Upemba national park is one of the protected areas in the Democratic Republic of Congo, situated in southeastern part of the country. Upemba National park covers an area of 11730 Square kilometers and occupies the Haut-Lomami, Lualama province and Haut-Katanga. Therefore, for any DR Congo Safari, Upemba National Park is a great destination you need not miss out.
The park is covered by magnificent evergreen forest, woodland vegetation, marshes and swamp vegetation. Some parts of the park are occupied by main water bodies such as lakes, rivers and wetlands and this is where most wildlife live. Lake Upemba is where the name of the park is derived.
This park was established in 1939 and since then, it has attracted the local people to be a threat to wildlife that live in this park. Human activities like poaching, encroachment, civil wars among others have seen reduction in the population of wildlife. The park received Abraham conservation award in June 2005 for protecting different biodiversity of the Congo River basin. The attractions in Upemba National Park include;
Wildlife.
The park has different wildlife which lives in savannah and dense forests. The park therefore occupies both forested and savannah grasslands. Animals that are usually spotted include Elephants, zebras, lions, Katanga impalas, oribis, olive baboons among others. Birds are also found in this park and among others are rare shoebill stork, Angola lark, Miombo rock thrush, wattle crane among others.
Water bodies.
Different water bodies such as Lugala River, Lake Upemba, wetlands among others have attracted different animals like crocodiles, fish, hippos and different bird species like the rare shoebill stock. On top of that, they add the natural beauty of beautiful scenery to the park premises.
Vegetation.
This is mainly made up of of savannah vegetation, montane and forests, all attracting a huge number of tourists to take nature walks. There are over 30 plant species that can be seen while on your Congo Safari in Africa. The flora is fascinating and eye-catching hence every tourist admires to come and have a look at them.
Beautiful scenery.
Mount. Kibara creates an extraordinary scenery, located in the elevated regions of the park. The low lands of Kibara Mountains are occupied by montane forests that are home to primates like the olive baboons.
Activities in Upemba national park.
Game viewing.
The park occupies both savannah and forest species and these include antelopes, elephants, buffalos, lions, zebras, baboons among others. Such animals can be spotted on game drives or nature walks.
Bod watching.
The park boasts over 200 bird species and among others include; Dickinson’s kestrel, wattle crane, racket-tailed roller, the rare shoebill, Angola Lark, Cisticola, miombo rock thrush, flycatchers, Nicator and honey guide greenbul. This has made birding a popular activity in the park.
Hiking.
Hiking expeditions happen at Mount. Kibara located in the higher region of the park. This exposes hikers to beautiful scenery of landscape and vegetation like woodland forests, montane forests among others that are occupied by primates like olive baboons.
Sport fishing.
This is a leisurely experience that one can participate in after a hiking adventure. Visitors are taken to lakes and rivers to catch the different fish types which are later roasted or boiled for a dish at night. For those who like fish delicacies or sport fishing, this is the best destination to visitors.
Cultural encounter.
At the edge of the park, you finds the Batwa pygmies that used to live in the forest, dependent on fruit gathering and hunting. The way of life for the pygmies is so wonderful to learn and visitors get entertained through their vibrant dances and music. Also, take part in the tasting of various traditional dishes and unique building styles by use of local materials.
Add Upemba National Park on your safari to Africa and you will never regret it.
