DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

Lola ya Bonobo

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Landmark
—°3
Lola ya Bonobo (Congo - Kinshasa)

Weather…

Lola ya Bonobo, translating to "Paradise for Bonobos" in Lingala, is a globally unique and profoundly important wildlife sanctuary located just outside Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Founded by Claudine André in 1994, it remains the world's only sanctuary dedicated entirely to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of orphaned bonobos. Bonobos are a great ape species endemic to the DRC, closely related to chimpanzees but known for their peaceful, matriarchal societies. A visit to Lola ya Bonobo is both an educational and deeply emotional experience. Visitors can walk along guided forest trails that offer clear views into the large, forested enclosures where the bonobos live in social groups. You can witness their complex social interactions, playful behavior, and the incredible dedication of the surrogate human mothers who care for the youngest orphans. The sanctuary's ultimate goal is to reintroduce rehabilitated bonobos back into the wild in protected reserves. Accessible via a short drive from downtown Kinshasa, the sanctuary provides a great day trip for those visiting the capital. The facility is set within a beautiful patch of forest, offering a tranquil escape from the city's hustle. Lola ya Bonobo is open year-round, but visiting during the dry season (June to September) ensures easier travel on the roads leading to the sanctuary and a more pleasant outdoor walking experience.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C252525252524242526252525
Rain mm1841862292361551642178207317276

📋 Practical info

🚪
Visiting
Lola ya Bonobo sanctuary can be visited on guided tours. The visit includes enclosures and observation points. Entering the interior is only allowed with a guide.
🕒
Typical hours
Tours are typically offered in the morning, often between 9:00 and 12:00. Advance booking is essential as capacity is limited.
📷
Photography
Photography is allowed during the tour, but without flash so as not to disturb the animals. Selfie sticks and drones are prohibited.
⏱️
Time needed
The guided tour usually lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours. Allow extra time for the trip from Kinshasa (about 1 hour).
➕
Combine with
Combine the visit with a stop at the Kinshasa Botanical Garden or Lac de Ma Vallée, both nearby.
🧭
Getting there
Lola ya Bonobo is about 30 km north of Kinshasa. It’s best reached by car or taxi via the N'Sele road. Public transport only goes to the main road.
💡
Insider tip
Book your tour at least a week in advance, as demand is high and only small groups are allowed in.

Geography

Coordinates
-4.48694, 15.26810

Facts

  • The only bonobo sanctuary in the world.
  • Located in the commune of Mont Ngafula, near Kinshasa.
  • Founded by conservationist Claudine André in 1994.
  • Name translates to 'Paradise for Bonobos' in Lingala.
  • Aims to rehabilitate and release orphans back into the wild.
  • Bonobos share 98.7% of their DNA with humans.
  • Provides education on conservation to thousands of Congolese youths.
  • Covers 30 hectares of primary forest habitat.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Lukaya FallsLukaya Falls4 km · NExplore →
Ma Vallée LakeMa Vallée Lake4 km · SEExplore →
Lovanium UniversityLovanium University9 km · NEExplore →
Lola ya Bonobo SanctuaryLola ya Bonobo Sanctuary12 km · SEExplore →
Lumumba Statue at the InterchangeLumumba Statue at the Interchange14 km · NEExplore →
KasanguluKasangulu14 km · SWExplore →
Symphonie des ArtsSymphonie des Arts14 km · EExplore →
Linzolo Catholic MissionLinzolo Catholic Mission14 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Lola ya Bonobo (3)

Ma Vallée🌿 nature

The Ma Vallée viewpoint near the bonobo sanctuary overlooks a wooded valley featuring a small recreational lake.

Bonobo Wildlife Station🎡 recreation

At this specialized wildlife station within the Lola ya Bonobo facility, rescued pygmy chimpanzees receive veterinary care.

Lola ya Bonobo🎡 recreation

Lola ya Bonobo is a unique, forested sanctuary near Kinshasa dedicated entirely to the rehabilitation of orphaned bonobos.

🕒 closed monday💶

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Lola ya Bonobo: where is it located?
Lola ya Bonobo is located in Congo - Kinshasa.
Lola ya Bonobo: what is there to see?
Highlights include Ma Vallée, Bonobo Wildlife Station, Lola ya Bonobo.
Lola ya Bonobo: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Lola ya Bonobo: why is it worth visiting?
Lola ya Bonobo, translating to "Paradise for Bonobos" in Lingala, is a globally unique and profoundly important wildlife sanctuary located just outside Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Africa
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Africa
More places in Congo - Kinshasa →

Nearby cities

Matadi — Lola ya Bonobo (Congo - Kinshasa)
Matadi
Matadi is the chief sea port of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the capital of the Kongo Central province.
Boma — Lola ya Bonobo (Congo - Kinshasa)
Boma
Boma is a port city in Kongo Central province, having served as the capital of the Congo Free State and Belgian Congo.
Mbanza-Ngungu — Lola ya Bonobo (Congo - Kinshasa)
Mbanza-Ngungu
Mbanza-Ngungu is a city in Kongo Central province, formerly known as Thysville, famous for its railway history and caves.
Muanda — Lola ya Bonobo (Congo - Kinshasa)
Muanda
Muanda is a coastal town in Kongo Central province, known for its beaches and as the DR Congo's only major seaside community.
🗺️
Inkisi
Inkisi is a town in Kongo Central known for the nearby Zongo Falls.
Kimpese — Lola ya Bonobo (Congo - Kinshasa)
Kimpese
Kimpese is a significant agricultural and medical center in Kongo Central.
Tshela — Lola ya Bonobo (Congo - Kinshasa)
Tshela
Tshela is an important agricultural center in the Bas-Fleuve district.
Kasangulu — Lola ya Bonobo (Congo - Kinshasa)
Kasangulu
Kasangulu is the closest western city to Kinshasa in Kongo Central province.
Lukula — Lola ya Bonobo (Congo - Kinshasa)
Lukula
Lukula is a town in Kongo Central known for its forestry and agriculture.

History & landmarks

🗺️
Lemfu Catholic Mission
A historical mission station with impressive buildings from the colonial era.
Inga Dam — Lola ya Bonobo (Congo - Kinshasa)
Inga Dam
The Inga Dams are a series of hydroelectric power stations on the Congo River, among the largest of their kind in the world.
St. Joseph's Cathedral, Matadi — Lola ya Bonobo (Congo - Kinshasa)
St. Joseph's Cathedral, Matadi
The main church of the port city of Matadi, prominently located on a hill.
Pont Maréchal — Lola ya Bonobo (Congo - Kinshasa)
Pont Maréchal
The Pont Maréchal is a suspension bridge over the Congo River at Matadi, providing a vital link for road and rail transport.
Stanley's Baobab — Lola ya Bonobo (Congo - Kinshasa)
Stanley's Baobab
The Baobab de Stanley in Boma is a historic giant tree where the explorer Henry Morton Stanley reportedly camped.
Boma Cathedral — Lola ya Bonobo (Congo - Kinshasa)
Boma Cathedral
The Cathédrale Notre-Dame de l'Assomption in Boma is one of the oldest and most historic Catholic churches in the country.
Banana Lighthouse — Lola ya Bonobo (Congo - Kinshasa)
Banana Lighthouse
A historical lighthouse at the mouth of the Congo into the Atlantic near Banana.

More places

Kisantu Cathedral — Lola ya Bonobo (Congo - Kinshasa)
Kisantu Cathedral
The Cathedral of Notre-Dame des Sept Douleurs in Kisantu is an impressive brick church in Neo-Romanesque style, built between 1926 and 1936.
Kisantu Botanical Garden — Lola ya Bonobo (Congo - Kinshasa)
Kisantu Botanical Garden
One of the oldest botanical gardens in Central Africa, famous for its avenues and diversity of flora.
🗺️
Historical Zongo Falls
The Zongo Falls were an important natural obstacle and a landmark for early explorers and traders traveling through the interior of Bas-C…
🗺️
Dimba Cave
The Dimba Cave in Kongo Central contains significant prehistoric artifacts and rock paintings that document the early settlement of the r…
🗺️
Banza-Manteke Mission
Banza-Manteke was the site of one of the first mass conversions to Christianity in the Congo in the 1880s, led by Protestant missionaries.
Kimpese Mission — Lola ya Bonobo (Congo - Kinshasa)
Kimpese Mission
Kimpese was an important center of Protestant mission and education, known for the early founded Institut Médical Évangélique.
Kongo-Dia-Vwa — Lola ya Bonobo (Congo - Kinshasa)
Kongo-Dia-Vwa
A historical site in Bas-Congo deeply rooted in the traditions of the Kongo people, serving as a memorial for the ancestors.
Crystal Mountains — Lola ya Bonobo (Congo - Kinshasa)
Crystal Mountains
A mountain range parallel to the Atlantic coast that forces the Congo River to form rapids.