Named after two regional rivers, Bombo Lumene is a wonderful area for observing flora and for fishing or hanging out on the weekend, the closest National Park to the Capital, away into the savannahs of Bandu’undu, the grasslands of the DRC.

Located about 135 kilometers (c. 95 miles) and a 2-hour drive from Kinshasa city center (but it takes several hours to drive there,) this is a wonderful area to relax, picnic, hike, and even swim.

How to get to Bombo Lumene national park

Bombo-Lumene is 130 km away from Gombe. Drive past the airport and keep going. At the big fork in the road, turn right towards Kikwit/Bandundu (left goes towards Maluku), and stay on that road until you see the Bombo-Lumene sign on your right.  You will have to sign in at the gate with the ICCN rangers and then head straight down the sandy road until you get to the campsite.

Things to do in Bombo Lumene national park

Note: Due to the wholesale sell-off of the park’s wildlife to poachers by the “conservation” authority, there is no longer any (or many) wildlife for viewing in Bombo Lumene
other attractions on this tour include a visit to the Bateke villages near Bombo, and the spectacular drive through the Bombo Valley.

The best way to see animals in BL is to do our overnight camping add-on and to see the animals we can wake up at 4 am after laying out salt, which they will come out to lick. The scenery is still great; however, there are sadly not many more animals here, whereas there used to be animals everywhere you look.

That said, the River Lumene is a superb place to fish for the Mbenga Tiger Fish, which is local to the area, and if you bring gear (we can rent it out too,) this is an excellent activity to do here, though they are tough to catch.

When to visit Bombo-Lumene national park DR Congo

Any time of year, Rainy season, or dry season – getting there is not difficult, no matter the weather. A 4×4 is preferable but not necessary, there is only a short sandy area you have to pass and the rest is on well-paved roads. If you go during the dry season, it gets pretty chilly in the evenings so come prepared.

Where to stay in Bombo-Lumene national park DR Congo

The chalet includes one bathroom and a gorgeous porch area that overlooks the valley and plains of Bombo-Lumene. 3 hotel rooms further away, one double bed and bathroom in each ($20/room). 4 enormous tents that can fit 8-10 people light mattresses included in each, which can be set up either at the top near the Chalet or at the bottom by the river..