Garamba National Park is one of the most beautiful safari destinations in the African Continent and popular for being one of the last strongholds for the surviving Kordofan giraffes within the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Size and Locations of Garamba National Park
Garamba National Park extends for about 513300 hectares and is found in the extreme north-eastern part of the country, sharing its border with neighboring South Sudan. It is part of the Sudano-Guinean Savannah zone with its landscape marked by vast savannah, woodlands and grasslands dotted with inselbergs of granite composition, isolated forests along its pristine River banks as well as swampy depressions. In terms of altitude, the Park sits on an area between 700 and 1065 meters above sea level
History of Garamba National Park
Garamba gained its “National Park” status in 1938, hence making it one of the oldest National Parks in Africa and in 1980 became a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its wealth of natural resources worth exploring. However, the extremely significant landscape has tremendously been faced by high poaching wars in the African Continent. The good news however is that since 2005 the Protected Area is being co-managed by Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature (ICCN) and African Parks (a not-for-profit Conservation Organization). Because of this, Rangers attached to ICCN and soldiers of “Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo” work hand in hand to ensure the total protection of Garamba National Park from rebel groups and Poachers that have always terrorized the region.
Highlights
The savannah grasslands, woodlands, wetlands and woodlands of Garamba National Park support a wide range of animals, birds and plants that will capture your attention.
Game drives
The easiest and most exciting way to search for African wilderness animals within Garamba National Park is to sign up for guided game drives in the comfort of open-roof vehicles. This is done in the company of expert Ranger guides that help in spotting different animals that include giraffes, northern white rhinos, Hippos, Cape buffaloes, Guereza colobus, De Brazza’s monkeys, spotted hyenas, Bongo, Roan antelopes, Blue duikers, Patas Monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, Lelwel’s hartebeests, Red River hogs, African lions, Giant forest hogs, common warthogs, Uganda Kobs, Vervet monkeys, bushbucks and so much more.
Birding tours
Making an experience on most bucket lists for Garamba National Park, birding tours are undeniably rewarding and worthwhile. Who wouldn’t want to explore varying ecosystems for different bird species? Expect rich views of Helmeted guineafowls, the long-tailed cormorants, Laughing doves, Spur-winged lapwing, Great snipe, pink-backed pelicans, Squacco herons, White-backed pelicans, Yellow-billed storks, Water thick knee, Knob-billed ducks, Black Crakes, Wattled plovers, Heuglin’s francolin, Egyptian goose, Red-eyed doves, African green pigeons, Egyptian plovers, Eastern plantain eaters and African jacana among others.
Fishing
Of the many Rivers in Garamba National Park, only few are designated places for undertaking fishing, and intending participants are required to bring along fishing gear/equipment. This activity can be undertaken all year round and the commonly-caught species ate Tilapia, Momyrus, Synodontis (freshwater catfish) and many others.
Boat rides
Boat riding excursions in Garamba National Park are conducted within Rivers Garamba, Dungu and Aka where unique aquatic animals such as Hippos and bird species especially the great white pelicans, African fish eagles, pied and giant kingfishers, and others can be encountered.
Guided nature walks
There is one true authentic way to discover the wilderness of Garamba National Park-guided bush walks where hidden habitats, unique bird species, reptiles and if lucky unique animals are encountered. Listen to the sweet melodies of the wilderness and have the best experience of a lifetime.
How do i get there ?
By Road
A 5-hour road trip from Arua (north-western Uganda) can connect travellers to Nagero, then to Garamba Park Headquarters.
By Flight
Garamba National Park is situated in north-eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and can be accessed by air.