Kundelungu National Park DR Congo

Kundelungu national park is located adjacent to the Upemba national park in the same region of Katanga province in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kundelungu National park stretches up to 7600 square kilometers and it was a private hunting ground before it was declared a protected area for wildlife conservation and hunting activities were suspended as it became illegal for hunting safaris in Kundelungu national Park.Kundelungu National Park is made up of two zones which is the western part that is offering the Lofoi Falls and the scenery is exceptional as you will hike up to 165m above the sea level.

The waterfall is more fascinating and stunning in the rainy season, even though the sight is unforgettable in all circumstances, and considered to be the highest waterfall in the continent with majestic waterfalls, of which it consists of two most emblematic with the Lofoi area the falls of Masansa and those of Lutshipuka,(swimming pool) where it is possible to swim.

The park is located 180 km North-East of Lubumbashi on the plateau from which it derives its name and rated amongst the eight National Parks in the country. It is connected by an ecological corridor with Lake Upemba in the Katanga region, allowing migration of wildlife.

The park is referred to as a sister park to Upemba national park and it is located to its right, but they are slightly different regarding the habitat and the vegetation, whereby Upemba National park consists of Savannah plains with Miombo woodland in various areas whereas, Kundelungu National park is fully covered with Miombo.

The ecosystem is mainly grassy Savannah type on immense steppes dotted with forest galleries, characteristics of Katanga, and the fauna that is supposed to shelter some of the African wildlife like; antelopes, Jackals, Porcupines, warthogs, snakes, monkeys, buffalos, Hippopotamuses a great variety of birds such as egrets, marabou, pelicans. To a small extent, there also a few Lions, cheetahs, leopards, Zebras, but no one knows especially in the case of the big cats, if there they still exist, therefore it is extremely rare and complicated to see them, so visitors should not rely much on them, but instead content themselves with the beautiful landscape which is worth for the tour.

Size of Kundelungu National Park

Kundelungu National Park is a national park of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, located in Haut-Katanga Province. The park was first established in 1970. It is approximately 7,600 square kilometers (1,900,000 acres) which is adjacent to the Upemba national park but due to the threats in the park from local human activities has put the national parks in real danger of massive destruction.

Location of Kundelungu National Park

Kundelungu National Park that is located in the Katanga province of Democratic Republic of Congo adjacent to Upemba National Park covering an area of 7,600 square kilometers and it is famously known for inhabiting the Lofoi falls

How to get to Kundelungu National Park

The park can be reached with 2 hours from Lubumbashi but tourists must use a four-wheel-drive vehicle to travel especially in the wet season when the roads leading to the park become impassable. There are hardly any accommodation units at the park yet but tourists can sleep at Katwe or camp at the top of the waterfalls but will need to carry their own camping gear.

Kundelungu national park can be visited all year round though the best time is from June to August when its dry season the vegetation is not thick making it easy to spot wildlife.

Things to do in Kundelungu National Park

Though the national park is a sister park to Upemba national park it does have very few wildlife and bird species and adventurers tourists can explore the national park in search of the scarce wildlife and the birdlife but the swimming after a hike is the highlight of a safari to Kundelungu National Park.

Wildlife viewing

Kundelungu national park boasts numerous wildlife for example; jackals, antelopes, warthogs, buffalos, hippos, warthogs, porcupines, impalas, zebras, buffalos, leopards, cheetahs, and several primate species like olive baboons, monkeys and so much more though wildlife is rarely seen.

You can also take nature guided walks and encounter more wildlife especially primates and birds.

Birding

Kundelungu national park is endowed with various bird species some of which are endemic to this area some the examples include; marabou storks, racket-tailed roller, honeyguide green belt, wattled crane, chestnut owlet, shoebill, Angola lark, grey throated barbet, Madagascar Bee-eater, and African fish eagle to mention a few.

Swimming

The magnificent Lofoi waterfalls provide a pool of a stunning swimming pool where tourists can relax, the Lofoi waterfalls stand 384 meters high there are also other waterfalls of Lutshipuka and Masansa.

When to Visit Kundelungu National Park

The best time to visit Kundelungu national park is during the dry seasons of June, July, and August and also during these dry months, the vegetation is not so thick giving tourists a clear view of the animals and birds and also hiking activities are easy unlike wet season when the accessibility is hard in the National park.

Where to Stay in Kundelungu National Park

With the national park underdeveloped, however, travelers can only say at the national park by bringing their own camping tents and bring their own food and drinks camping can take place at Katwe or camp at the top of the waterfalls

For further guidance on how to best explore Kundelungu national park in the Democratic Republic of Congo clients must contact us through our DRC partners to have the best arrangements for your safari.

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