Maiko national park is found in the eastern part of the Democratic republic of Congo, situated near the western rift valley West of Kisangani, south of Lake Kivu, and bordering Rwanda. The park covers an area of about 10,885 square kilometers divided into three sectors of Maniema, Kivu and Orientale. The park is located in one of the most remote areas of Congo, which is home to primitive tribes.
Maiko national park was first declared as the Bakumu hunting reserve in the year 1949 by the Belgian colonial government, with the word being derived from the people who lived around the park, known as the “Kumus.” In 1970 Maiko declared a national park, though it still suffered poaching from rebels known as Simba in 1964 this led to the decline of wildlife within the park as they carried out poaching and mining and in 2005 a researcher was killed within the park by poachers.
Maiko national park boast with very rich diversity hence supportingvarious wildlife, the park is characterized by tropical rainforests and two rivers Oslo and indi. The park contains three of Congo’s endangered species: theCongo peafowl, okapi and the Grauer’s gorilla.
Activities at Maiko national park
Gorilla trekking
Tourists can go on a gorilla trekking safari at the great Maiko national park and encounter eastern lowland gorillas and the endangered Grauer’s, only endemic to Congo, there are also a number of other primates that tourists can come across during their gorilla trekking some of the primates are red-tailed monkeys, chimpanzees, okapi and many more it’s said that gorillas in Maiko number up to 800.
Wildlife viewing
Apart from gorilla trekking, tourists can go on a game drive and enjoy spectacular views of other wildlife, such as African forest elephants, leopards, bongos, aquatic genets, okapi and Congo peafowl, to mention a few.
Birdwatching
Birdwatching at Maiko national park can be done at various areas, even while on a game drive or during gorilla trekking in Congo
Best time to visit
The Congo basin likes within the equator and the climate is hot and humid with rainy seasons but the best time, when roads are easily passable, is in the drier season and for clearer views of wildlife, as the vegetation won’t be thick.
Where to stay
Maiko national park has very limited accommodation; most times travelers are advised to come with their camping gear and camp within the villages of the park or at any designated camping site.
How to get there
The Park can be reached by road or air transport. It is approximately 515 kilometers from Kisangani town, and there is one road leading to small villages within the park from Bafwasende. However, the roads are not well established, so ensure that your vehicle is a four-wheel drive and in good condition.
