Best Tourist Places to Visit in Isiro, Haut-Uele, Congo, Africa

Best Tourist Places to Visit in Isiro, Haut-Uele, Congo, Africa

Isiro is a town and the administrative centre of Haut-Uele District in the Orientale province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Isiro is situated around 3400 km northwest of the country capital, Kinshasa. Isiro has an agriculture based economy, particularly coffee production. Lingala is a widely spoken language in Isiro. Isiro is also noted as the home of the Dominican-operated university, Université d’Uélé and hometown of the chief of the group Zap Mama, Marie Daulne. Isiro lies at an altitude of 730 meters, between 2°52′ N latitude and 27°40′ E longitude.

History of Isiro:

As like the rest of Congolese cities and towns, Isiro also came under the colonial rule of the Belgians and during that period, Isiro had been called with name Paulis, which came from diplomat, Albert Paulis. Isiro had seen peak of its development in 1957.

Connectivity to Isiro:

Isiro is served by Matari Airport with flight services from Beni, Bukavu, Bunia, Goma, Kalemie, Kisangani and Lubumbashi, catered by Compagnie Africaine d’Aviation. The airport is situated around 3 km away from the city centre, can be reached by minibus or rental car.

The railway connectivity from Isiro to the rest of DRC in not upgraded but Isiro can be reached by bus from all the major DRC cities.

Culture, Food and shopping in Isiro:

Isiro is the site of a university cum cultural centre Université d’Uélé and is also well known for its traditional events. Isiro is also famous for its shops and restaurants but number is less.

What to do in Isiro?

Visiting local market and university
Walking
Biking

What to see in Isiro?

Université d’Uélé:

The Université d’Uélé is a Dominican based university in Isiro, which was established in 1998 as the 3^rd city in the province housing a university. The university is also famous as a prominent cultural centre in the city.

Garamba National Park:

Established in 1938, the Garamba National Park lies on the border of DRC with South Sudan. It is one of the oldest national parks in Africa and it was listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list in 1980 for its diverse geographical characteristics. Endangered Northern White Rhinoceros and typical African elephants are the major highlights of the park. The park is located few hundred kilometers northeast of Isiro.

Okapi Wildlife Reserve:

Located towards south-southeast of Isiro, the Okapi Wildlife Reserve is spread over an area of 14,000 km² in the Ituri Forest. It is a World Heritage Site, highlighted by Okapi population, which is native to the Ituri Forest. The Okapi Wildlife Reserve is also the scene of rivers, waterfalls, native and exotic plant and tree species.

List of other places of interest near Isiro includes: