Kundelungu National Park is one of the nine National Parks in the Democratic Republic of Congo and undeniably one of the untapped tourism potentials in the country. For travellers that long for phenomenal and extraordinary experiences, this Protected Area is a place to be.
Size and Location of Kundelungu National Park
Covering a total area of 7600 square kilometers (760,000 hectares) of primarily savannah grassland on a vast area dotted by the miombo woodlands and forest galleries, Kundelungu National Park is found in Haut-Katanga Province and is about 111 miles north-east of Lubumbashi Plateau. This beautiful protected Area is the home to Lofoi falls, a 340-meter high waterfall known for being one of the largest in the Central African region.
The incredible Kundelungu National Park is adjoined to Lake Upemba by an ecological corridor within the Katanga region, used by different animals during the annual migration periods. It is for this reason that the Protected Area is referred as the sister to the nearby Upemba National Park but their varying habitats as well as vegetation make them different. You will discover that Kundelungu is mainly characterized by Miombo woodland while Upemba savannah plains.
History of Kundelungu National Park
Before becoming a protected Area, the area was used as a Private hunting area where different wild animals (especially antelopes) were freely hunted until 1970 when Kundelungu National Park was gazetted. From this time onwards, hunting was considered totally illegal as a way of protecting different animals that were at the verge of getting extinct.
Highlights
Animals
The animals that call Kundelungu National Park home are Cape buffaloes, African bush elephants, giant porcupines, Hippopotamus, jackals, cheetahs, serval cats, common warthogs, Oribis, Burchell’s zebras, leopards, lions, crocodiles, black and white colobus monkeys, Olive baboons, bushbucks, Oribis, giant elands, vervet monkeys, impalas and many others.
Birds
There are a number of bird species in Kundelungu National Park and these are Pelicans, grey-crowned cranes, Marabou storks, cattle egrets, little egrets, giant kingfishers, the grey-throated barbets, shoebill storks, pied and malachite kingfisher, Madagascar Bee-eater, chestnut owlet, Angola lark and so much more.
Breathtaking landscapes and sceneries
The beautiful Lofoi waterfalls extending at 384 meters high is found in Kundelungu National Park while travellers can also explore Masansa and Lutshipuka waterfalls through guided nature walks with opportunities of encountering more animals and bird species in their natural habitat.
Guided nature walks
Guided nature walks within the spectacular Kundelungu National Park is a thrilling experience that lead visitors to the breathtaking waterfalls (Lofoi, Masansa and Lutshipuka), animals, birds and unique tree species in the Park. These walks make it easier to reach to places that can’t be explored by game drives
Swimming
The best way to cool off after a hectic day of birding, guided nature walks and game viewing is by engaging in swimming/bathing at Lutshipuka waterfalls. This activity is obviously only for the brave visitors who are ready to go off the beaten track to achieve unforgettable experiences.
Game viewing
Being a home to several African wilderness animals, travellers to Kundelungu National Park can undertake game viewing in the company of experienced Ranger guides attached to ICCN (I’institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature). Expect sights and sounds of Hippopotamus, jackals, cheetahs, serval cats, common warthogs, Oribis, Burchell’s zebras, leopards, lions, crocodiles, black and white colobus monkeys, Olive baboons, bushbucks, Oribis, giant elands, vervet monkeys and many others.
Bird watching
Birding tours in Kundelungu National Park are conducted throughout the year with sights of Marabou storks, cattle egrets, little egrets, giant kingfishers, the grey-throated barbets, shoebill storks, pied and malachite kingfisher and many others sighted all year round.
Camping and picnics
For travellers yearning to experience nature in a different way, camping is the way to go and with the favorable ecosystems in Kundelungu National Park, you can’t afford to miss it during your Congo safari.
How do i get there ?
By Road
Kundelungu National Park in Katanga Province is accessible by a 3-4 hour’s road trip for a 111-mile distance from Lubumbashi Town. Given the terrains of the Park and impassable roads during the wet season, 4WD Vehicles are recommended for getting to this Protected Area.
By Flight
Kundelungu National Park can be accessed by air whereby domestic flights can be booked.