Lola ya Bonobo Sanctuary

Lola ya Bonobo, meaning Paradise of the Bonobos in Lingala, is the world's only sanctuary dedicated to orphaned bonobos, the great ape found only in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It lies near the Petites Chutes de la Lukaya at Nzolantima in Kimwenza, in the Mont Ngafula commune about 30 km south-west of Gombe in Kinshasa. Claudine Andre founded the project in 1994, and it has occupied its present 30-hectare forest site since 2002. Most residents arrive as infants confiscated from the bushmeat and pet trades; surrogate human caregivers raise them, and they are then integrated into groups and released into forested enclosures. Visitors join a guided tour of about one hour, walking along boardwalks and viewing platforms above the enclosures. There is no physical contact with the animals, which keeps both people and apes safe from disease. Guides explain the social structure of bonobos, a matriarchal species known for resolving conflict through affiliative behaviour, and point out individuals by name. The bonobos are most active in the morning, and the forest setting gives good chances of seeing groups foraging, playing and grooming. Tours leave at 10:00, 11:30, 13:00 and 14:30 from Tuesday to Sunday, and visitors should arrive 15 minutes early; the sanctuary closes at 16:00 and is closed on Mondays. Admission is USD 10 for adults, USD 5 for ages 12 to 17, and free under 12. A lunch package including entry costs USD 50. Because the sanctuary has no public transport link, most visitors travel by private car, allowing 45 to 90 minutes each way depending on traffic. The sanctuary offers its own round-trip transfer from central Kinshasa at USD 150 per vehicle of up to three people, booked by email at least one week ahead. The Lukaya falls are a short distance away and combine well with a morning visit. The 10:00 tour is generally the most comfortable and the dry season from June to September makes roads easier. Photography without flash is usually welcomed on the platforms, but visitors should confirm guidelines with the guide before the tour begins.