Ninety minutes west of Kinshasa, just beyond the city's sprawl, this provides a home for orphaned bonobos. Long thought to be chimpanzees it is only fairly recently that scientists have realised that they are a seperate species altoghter and one that is even more closely related to you and I. Bonobo's are known for being much more peaceful than chimpanzees and instead of fighting they prefer to have sex! Make love not war! Trails 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: follow the signs for Chutes de Lakaya, which has a little beach and weekend-only restaurant. If you're patient, you can hitch the 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 which is US$150-200.
