Kundelungu National Park gets its name from the Kundelungu Plateau where it is located, in the Katanga Province of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The park was officially established in 1970. Before this, the area was used as a hunting reserve. Today, Kundelungu National Park covers about 7,600 square kilometers.
The park is located about 180 kilometers from Lubumbashi, making it one of the main nature destinations in southern Congo. One of the park’s best known features is the Lofoi Waterfalls, which drop from a height of about 384 meters. These falls are among the highest in Africa. Kundelungu National Park is also linked to Lake Upemba through an ecological corridor, which helps support wildlife movement in the Katanga region.
Kundelungu National Park is made up of open savannah grasslands, Miombo woodlands, forest galleries, and wide open plateaus. The landscape is open and allows visitors to enjoy long views across the park.
Wildlife, Birding & Swimming
Kundelungu National Park is home to several wildlife species. Animals found here include jackals, antelopes, warthogs, buffalos, hippos, porcupines, impalas, zebras, leopards, cheetahs, olive baboons, and other monkey species. Wildlife sightings are possible, although animals are not always easy to see due to the large size of the park.
Bird watching is another activity visitors enjoy in Kundelungu National Park. The park has many bird species, including marabou storks, racket tailed rollers, honey guide green belt, wattled cranes, chestnut owlets, shoebills, Angola larks, grey throated barbets, Madagascar bee eaters, and African fish eagles.
The Lofoi Waterfalls also create a natural pool where visitors can relax and swim. Other waterfalls in the park include Lutshipuka and Masansa. Guided nature walks are available and give visitors a chance to see birds, primates, plants, and river areas on foot.
Upemba National Park & Access
Kundelungu National Park is often visited together with Upemba National Park, which is sometimes called its sister park. Upemba National Park covers about 10,000 square kilometers and supports many plant and animal species.
Visitors can reach Kundelungu National Park in about two hours from Lubumbashi. A four wheel drive vehicle is required, especially during the rainy season when roads become difficult.
Accommodation inside the park is limited. Visitors can stay in Katwe town or camp near the waterfalls if they bring their own camping gear.
Kundelungu National Park can be visited all year. The best time to visit is from June to August during the dry season when vegetation is lower and wildlife is easier to see.
