Upemba National Park

Upemba National Park (Parc National d’Upemba) is one of Africa’s oldest national parks, established by royal decree on May 15, 1939, in the southeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). It spans the intersection of Haut-Lomami, Lualaba, and Haut-Katanga provinces, making it the largest park in the former Katanga region and a vital biodiversity hotspot in the Congo Basin.

Originally covering about 17,730 km² (one of the largest in Africa at the time), its boundaries were revised in 1975. Today, the core protected zone is roughly 9,984–10,000 km², with an annex of around 2,768–3,000 km², plus associated hunting reserves, for a total area of approximately 11,730–12,752 km² (about 4,530 square miles). The park is managed by the Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature (ICCN), with support from partners like the Forgotten Parks Foundation.

Geography and Landscapes

Upemba lies at the crossroads of Zambezian and Guinean biogeographic regions, featuring diverse habitats from high-altitude savanna plateaus and miombo woodlands to wetlands, marshes, and riparian forests. Its northern and western borders touch the Lualaba River (the upper Congo River) and the Kamalondo Depression. Lake Upemba, a shallow, papyrus-overgrown expansion of the river (about 500 km²), dominates the lower, swampy section alongside other lakes and marshes. The Lufira River bisects the park, creating northern and southern sectors with spectacular waterfalls and gorges.

In the northeast, the forested Kibara Mountains (or plateau) rise to around 1,850 m (6,070 ft), with rocky outcrops, gallery forests, and high savanna. Elevations range from about 585 m in the wetlands to 1,400–1,800 m on the plateaus. Seasonal water fluctuations shape the ecosystem: high lake levels from March to June, lower from October to January. The varied topography—volcanic soils, grassy plains, and river valleys—supports exceptional flora and over 1,800 recorded species.

Wildlife and Biodiversity

Upemba is renowned for its rich mammalian diversity and aquatic life. It once hosted massive herds, including up to 100,000 elephants. It remains a refuge for DRC’s pure savanna elephants (populations recovering toward 200+), the country’s last wild zebras (now around 170 after near-extinction), and the remaining Katanga buffalos. Other species include antelopes, lions, and various birds, with aquatic birds thriving in the wetlands. The park’s fish diversity is notable, with hundreds of species in its rivers and lakes. It supports unique or endemic elements at the intersection of savanna and forest ecosystems.

History, Challenges, and Conservation

Historically a prime wildlife destination, the park suffered severe declines from the 1970s onward due to poaching, civil wars, armed militias (once controlling much of the area, earning it the nickname “Triangle of Death”), illegal mining, and habitat pressures. Wildlife numbers plummeted dramatically, but dedicated ranger efforts (around 240 rangers) and conservation initiatives are driving recovery through patrols, surveillance, community engagement, and rewilding projects. Recent biodiversity expeditions highlight its ongoing importance.

Security remains a concern; for instance, a tragic armed attack on the Lusinga headquarters in March 2026 resulted in staff losses, underscoring the risks faced by protectors. Threats like poaching, bushfires, unsustainable fishing, and potential mining or oil activities persist, though control over park territory is improving.

Tourism is limited and adventurous, with potential for wildlife viewing, birding (including rare species), and scenic experiences like waterfalls. Access is challenging, often via rough roads from Lubumbashi (about 400 km away), and visitors should check current security and guided options. Upemba plays a key ecological role in the broader Congo Basin, acting as a carbon sink and wildlife corridor while aspiring to become a model for conservation through community involvement and sustainable development.

In summary, Upemba National Park blends dramatic landscapes, recovering megafauna, and resilient conservation stories in one of the DRC’s most biodiverse yet historically troubled regions—a “rising forgotten park” with immense potential for the future.