Lola ya Bonobo is the sole safari destination in the entire World offering the chance to see the exceptional Bonobos in captivity. A tour of this spectacularly lush animal Sanctuary is an out-of-this-World Experience that will arguably open your eyes and heart to the splendor of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Just picture yourself sitting quietly watching one of Congo’s endemic wildlife species emerge from the lush and beautiful forest or simply enjoying views of frisky infants excitedly swinging through tree branches, just few meters away.
While this is considered captivity, the Bonobos here live in semi-wild environment with similar vegetation as in the wild. Feeding is done among different succulent plants as well as fruiting trees and like in the wild, they also have to compete for mating partners and learn survival tips from venomous reptiles especially snakes.
Size and Location of Lola ya Bonobo
The beautiful Lola ya Bonobo is about 32 kilometers (90 minutes’ drive) south of Kimwenza Suburb, at Petites Chutes de la Lukaya (waterfalls) in Kinshasa City of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Just outside the City’s noise and sprawl, this spectacular Sanctuary is haven to orphaned Bonobos that were rescued from their natural habitats across the country, as a result of poaching, illegal hunting, illegal bush meat sale and animal trafficking.
History of Lola ya Bonobo
Established in 1994, a Belgian Conservationist Claudine Andre thought it wise to set up the World’s only Sanctuary for orphaned Bonobos within the biologically diverse Democratic Republic of Congo. The site’s name was derived from a Lingala phrase “Lola” to mean Paradise and “ya Bonobo” to mean for Bonobo hence “Paradise for Bonobos”. There are presently about 60 individuals of these primates that were initially thought to be chimpanzees.
They are surprisingly different primate species with outstanding behavior that you will definitely discover during your tour of the Sanctuary. Interestingly, they are even more peaceful than chimpanzees with a total population of about 50,000 individuals living in the wild. It is interesting to learn that Bonobo troops are usually headed by an Alpha female instead of matured males (as it is with their cousins) hence their peaceful nature. This outstanding Sanctuary is a member of the pan African Sanctuary Alliance.
Usually, the Bonobos here are brought in as infants that survive from traps of poachers or bush meat traders in the verdant jungles of Democratic republic of Congo. They are given a second chance to life at the primate Sanctuary with close care and monitoring from a foster human mother although are eventually integrated into a peer group.
Wonderful things to do in Lola ya Bonobo
Private guided nature walks
Uncover the verdant landscapes of Lola ya Bonobo and see these primates in their semi-wild habitat while on a private guided nature walk.
Boat ride
Follow the caregivers on a boat ride for Bonobo feeding as well as watching them converge at certain points to receive their food.
Where to stay while exploring Lola ya Bonobo
Given the fact that Lola ya Bonobo is the only Sanctuary for Bonobos in the entire World, it hosts local and International tourists, especially researchers and primate enthusiasts. Because of this, there is a state of art and cozy Ecolodge at the Villa where former President of Democratic Republic of Congo (Mobutu Sese Seko) used as his weekend retreat. Get a chance to unwind after a guided tour of the Sanctuary.
Getting to Lola ya Bonobo
Lola ya Bonobo is just 32 kilometers from Kinshasa (the oldest and Capital City of Democratic Republic of Congo), adjacent to Les Petites de Lukaya (waterfalls). Just about 8 kilometers off the Matadi Road is where this Site is sprawled and reachable by private hire car from the City Center.
