Covering a total area of 10,885 square kilometers, Maiko was first established as Bukumu hunting reserve in 1949 by the Belgian colonial administration.
The main aim was to prevent mineral exploitation and also create a hunting ground for the wildlife. In 1970, it was a declared a national park and renamed Maiko.
It is found in one of the most remote forest areas in DR Congo. It spreads through parts of Nord Kivu, Maniema and Orientale province. This diverse park invite tourists with its loads of flora and fauna.
If you love primates, this spot is for you. Maiko Park is home not only to Eastern lowland Gorillas but also to the Okapis and the Congo peafowl.
Other wild animals that reside in the park include forest elephants, leopards and more. The birdlife in Maiko is also worth mentioning.
You can see species like the Ruwenzori turaco and the beautiful francolins. Maiko is also home to Lindi and River Oslo.
Maiko is about 515 kilometers from Kisangani town. Getting to this place is a bit difficult. Most travelers use routes from Goma, Butembo or Benin.
Accommodation is limited, visitors are advised to come with their camping equipment or choose to stay in the nearby communities.
Activities in the Park
Gorilla trekking
This is one of the activities that keep tourists busy in Maiko National Park. It grants them an opportunity to meet the eastern lowland Gorillas in the jungles. If not here you can see these gorilla subspecies in Kahuzi Biega National Park. While in the jungle you are exposed to other wildlife including primates like chimpanzees, okapi, and red tailed monkeys, baboons and more. You must buy a permit to be part of this excursion.
Wildlife Viewing
If gorilla trekking doesn’t appeal, Maiko is also famous for its engaging game drives. This activity rewards an opportunity to sight a number of wild animals such as leopards, aquatic genet, forest elephants, Congo peafowl and Okapi.
Bird Watching
For those who are addicted to birds don’t forget to include birding on your bucket list for Maiko. You can sight some species while on game drives.
Nothing is more breathtaking than going for bird watching expeditions in Maiko with a bird guide who is not only knowledgeable about the birds but also the park itself.
Make sure to carry some binoculars that would help you to spot more bird species. Some common species are the herons, pitas, sparrows, Ruwenzori Turaco and the kingfishers.
Nature Walks
Maiko is one of the best places you should not miss for nature walks in Congo. It has a pretty thick forested area which houses multiple wildlife species.
While on nature walks you will see plenty of these animals, birds, insects and reptiles. The expedition takes you through the forest and the river banks of River Oslo and Lindi.