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Lomami National Park

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Animal habitat
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Lomami National Park (Congo - Kinshasa)

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Lomami National Park was officially proclaimed on July 7, 2016, making it one of the newest major protected areas in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It covers an area of 8,879 square kilometers across the Tshopo and Maniema provinces in the central Congo Basin. The park's establishment was the culmination of nearly a decade of scientific exploration, during which several new species were discovered, most notably the Lesula monkey (Cercopithecus lomamiensis). The landscape consists predominantly of tropical lowland rainforest, bordered by the Lomami, Tshuapa, and Lualaba rivers. The park provides an undisturbed habitat for the okapi, the Congo peacock, and the forest elephant, and features an exceptionally high density of primates. Geographically isolated, the area remained spared from large-scale logging and industrial exploitation for a long time, making it one of the region's best-preserved forest ecosystems. Management is carried out by the ICCN with the support of international partners, focusing on the fight against commercial bushmeat poaching. The park is regarded as a model project for modern conservation, where the involvement of local communities plays a central role.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May–Jul.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C242524242424252525242424
Rain mm1271521711611248171152164199197177

📋 Practical info

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Best season
The dry season (June-September) is the best time for wildlife viewing as animals gather around remaining water sources. In the rainy season (October-May), roads are difficult and sightings less likely.
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Best time of day
Early morning and late afternoon twilight are the most active times for most mammals. During the hot midday hours, animals retreat into dense forest.
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Etiquette
Entry to the national park is only with a permit and accompanied by an armed guide. Do not leave any litter and do not feed animals.
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What to bring
Binoculars and a zoom spotting scope are indispensable for wildlife viewing in dense forest. Long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and insect repellent are recommended due to insects and ticks.
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Getting there
Lomami National Park is in central DRC and best reached from Kindu or Kisangani. Travel requires domestic flights followed by boat rides on the Lomami River.
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What to expect
Animal density is not as high as in East African savannahs; you often need to search for hours. An experienced guide knows the best spots, but even then sightings are not guaranteed.

Geography

Coordinates
-2.50000, 24.50000

Facts

  • Officially declared a national park on July 7, 2016.
  • Covers 8,879 square kilometers in the heart of the Congo Basin.
  • Home to the Lesula monkey, a species discovered in 2012.
  • Contains significant populations of the endangered okapi.
  • The first national park established in the DR Congo since the 1970s.
  • Bounded by the Lomami and Lualaba rivers.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Congo Peanut FieldCongo Peanut Field75 km · SWExplore →
Katako-KombeKatako-Kombe93 km · WExplore →
LomelaLomela135 km · SExplore →
LodjaLodja144 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

When was Lomami National Park founded?
It is one of the country's newest parks, officially established in 2016.
What unique monkey species was discovered here?
The Lesula monkey was discovered here only a few years ago.
Where is the park located?
In the central part of the Congo Basin, between the Maniema and Tshopo provinces.
Can you see bonobos in Lomami Park?
Yes, the park protects a significant population of these great apes.
Is the park suitable for mass tourism?
No, it is very remote and aimed at ecotourists and researchers.
Lomami National Park: where is it located?
Lomami National Park is located in Congo - Kinshasa.
Lomami National Park: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jul.
Lomami National Park: why is it worth visiting?
Lomami National Park was officially proclaimed on July 7, 2016, making it one of the newest major protected areas in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
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Nearby cities

Boende — Lomami National Park (Congo - Kinshasa)
Boende
Boende is the capital of Tshuapa Province, located on the Tshuapa River in the central rainforest region.
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Ikela
Ikela is a town in Tshuapa Province, situated on the Tshuapa River and known for its strategic location in the central basin.
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Djolu
Djolu is a remote town in Tshuapa province, surrounded by dense forest.
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Monkoto
Monkoto is an important gateway to the Salonga National Park in Tshuapa province.

More places

Congo Peanut Field — Lomami National Park (Congo - Kinshasa)
Congo Peanut Field
Peanut fields are a common sight in the savannas of the DR Congo, providing a vital source of protein and income.
Congo Cassava Field — Lomami National Park (Congo - Kinshasa)
Congo Cassava Field
Cassava (manioc) fields are the most widespread agricultural feature in the DR Congo, as it is the nation's primary food staple.
Congo Corn Field — Lomami National Park (Congo - Kinshasa)
Congo Corn Field
Maize fields are a dominant agricultural feature in the southern savannas of the DR Congo, providing a vital food source.
Kisangani Children's Park — Lomami National Park (Congo - Kinshasa)
Kisangani Children's Park
Children's parks in Kisangani offer recreational opportunities for families along the banks of the majestic Congo River.
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Tshuapa Rainforest
A huge, pristine forest area in the heart of the Congo Basin.