Taking photos and videos close to boiling magma will win you a lot of respect and admirers once you get back home.

Uncovering the hidden gems of Virunga National Park

Visiting the Virunga National Park would be the best option to do after the Lola Ya Bonobos Sanctuary visit. Virunga National Park, located in the Democratic Republic of Congo, is one of the oldest African national park which was gazetted in 1925 and designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979 due to its excellent biodiversity, including uncommon and endangered species, as well as its magnificent landscape. The park is home to a chain of eight volcanoes, including the active Nyiragongo and Nyamuragira volcanoes. Nyiragongo is famous for its erupting lava lake, making it one of the few in the world. Virunga is one of the few places in the world where you can see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. It’s home to over a third of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, and gorilla trekking tours are a popular activity in the park. Virunga National Park offers a lot of amazing tourism activities to visitors, such as mountain gorilla trekking, chimpanzee habituation and trekking, birding, forest walks, hiking, and  cultural visits, among others

Explore Kinshasa city

Taking part in Kinshasa city tours is another option you would opt for after visiting the Lola Ya Bonobos sanctuary. Kinshasa is the capital city of the democratic republic of Congo. Exploring Kinshasa offers a fascinating blend of history, culture, and urban energy, providing a memorable experience for travelers eager to discover the heart and soul of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Visitors, while on a Congo city tours will get a chance to visit local markets like Marché de la Liberté or Marché des Valeurs for a taste of Congolese life, explore historical sites like the Kinshasa National Museum, visit the official residence of the President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, or enjoy the lively nightlife scene with music and dance. Exploring Kinshasa offers a fascinating blend of history, culture, and urban energy, providing a memorable experience for travelers eager to discover the heart and soul of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

 Boat Cruise on the Congo River

 The Congo River is one of the largest rivers in the world and a lifeline for the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Boat Cruise along the Congo River is one of the top activities that a traveler shouldn’t miss while on a safari in Congo. The Congo River is one of the largest rivers in the world and a lifeline for the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo.T he boat cruise safaris along Congo river is one of the most exciting activity that will allow you to sight a variety of fantasing attractions in mangrove national park that will allow you to spot vast interesting animals that live both on mangroves forest species and marine species as well as beautiful views of the surrounding. Boat cruise safaris along the banks of the Congo River are an interesting activity that is done in the democratic republic of Congo, which is the famous and biggest river in the world.