Upemba National Park is a vast, biodiverse sanctuary in the southeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), within the Katanga Province. Covering over 10,000 square kilometers, the park features a rich mosaic of habitats—from mountainous savannas and miombo woodlands to marshlands and the expansive Upemba Depression, home to hundreds of lakes and river systems.

Although it remains one of Africa’s least-known parks, Upemba holds immense ecological importance and offers great potential for eco-tourism, wildlife research, and cultural exploration.

Brief History of Upemba National Park

Established in 1939, Upemba National Park is one of the oldest protected areas in the Congo Basin. It was created to safeguard its unique combination of high-altitude grasslands, lakes, and wetlands, and the diversity of wildlife they support.

Decades of civil unrest and insufficient infrastructure have hampered conservation efforts. However, recent partnerships between the Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature (ICCN) and international NGOs have helped revive protection programs, rebuild research stations, and lay the groundwork for community-involved conservation and sustainable tourism.

What to Do at Upemba National Park

While tourism is still developing, Upemba is a hidden gem for nature lovers, researchers, and adventurers.

1. Wildlife Viewing
Upemba is home to a diverse array of animal species, including:

Buffalo

Roan and sable antelope

Hartebeest and reedbuck

Hippos and crocodiles

Rare bird species such as the shoebill stork, pel’s fishing owl, and African skimmers

Though elusive due to low visitation, leopards and hyenas have also been reported.

2. Bird Watching
Upemba is a birding paradise with over 400 bird species, especially around its lakes and wetlands. It attracts both endemic and migratory birds, offering some of the best birding opportunities in Central Africa.

3. Lake Exploration
The Upemba Depression features more than 50 lakes, including Lake Upemba and Lake Kisale. These provide opportunities for:

Canoe trips

Fishing with local communities

Scenic photography and water bird observation

4. Cultural Encounters
The region is home to several ethnic groups such as the Luba people, known for their art, traditional music, and deep spiritual ties to the land. Visiting nearby villages offers cultural immersion and the chance to support community conservation initiatives.

5. Research Expeditions
Upemba’s complex ecosystem and relatively unexplored terrain make it ideal for ecological, botanical, and ornithological research. Scientists and conservationists are working to rediscover species long thought lost.

How to Get to Upemba National Park

Due to its location in southeastern DRC, reaching Upemba requires careful logistical planning.

From Lubumbashi (Provincial Capital):
By road: Travel to the town of Lusinga, which serves as the park’s administrative headquarters (approx. 600 km).

By air: Charter flights may be arranged to nearby airstrips, depending on operational conditions.

From Kolwezi or Kamina:
These towns provide alternative access points, though road conditions vary.

Local guides and park officials can arrange 4×4 transport from these towns.

Travel Advisory: Always travel with prior permission from ICCN, and ideally as part of an organized expedition or with a conservation group. Security and infrastructure conditions can change rapidly.

Accommodations at Upemba National Park

Tourism infrastructure is still developing, so accommodation is basic but improving:

1. Lusinga Park Station
Simple guesthouses for researchers, park rangers, and occasional tourists

Meals and logistics must be arranged in advance

2. Camping
Designated campsites available around Lake Upemba and Lake Kisale

Visitors must bring their own tents and supplies or work with guides for full-board arrangements

3. Nearby Towns
Basic guesthouses or lodges available in Kamina, Kolwezi, or Kipushi

More development is expected in the coming years as eco-tourism initiatives grow.

Best Time to Visit

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

May to September (cooler and drier)

December to February (short dry season)

The rainy seasons—especially March to May—can make road access difficult and flood the wetlands, although they also bring lush vegetation and active birdlife.

Why Visit Upemba National Park?

To discover one of the Congo’s most scenic and biodiverse regions

To support conservation in a post-conflict landscape

To enjoy birding and freshwater ecosystems rarely explored by tourists

To contribute to the revival of a park rich in history, culture, and ecology

Upemba National Park is a quiet frontier of African wilderness, ideal for off-the-beaten-path travelers, birdwatchers, and scientists. Though still emerging on the safari map, its incredible biodiversity and wild beauty offer unmatched potential for meaningful exploration and conservation impact.