Also known as Muanda Marine Reserve or Parc Marine des Mangroves, Mangroves National Park is the only Marine Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo known for its verdant mangrove forests. This extraordinary Protected Area is also known for offering ultimate protection to the endangered Manatee population within the mouth of River Congo.
Size and Location of Mangroves National Park
Mangroves National Park is situated within the extreme western side of Democratic Republic of Congo in the Moanda territory, along the mouth of River Congo and interestingly borders the northern end of Angola. It extends about 768 square kilometers/76,800 hectares of verdant rainforest, mangroves, walnut trees, African Oak and Red Cedar thus making it the smallest Park in this spectacular Central African country. Of the mentioned vegetation types, the Park is dotted with the lush forest in species of brush as well as grassland areas. While it’s a Marine Park, its mangrove is evidently different from the one in Asia (India and Bangladesh).
History of Mangroves National Park
Mangroves National Park was gazetted in 1992 and divided into three distinctive regions that include the many Islands of Mangroves, the coastal area as well as the riverside land area. These three beautiful regions are fully protected, in comparison to others that remain partly protected. The land area is where you will find verdant forests and plant life especially leafy plants, thick African oak, walnut trees, vines and red cedar, while the coastal area is where the tall grasses dotted with coconut palms. This Protected Area is also a renowned Ramsar wetland system since 18th January 1996, for its significance in protecting endangered Manatee population in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Highlights
Animals
It is a widely known fact that Mangroves National Park is a stronghold for the endangered Manatee population in the Democratic Republic of Congo. These large mammals are sometimes referred as “sea cows” given the fact that they are herbivores that graze along the banks of the River. These creatures can weigh up to 590 kilometers and extend for about 4 meters long, with females being larger than their male counterparts. Manatees are marked by large flat paddle-shaped tails or flippers that propel them through water.
Mangroves National Park also shelters Hippopotamus, Southern reedbucks, Nile crocodiles, sitatunga, population of monkeys, bushbucks and different snake species
Birds
The exceptional bird species that call Mangroves National Park are Goliath herons, the African fish eagles, Pied and malachite kingfishers, Greater flamingo, African jacana, African fish eagles, the long-tailed cormorants, Ayres hawk eagles, the red-billed tropic bird, to mention but a few.
Private boat cruises
Undertaking a boat cruise through the beautiful Mangroves, the calm River Congo as well as its inlets is one of the interesting ways how visitors can explore the beautiful Mangroves National Park. Different vegetation types, animals especially Nile crocodiles, the endangered Manatee and Hippos as well as birds should be expected during these cruises in addition to being provided with beautiful views of the landscape of the Park as well as the Riverine shoreline.
Guided nature walks
There are a number of hiking trails through the mainland area of Mangroves National Park, making it possible to encounter different attractions of the Park that can’t otherwise be spotted during boat cruises.
Bird watching tours
Bird watching tours in Mangroves National Park are undertaken through boat cruises and even guided nature walks with hope of spotting African fish eagles, Pied and malachite kingfishers, Greater flamingo, African jacana, African fish eagles, the long-tailed cormorants, Ayres hawk eagles and many others.
Fishing
Fishing trips are also possible in this Marine Protected Area and is mainly conducted in Congo River where a number of fish species especially catfish can be caught. Interested anglers are advised to carry along their own fishing gear so as to undertake the riveting tourist activity in mangroves National Park.
Wildlife viewing
In the marine-based Mangroves National Park is a beautiful mainland area with lots of animals such as southern reedbucks, bushbucks, monkeys, sitatunga and others that can be explored via wildlife viewing excursions.
How do i get there ?
By Road
Road to Moanda Town, before proceeding to the Park.
By Flight
Mangroves National Park is situated in the western side of Democratic Republic of Congo, and can be accessed by air therefore domestic flights can be booked.