National park · Democratic Republic of the Congo
Maiko National ParkParc National de Maïko
In 2026, avoid leisure visits to Maïko National Park: entry permits are costly, infrastructure is absent, and security risks are high; if travel is essential, arrange a guided 4x4 trek from Bafwasende with a local operator and stay in village camps.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
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Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
10,400 km² (4,015 sq mi)4,015 sq mi (10,400 km²)
approximate
Established
1970
Best months
—
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 9Nine African countries on this site have no trip line bec…Sort the visa before the flight
- Africa ↗When a route touches a yellow-fever country — even a transit of 12 hours or more — keep the original yellow card (ICVP) in your hand luggage; health desks and airlines can refuse boarding or entry without it.
- Africa ↗Nine African countries on this site have no trip line because governments advise against travel; several others have no-go regions. Read your government's advice for every country on the route before paying deposits.
- Central Africa ↗Sort the visa before the flight: none of the seven countries reliably issues tourist visas on arrival to Western passports, and e-visas here are tied to named airports.
- Central Africa ↗Carry the original yellow fever vaccination certificate in your hand luggage; health desks at every Central African airport ask for it, and a missing card can mean refusal or a jab at the desk.
- Central Africa ↗Before booking anything in or near the DRC, read the WHO Ebola situation page and your own government's health notice: the 2026 outbreak brought quarantine and boarding rules for people who have been in the DRC.
- Democratic Republic of the Congo ↗Check visa and entry rules for your passport with the DRC authorities or embassy before booking; a visa is usually needed in advance.
- Democratic Republic of the Congo ↗Check your government's advice province by province: most governments advise against all travel to the eastern provinces and several other areas, and the US and Canada advise against all travel to the DRC in 2026.
- Democratic Republic of the Congo ↗Book a travel-clinic visit several weeks ahead; ask about malaria prevention, and carry the yellow fever vaccination certificate, which is strictly checked at DRC entry.
- Democratic Republic of the Congo ↗Photography in public places can lead to detention; do not photograph government buildings, soldiers, police, airports or bridges.
At a glance
- Country
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Area
- 10,400 km² (4,015 sq mi)4,015 sq mi (10,400 km²)
- Approximately 10,400 km² of dense equatorial forest (check).
- Established
- 1970
- Best months
- —
- Permits
- For some areas
Maïko National Park is a remote, largely undeveloped reserve in the Congo Basin, home to endangered species such as the Eastern Lowland Gorilla, okapi and Congo peacock, but access is limited to rugged 4×4 tracks and security conditions are unpredictable.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- No UNESCO listing; national park since 1970.
Size and age
10,400 km² (4,015 sq mi)4,015 sq mi (10,400 km²) · national park since 1970
Approximately 10,400 km² of dense equatorial forest (check).
Why go
- Remote equatorial forest with rare species such as Eastern Lowland gorilla, okapi and Congo peacock.
- Opportunity for rugged overland trekking in a largely untouched landscape.
When to go
- JanCaution
- FebCaution
- MarCaution
- AprCaution
- MayCaution
- JunAvoid
- JulAvoid
- AugAvoid
- SepAvoid
- OctCaution
- NovCaution
- DecCaution
- JanDry but security concerns persist.
- FebDry; rebel activity reported.
- MarDry; travel still risky.
- AprDry; road conditions poor.
- MayApproaching rains; trails muddy.
- JunRainy season begins; roads often impassable.
- JulHeavy rains, security alerts.
- AugPeak rainy season; travel unsafe.
- SepRainy season continues.
- OctRain eases, but security remains.
- NovDrying out; still remote.
- DecDry but limited services.
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern Lowland GorillaAll year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| OkapiAll year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Congo PeacockAll year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
From Bafwasende (nearest town)
4x4 vehicle on a rough track to park villages; no public transport.
4–6 h
From Kisangani (regional hub)
Fly to Kisangani then road to Bafwasende; arrange 4x4 onward.
6–8 h total
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Bafwasende gate area | Entry point, basic ranger office, vehicle parking. | Open with permit. |
| Village clusters | Scattered settlements where visitors may camp with permission. | Restricted; require host consent. |
Sketch map
Take the points offline
3 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Coordinates centred on the park’s approximate centre; exact points are approximate.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry permit (ICCN) | Free | person | Cost not publicly listed; contact ICCN for price (check). |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Park entry permit permit or guide
Park rules
- Permits
- Entry permit required; must be obtained before arrival.
- Camping
- Only allowed with host village permission; no formal campsites.
- Fire
- Open fires prohibited due to fire risk and wildlife protection.
Where to stay
In the park
Village homestays
Basic shelters; bring own sleeping gear.
Near the park
Bafwasende town
Limited guesthouses and basic hotels.
Safety
Security high
Road conditions medium
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- No wheelchair access; terrain is rugged and tracks are unpaved.
Visiting lightly
- Limit waste, use reusable containers, and respect local customs.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Maiko National Park?
Entry permits are issued by the ICCN; price is not publicly listed, so contact the agency for current rates (check).
What are the best hikes in Maiko National Park?
The park has no marked trails; the main activity is a rugged 4x4 trek to remote villages, which requires a guide and a permit.
When is the best time to visit Maiko National Park?
Dry months (Jan–May) offer better road conditions, but security concerns remain year‑round; consult travel advisories.
Are there any lodges inside the park?
No; visitors must camp or stay in nearby villages or Bafwasende town.
Can I see gorillas or okapi on a short visit?
Sightings are rare and not guaranteed; the park’s wildlife is difficult to access.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Ask about Maiko National Park
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