Introduction
Kundelungu National Park is one of Democratic Republic of Congo’s top National Parks located in Haut-Katanga province northeast of Lubumbashi and adjacent to Upemba National Park. Kundelungu National Park derived its name from a plateau on which this National Park is situated known as the Kundelungu plateau. This National Park has an area cover of 7,600 square kilometers of lush landscapes and diverse ecosystems. Kundelungu National Park’s ecosystem is mainly comprised of savannah grasslands on large steppes dotted with forest galleries which are a typical characteristic of the Katanga region. Kundelungu National Park used to be a private hunting ground before it was established and declared a National Park in 1970. The Park’s standout attraction and its unique identifier are the Lofoi waterfalls that stand at an impressive height of 340 meters making it one of the enormous waterfalls in Central Africa. This captivating waterfall offers breathtaking views and tranquilizing sound of cascading water that is all worth capturing. Kundelungu National Park is rich in biodiversity which is a haven to both animal species and bird species. Animal types that can easily be spotted during an authentic African safari drive include buffaloes, hippopotamuses, jackals, warthogs, porcupines, monkeys, antelopes to mention but a few. Bird species that can be seen in this National Park include pelicans, egrets, marabou stork, sharp-tailed starling, barnnerman’s sunbird, pale-billed hornbill, black-eared seedeater, grey-crowned crane, coppery-tailed coucal and many more. Therefore, nature enthusiasts seeking to experience central Africa’s hidden wonders, Kundelungu National Park is the answer.
Attractions in Kundelungu National Park
Lofoi water falls, Lutshipuka and Masansa waterfalls
Kundelungu National Park is made up of three water falls namely; Lofoi waterfalls which is one of the largest waterfalls in both volume and height in the entire central Africa. This waterfalls stands at 340 meters above sea level and its waters are a tributary of the Lufira River. This waterfall is also known as the Chutes Kaloba or the Chutes Lofoi which are more impressive during the rainy season than the dry season due to the increased volumes of water. This stunning waterfall offers a stunning swimming pool where visitors can relax after a day’s hike to the top of the falls. This majestic waterfall is complemented by other two waterfalls namely Lutshipuka and Masansa waterfalls which provide an opportunity to encounter the Park’s wildlife on foot most especially during hikes to the top of the falls.
Kundelungu National Park is majorly characterized by savannah grasslands, swamps, forest galleries and Miombo woodlands that are suitable habitat to vast wildlife. The Park’s wildlife species include antelopes, warthogs, jackals, hippopotamuses, crocodiles, porcupines, zebras, buffaloes, impalas, monkeys, cheetahs, olive baboons to mention but a few which are always spotted during wildlife game viewing.
Kundelungu National Park harbors numerous bird species most of which are endemic to the area while others are non-native bird types to the region. Bird types that can be spotted in Kundelungu National Park include wattled crane, racket-tailed roller, chestnut owlet, Angola lark, marabou stork, grey-throated barbet, African fish eagle, Madagascar bee-eater, honey guide green belt, shoebill stork, egrets, pelicans to mention but a few.
Activities in Kundelungu National Park
Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is one of the major activities Kundelungu National Park offers. Vast wildlife is usually spotted in the early mornings as early risers try feeding on pastures before temperatures rise in the afternoon. Carnivals as well can be spotted as they roam the Park trying to grab their days prey. During game viewing, one is expected to encounter animals like warthogs, buffaloes, zebras, porcupines, jackals, cheetahs, monkeys, hippopotamuses, antelopes and many more.
Bird watching
Kundelungu National Park is one of Democratic Republic of Congo’s Important Birding Areas (IBA) due to the vast bird species that call the Park home. Various bird species are always spotted around water bodies for example the Lofoi waterfalls and forested areas of the Park. Birding in Kundelungu National Park is carried out with the help of an experienced birder guide who identifies rewarding birding spots in the Park as hikes are made following the Park’s trails to encounter several birds such as wattled crane, chestnut owlet, marabou stork, honey guide green-belt, Madagascar bee-eater, grey-throated barbet, egrets, African fish eagle Angola lark to mention but a few.
Nature walks and Hiking to the top of the water falls
Nature walks in Kundelungu National Park are carried out with the help of an experienced and knowledgeable ranger guide who is able to give details and explain concepts while one discovers the hidden treasures of the Park on foot. On the other hand, hiking to the top of the waterfalls, one has to go through rugged areas of Lofoi, Masansa and Lutshipuka. The top of the falls is so stunning and rewarding as one enjoys the scenic beauty of the Park, takes in the ear-catching melodies of bird species and spot vast wildlife up-close such as warthogs and many more.
Swimming
In Kundelungu National Park, Lofoi waterfalls offer swimming opportunities to visitors since they do have a safe pool at their base where this natural water collects. Swimming can also be done at Lutshipuka waterfalls more so after strenuous tour activities like nature walks around the Park to later relax ones’ minds and body.
Camping
When one thinks of the best way to spend quality time amidst nature, camping in Kundelungu National Park offers the best opportunity. Camping in this Park takes place at the top of the three waterfalls where tourists get to enjoy the stunning views of the park as well as spotting various wildlife species all day. Tourists also enjoy their presence in the wilderness by witnessing ear-catching sound made by splashing waters that falls below into the plunge pool.
Best time to visit Kundelungu National Park
Kundelungu National Park is open to visits all year round although the best time to visit the Park is during the dry season in the months of June to early September and December to February. During this period, wildlife in the park can easily be spotted in the park since the vegetation is shorter compared to wet seasons. Animals also collect around water bodies in large numbers during the dry season compared to wet seasons which makes game viewing simpler. The Park’s trails are also easily accessible during the dry seasons than in the wet seasons.