Deep in the heart of Democratic Republic of Congo is the spectacular Salonga National Park, one of the outstanding Protected Areas that should miss on your checklist of Congo safaris.
Size and location of Salonga National Park
Extending for over 3600000 hectares, Salonga National Park sprawls into four different provinces of Sankuru, Mai Ndombe, Kasai and Equateur, hence making it the largest Forest National Park in the whole of Africa and surprisingly the World’s second largest Tropical forest Park. This Park is strategically located at the heart of the verdant Central basic of River Congo, making it only accessible by water.
History of Salonga National Park
The phenomenal Protected Area was gazetted as Tshuapa National Park in 1956, but after gaining its current size in 1970 after declaration by then President-Mobutu Sese Seko, it became Salonga National Park under the management of I’institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature (ICCN) as well as World Wild Fund for Nature since 2015. It was later designated a UNESCO World heritage Site in 1984. It became an endangered Protected Area from 1999 until 2021, because of improvement in its Conservation state.
Highlights
Salonga National park is home to many localized endangered species hence making it a biodiversity hot spot.
Fishing
With over 129 fish species that can be encountered by visitors to Salonga National Park, it is therefore possible for anglers to embark on fishing adventures. Intending participants are however advised to always come with their own fishing equipment alongside other safari essentials. Given the fact that catfish species are the commonest, catfish fishing is definitely a favorite adventure among visitors to Congo River basin. These excursions are conducted all year round with traditional wooden boats and live baits.
Learn about different interesting medicinal plants
The Tropical rainforest in Salonga National Park offer different medicinal plants and trees such as Cinchona tree, whose bark is used for increasing appetite, treating bloating and other stomach-related complications in addition to promoting the delivery of digestive juices among others.
Bird watching
Bird watching tours in Salonga National Park introduce visitors to the untapped jungles, river banks and wetlands to encounter over 200 species of birds that include the Congo peafowl, cattle egrets, yellow-billed storks and so much more.
Kayaking
River Congo offers kayaking, where visitors are allowed the opportunity to calmly paddle within the most remote parts of the Tropical rainforest, in the presence of skilled local guides while relishing views of animals, birds and trees of special interest. These kayaking excursions usually start in the morning, a perfect time for watching numerous bird species. The guided (from the surrounding local community) offer assistance to both novice and experienced paddlers in additions to having knowledge of the Congo River, its prevailing current and the tropical rainforest. Be prepared for 1-2 hours of kayaking.
Guided forest walks
Guided forest walks through the dense tropical rainforest of Salonga National Park is a fascinating way to experience the exceptional wildlife in the Protected Area as well as learn about the different medicinal plants that have been used by locals for years. Expect to see different snakes, frogs, unique tree species and animals on the ground as well as a troop of monkeys jumping through the tree canopies in addition to bird species. While Salonga National Park has more than 50 mammal species, 223 bird species and different reptiles to look out for, visitors are not guaranteed of seeing specific attractions. All you need is a good camera, binoculars and essential hiking gear to have the best experience.
Cultural tours
Just having the golden chance of exploring the local Iyalima culture is undeniably a fulfilling and eye-opening experience. For this adventure, visitors are allowed to interact and learn how these people live their lives around the forest and Congo River basin. Travellers will be amazed about how these people have maintained their original beliefs and customs for generations, without the effects of modernity. Get the chance to watch traditional dance performances, buy art and crafts and even taste their local cuisines.
Swimming in River Congo
For holding the World’s record of being the deepest River, you wouldn’t imagine that it’s possible to swim in River Congo. This swim is for brave tourists who wish to cool off from the Salonga heat.
How do i get there ?
By Road
Salonga National Park is about is 62 miles from the southern side of Boende, between Kinshasa and Kisangani.
By Flight
Domestic flights can be arranged from different airstrips-Mundja, Monkoto or Anga to Salonga National Park.