Garamba National Park is one of Africa’s oldest national parks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located in the northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Known for its open savannas, woodlands, and wetlands, Garamba offers a stark contrast to the dense rainforests that dominate much of the Congo Basin. The park is internationally recognized for its unique biodiversity, including the last known population of the Kordofan giraffe in the DRC and critical efforts to protect African elephants and other threatened species.

Brief History of Garamba National Park

Garamba National Park was established in 1938, making it one of the earliest national parks in Africa. It was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980 due to its ecological significance and the presence of rare wildlife, such as northern white rhinos, which have since become extinct in the wild.

Due to poaching and regional instability, Garamba has faced serious conservation challenges. It was placed on the List of World Heritage in Danger in 1996, but ongoing partnerships between the Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature (ICCN) and African Parks have led to notable improvements in protection, wildlife monitoring, and community engagement.

What to Do at Garamba National Park

Garamba is not a mass tourism destination but offers immersive experiences for adventurous travelers, conservationists, and researchers.

1. Game Drives
Explore Garamba’s vast landscapes in search of iconic wildlife, including:

Kordofan giraffes (critically endangered)

African savanna elephants

Lions

Hippos and buffalo

Leopards and antelope species

Game drives provide a rare opportunity to witness wildlife in a remote, less-touristed part of Africa.

2. Bird Watching
Garamba boasts over 350 bird species, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise. Expect to see:

Secretary birds

Martial eagles

African fish eagles

Storks and cranes in the park’s wetland areas

3. River Safaris
The Dungu River and other waterways are ideal for boat excursions. These safaris reveal hippos, crocodiles, and aquatic birdlife, offering a peaceful way to explore the park’s ecosystems.

4. Cultural Visits
Visitors can engage with nearby Azande communities to learn about traditional lifestyles, conservation initiatives, and coexistence with wildlife. Local communities are increasingly involved in park management and anti-poaching efforts.

How to Get to Garamba National Park

Garamba is located in a remote region near the border with South Sudan, and access requires careful planning.

By Air:
Most visitors arrive via chartered flights to Nagero, where the park’s headquarters are located.

Flights can be arranged from Arua (Uganda) or Entebbe with special permission and advance coordination.

By Road:
Overland travel is extremely challenging due to limited infrastructure and security concerns.

Not recommended for tourists unless as part of a well-organized conservation mission or guided expedition.

Note: Due to the park’s sensitive location, travel should always be arranged through licensed operators or in collaboration with African Parks or ICCN.

Accommodations at Garamba National Park

Garamba offers limited accommodation due to its conservation focus. Options include:

1. Garamba Field Station
Basic accommodation for researchers and conservation staff

Sometimes available to tourists or visiting scientists

2. Tented Camps (Seasonal)
Managed by park authorities for visiting teams

Simple amenities, meals arranged in advance

3. Camping
Only permitted in designated zones with a guide

Visitors must bring their own gear and coordinate logistics with park staff

This is a destination best suited to adventure travelers, scientists, and conservation supporters.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Garamba is during the dry seasons:

December to February

June to August

These months offer easier access, better game viewing, and fewer insect-related challenges. The wet seasons (March–May and September–November) can make travel and exploration more difficult due to muddy conditions and flooded rivers.

Why Visit Garamba National Park?

To support critical conservation efforts for endangered species like the Kordofan giraffe and African elephants

To experience safari landscapes rarely visited by tourists

To explore a UNESCO World Heritage Site with rich biodiversity and open savannas

To engage with community-led conservation models in one of Africa’s most remote national parks

Garamba National Park offers a powerful example of wildlife conservation in action, set against the backdrop of a truly wild African landscape. While not for the average tourist, Garamba rewards the intrepid traveler with authentic wilderness, meaningful impact, and rare sightings that few will ever experience.