KUNDELUNGU NATIONAL PARK.
The park is referred to as a sister park to Upemba National Park. Additionally, it is located to its right, but they are slightly different regarding to the habitat and the vegetation. Upemba National park consists of Savannah plains with Miombo woodland in various areas whereas Kundelungu National park is fully covered with Miombo.
The ecosystem is mainly grassy Savannah type on immense steppes dotted with forest galleries, characteristics of Katanga. The fauna that is supposed to shelter would include; Antelopes, Jackals, Porcupines, warthogs, snakes, monkeys, buffalos, Hippopotamuses. It also includes a great variety of birds such as egrets, marabouts, pelicans. Additionally, to a small extent, there also a few Lions, cheetahs, leopards, Zebras, but no one knows especially in the case of the big cats, if there they still exist. Therefore, it is extremely rare and complicated to see them, so visitors should not rely much on them, but instead content themselves with the beautiful landscape which is worth for the tour.
The River was dammed in 1926 at Mwadingusha near Likasi to form Lake Tshangalela (a reservoir for a hydroelectric generator supplying power for copper smelting). The River flows northwards through the Bia Mountains for about 500 kilometers (310 mi) joining the Lualaba in Lake Kisale. Lofoi falls shrink quietly a bit during the dryer seasons of June to October but are quite dramatic during the rest of the year.
However, depending to its vegetation, the possible residents most likely to inhabit there include; warthogs, porcupine, jackals, cheetahs, lions, leopards, buffaloes, hippos, crocodiles, Impalas, snakes and zebras well as for the bird species found in the Park may include; Marabou storks, egrets, pelicans and others.
But as already said, visitors to the Park should expect more of a beautiful landscape than the wildlife because they are rarely seen. Roads accessing the Park are nowadays groomed thus being safer than before to access the Park using 4×4 vehicles such as; the extended land cruisers with pop-up roofs and many others.
If you consult the best tour agencies, you will be provided any kind of vehicle you would like to use on your safari and apparently it will be offered to you when you arrive in Congo with a trained and experience guide-driver being inclusive only if you ordered for one. However, the most reliable vehicles ideal for Congo safaris are; the extended land cruisers, VX, V8, Land cruiser Prado and the safari vans which can all be offered to you only when you consult the most reliable tour agency in Africa listed at Congo Parks’’.
Getting around the park.
Since the roads have already been groomed, it’s therefore much safer than before and a good 4×4 fleet remains ideal to drive on all the roads of the park. The falling point of the reserve is the station of Katwe which has a shelter where it is possible to lodge for the night. Visitors can camp at the top of the falls whereby beautiful views of the sunset can easily be observed-with equipment and guards availed.
The ICCN must be paid for in Advance in addition to purchasing the $40 expatriate license and paying $15 per vehicle. The lodging is correct but rudimentary and without electricity, therefore, it is always recommended that you carry everything with you before leaving such as food and water including that for the driver as well as the guards. But if you are camping, then you will need to carry a flashlight and sleeping bag (because a few covers are provided and not always not enough).
Some of the activities that are engaged in at Kundelungu national park.
Hiking. Hiking in Kundelungu National Park is very exciting as it takes the tourists to the magnificent falls in the park, the park consists of three major magnificent waterfalls, for example, Masansa, Lutshipuka, and the great Lofoi falls which is the highest falls in Africa. Hiking to the top of the falls might to tiresome but it is very rewarding as you get to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the top of the falls.
Swimming and bathing. Kundelungu National Park offers wonderful water activities like swimming and bathing in Lutshipuka waterfalls the only waterfall which accommodates swimming. Most tourist after a hectic hiking adventure they involve in taking a bath in the fall as relaxation.
Sights seeing and sounds: Kundelungu National Park consists of the magnificent scenic view which are good for the sights seeing, the forested Miombo Woodland Vegetation, the falls, and the plateau are magnificent features which attract a large number of people to visit Kundelungu National Park. Lofoi fall flows to384 meters high and as they hit the rocks they make unique nature sounds.
Bird watching: this national park is a home of a variety of bird species that live in the forest of the park. The park is an important birding site harboring birds for example, cranes, egrets, marabouts, pelicans which are seen while on hiking and nature walks. The beautiful birds are heard early in the morning singing unique melodies in the middle of the thick forest which is music to the ears of the bird lovers.
Camping: For the nature addicts, spending a night in the wilderness is a very interesting opportunity offering couple of unforgettable memories. Camping in Kundelungu National Park takes place at the top of the falls where you get to enjoy the beautiful view of the sunset
As you visit this amazing national park, and all national parks in the democratic republic of Congo, your advised to move in the 4x 4 vehicle type to conquer the steep tenure system of the land and mostly the dry season is not easy and at this time, the roads at this time are impassable. The park is easily accessible since it is a 2 hour’s drive from Lubumbashi.
