Upemba National Park, located in the southeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), is a vast and diverse protected area known for its rich ecosystems, varied landscapes, and unique wildlife. Spanning over 11,730 square kilometers, Upemba is one of Africa’s largest national parks, encompassing a range of habitats from savannahs and woodlands to wetlands and mountains. Despite its remote location and the challenges it faces, Upemba offers a unique experience for adventurous travelers and wildlife enthusiasts looking to explore one of Africa’s lesser-known wilderness areas.

Geography and Location

A Landscape of Contrasts: From High Plateaus to Vast Wetlands

Upemba National Park is situated in the southeastern part of the DRC, within the Katanga Province. The park is characterized by its diverse landscapes, ranging from high-altitude plateaus and rugged mountains to expansive wetlands and rivers.

• High Plateaus and Mountains: The western part of Upemba National Park is dominated by the Kibara Plateau, which rises to elevations of over 1,800 meters. This area is characterized by grasslands, miombo woodlands, and patches of montane forest. The plateau offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and is home to a variety of wildlife, including rare and endemic species.
• Wetlands and Lakes: The eastern part of the park is dominated by the vast Upemba Depression, a large basin that includes a network of rivers, lakes, and marshes. The most notable feature is Lake Upemba, a shallow, swampy lake that covers an area of about 530 square kilometers during the rainy season. This wetland area is rich in biodiversity and provides critical habitats for a wide range of aquatic and terrestrial species.
• Rivers and Waterfalls: Several rivers flow through Upemba National Park, including the Lualaba River, which forms part of the Congo River Basin. The park is also home to several picturesque waterfalls, which add to its natural beauty and provide important water sources for wildlife.

Accessibility: Upemba National Park is one of the most remote and challenging parks to access in Africa. The nearest major town is Likasi, located about 200 kilometers to the south. Access to the park is typically by road, with the journey from Lubumbashi, the capital of Katanga Province, taking approximately 10 to 12 hours. Due to the park’s remote location, logistics for travel and accommodation must be carefully planned in advance.

Wildlife of Upemba National Park

A Sanctuary for Rare and Endemic Species

Upemba National Park is home to a remarkable diversity of wildlife, including several species that are rare, endemic, or threatened. The park’s varied habitats support a wide range of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians.

• Elephants: Upemba is home to a significant population of African elephants, which are primarily found in the park’s savannahs and woodlands. These elephants are often seen near water sources, particularly in the wetlands and along the rivers.
• Antelopes and Other Herbivores: The park’s grasslands and woodlands support a variety of herbivores, including buffaloes, zebras, and several species of antelopes such as the greater kudu, roan antelope, and sable antelope. The Kibara Plateau is also home to the rare Upemba lechwe, an antelope species endemic to the region.
• Primates: Upemba National Park is home to several species of primates, including chimpanzees, vervet monkeys, and colobus monkeys. These primates are primarily found in the park’s montane forests and along the riverine areas.
• Birdlife: The park is a haven for birdwatchers, with over 425 species recorded. The diverse habitats support a wide range of birdlife, including several endemic and rare species. Notable birds include the shoebill stork, wattled crane, and the Upemba masked weaver, an endemic species found only in the wetlands of the park.
• Aquatic Life: The rivers, lakes, and wetlands of Upemba are rich in aquatic life, including various species of fish, crocodiles, and hippos. The park’s wetlands are also critical habitats for several species of waterbirds, including herons, egrets, and kingfishers.

Conservation Challenges: Upemba National Park has faced significant challenges in recent years, including poaching, habitat destruction, and political instability. Despite these challenges, conservation efforts led by the Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature (ICCN) and international partners continue to protect the park’s wildlife and restore its ecosystems.

Activities and Attractions

Game Drives: Discovering Upemba’s Diverse Landscapes

Game drives are the primary way to explore Upemba National Park, offering visitors the opportunity to experience its varied landscapes and abundant wildlife up close.

• Morning and Evening Drives: Game drives in Upemba are typically conducted in the early morning and late afternoon when the animals are most active. These drives take visitors through the park’s savannahs, woodlands, and along the riverbanks, providing opportunities to see elephants, antelopes, and a variety of other wildlife.
• Unique Wildlife Sightings: Upemba offers the chance to see some of Africa’s rare and endemic species, including the Upemba lechwe and the shoebill stork. The drives also provide stunning views of the park’s diverse landscapes, from the high plateaus to the expansive wetlands.

Guided Safaris: Experienced guides lead the game drives, providing insights into the park’s ecosystems, animal behaviors, and the ongoing conservation efforts to protect its wildlife.

Birdwatching: A Birder’s Paradise

Upemba National Park is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with opportunities to spot a wide variety of species in their natural habitats.

• Wetland Birding: The Upemba Depression and its associated wetlands are prime birdwatching areas, attracting species such as the shoebill stork, wattled crane, and various waterfowl. These wetlands are particularly important during the rainy season when the water levels rise, creating ideal conditions for birdlife.
• Savannah and Woodland Birding: The park’s savannahs and woodlands are home to a variety of ground-dwelling and woodland birds, including the Upemba masked weaver, which is endemic to the park. The Kibara Plateau is also a good spot for birdwatching, with species such as the African fish eagle and the martial eagle commonly seen.

Birdwatching Tips: Birdwatching in Upemba is rewarding year-round, but the wet season (November to April) is particularly good for seeing migratory species and the vibrant plumage of resident birds.

Hiking and Nature Walks: Exploring Upemba’s Wilderness on Foot

For those seeking a more intimate experience, hiking and nature walks in Upemba National Park offer a unique way to explore the park’s wilderness on foot.

• Guided Hikes: Several trails in the park take visitors through different ecosystems, from the high-altitude plateaus to the dense woodlands and wetlands. These hikes offer the chance to see a variety of wildlife, including primates, birds, and smaller mammals. The walks are led by knowledgeable guides who provide insights into the park’s flora and fauna.
• Scenic Views: The Kibara Plateau offers some of the most stunning views in the park, with panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape. Hikers can explore the plateau’s grasslands and woodlands, encountering wildlife along the way and enjoying the tranquility of this remote area.

Best Time for Hiking: The dry season, from May to October, is the best time for hiking in Upemba, as the trails are dry and wildlife is concentrated around the rivers and waterholes.

Cultural Encounters: Engaging with Local Communities

The area surrounding Upemba National Park is home to several indigenous communities, including the Luba and Lunda people, who have lived in the region for centuries.

• Community Visits: A visit to a local village offers a unique opportunity to learn about the traditional way of life of the Luba and Lunda people. Visitors can observe traditional crafts, such as weaving and pottery, and learn about the customs and practices that have sustained the community in this challenging environment.
• Cultural Tours: Cultural tours often include visits to local markets, where visitors can purchase traditional crafts and interact with the local people. These tours provide deeper insights into the daily lives of the local communities and their relationship with the park.

Cultural Insight: Engaging with the local communities adds a rich cultural dimension to your visit to Upemba National Park, offering a deeper understanding of the people who call this region home.

Conservation and Environmental Significance

A Critical Conservation Area

Upemba National Park is one of Africa’s most important conservation areas, particularly for its populations of elephants, antelopes, and endemic species. The park’s diverse habitats support a wide range of species, making it a key area for biodiversity conservation in Africa.

• Elephant Conservation: Upemba is home to a significant population of African elephants, and conservation efforts are focused on protecting these majestic animals from poaching and habitat loss. The park’s elephants play a crucial role in maintaining the ecosystem by dispersing seeds and creating clearings.
• Endemic Species Conservation: The park is a critical habitat for several endemic species, including the Upemba lechwe and the Upemba masked weaver. Conservation efforts are focused on protecting these species from threats such as habitat destruction and poaching.

Challenges and Opportunities: Upemba National Park faces significant challenges, including poaching, habitat destruction, and political instability. However, its designation as a protected area and ongoing conservation efforts by the ICCN and international partners highlight its global significance and the importance of preserving this unique wilderness.

Accommodation in Upemba National Park

Lodging Options

Due to its remote location, accommodation options within and near Upemba National Park are limited, but they offer a range of options for different budgets, providing an authentic experience in one of Africa’s most pristine wilderness areas.

• Park Headquarters Camp: The primary accommodation option within the park is a basic camp near the park headquarters. The camp offers basic facilities, including tents and simple amenities, providing an authentic bush experience close to the park’s wildlife.
• Lodges in Likasi: A few lodges and guesthouses are available in the nearby town of Likasi, offering more comfortable accommodations for visitors exploring the region. These lodges provide essential amenities and often arrange guided tours and excursions to the park.

Choosing the Right Accommodation: Visitors to Upemba National Park should be prepared for a remote and rugged experience, with limited facilities. However, the opportunity to explore one of Africa’s most unique and significant parks makes it a rewarding adventure.

Getting to Upemba National Park

Accessing the Park

Upemba National Park is located in a remote area of southeastern DRC, and reaching it requires careful planning and preparation.

• By Road: The most common way to reach Upemba National Park is by road from Lubumbashi, the capital of Katanga Province. The journey takes approximately 10 to 12 hours, depending on road conditions. The roads are often rough and require a 4×4 vehicle, making the journey an adventure in itself.
• By Air: For those preferring to fly, charter flights may be arranged to nearby airstrips, followed by a drive to the park. However, flights are limited, and most visitors opt for the overland route.

Travel Tips: Due to the park’s remoteness, it is essential to plan your trip carefully, ensuring that you have adequate supplies, including water, food, and fuel. It’s also advisable to travel with an experienced guide who is familiar with the area and its challenges.

Upemba National Park is one of Africa’s most unique and significant protected areas, offering a rare blend of stunning landscapes, rich biodiversity, and an important conservation mission. From the vast wetlands of the Upemba Depression to the rugged plateaus of the Kibara Plateau, Upemba provides an unforgettable experience for those seeking to immerse themselves in the heart of Africa. Despite the challenges it faces, Upemba’s designation as a protected area and ongoing conservation efforts make it a vital sanctuary for some of Africa’s most endangered and endemic species. For those willing to venture off the beaten path, Upemba National Park promises an adventure like no other.