Captive Bonobos (Pan paniscus) in water to cool off .They are not scared of water and will readily enter the water for food. They are not able to swim so wade in bipedal Sanctuary Lola Ya Bonobo Chimpanzee, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Getty Images

Lola Ya Bonobo Sanctuary

Top choice in Democratic Republic of Congo


Ninety minutes west of Kinshasa, just beyond the city's sprawl, this excellent project provides a home for orphaned bonobos. Long thought to be chimpanzees, bonobos are actually a separate species known for being much more peaceful than their cousins. They're also endangered, with only around 50,000 surviving in the wild. Trails here lead around the large, forested enclosures, but the playful bonobos often hang out right at the front, especially in the morning.

The sanctuary is 8km off the Matadi road. If you're patient, you can hitch those last 8km off the highway. A hire car with driver from Kinshasa will cost US$100, but in the wet season you'll need a 4WD (US$200).


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Democratic Republic of Congo attractions

1. Serpents du Congo

4.25 MILES

This excellent snake farm is located 28km from downtown Kinshasa and makes for a great day out. Owner Franck will gladly show you the poisonous and…

2. Chutes de Lukaya

6.79 MILES

A great day trip from Kinshasa, the Chutes de Lukaya have a wonderful natural setting, a decent restaurant (open at the weekend only), natural lakes to…

3. Les Rapides

10.74 MILES

These wide and powerful rapids on the Congo River can be viewed on the outskirts of Brazzaville. Most people observe the rapids from the nearby bar Site…

4. Palais du Peuple

11 MILES

The Palais du Peuple (People's Palace) is home to DRC's legislature, made up of the National Assembly and Senate. It is not open to the public.

5. Musée National de Kinshasa

11.08 MILES

This amazing ethnographic archive comprising some 45,000 objects has been waiting patiently for its new home, a US$10 million prestige investment from…

6. Nôtre Dame Cathedral

11.46 MILES

Built under Belgian rule in 1947, this brick cathedral is one of Kinshasa's most important religious buildings.

7. Académie des Beaux-Arts

11.58 MILES

This regarded art school has loads of sculpture around the grounds, and you can often see students and professors at work.

8. Marché Central

12.6 MILES

This one of the largest markets in Central Africa, and is worth visiting for the intrepid. Watch your belongings (better still, bring nothing with you at…

  • placement: superzone
  • path: Destinations/POIs/superzone
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [1, 1],
  • targeting:
    {
      "url": "democratic-republic-of-congo/attractions/lola-ya-bonobo-sanctuary/a/poi-sig/1315643/355218",
      "destination": "Democratic-Republic-of-Congo",
      "continent": "Africa",
      "country": "Democratic-Republic-of-Congo",
      "position": "superzone"
    }