Salonga National Park -Largest Forest Park in Africa

Situated at the centre of the Central Basin of the Congo River exists Salonga National Park one of the biggest conservation areas in the Democratic Republic of Cong and Africa at large featuring mainly intense tropical rainforest with an area coverage of about 33350 square kilometers. This park is one of the few most isolated protected areas and it can be accessed by water transportation. The park refuges numerous endemic wildlife species most of which include the dwarf chimpanzees, the unique Congo peacock, the forest elephants, the African slender-snouted crocodiles, hippos, African golden cats, okapi, forest buffaloes, Bonobos, yellow-backed duikers, Angolan slender mongooses, giant pangolins as well as 129 fish species, 300 bird species including the yellow-billed stork, cattle egret, black stork and over 51 mammal species. It features unique biotopes, large marshlands, and exotic forests that offer authentic African experiences. The numerous floral and faunal species in the park constitute the back born of biological evolution and the adaptation of life forms in a complex equatorial rainforest environment. The vast size of this protected area allows the evolution of several species and biotic communities within the relatively untouched forest.

Established in 1970, Salonga National Park is one of the ancient protected areas and it comes in two portions the northern and southern parts that make up a 40-kilometer-wide corridor. It was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. Salonga National Park is the world’s most expansive conservation area and offers refuge to incredible fauna and flora. About a 3^rd of the southern part of the park features the pygmies and a portion of it is also claimed by the locals. The boundaries of this park are untouched as a result of many Rivers which make up recognized, concise, and natural boundaries.  The conservation area is protected and managed based on law 70-318 of 30 November 1970 and law 69-041 of 28 August 1969 in accordance with nature conservation. It features 6 administrative parts of Monkoto, Mondjoku, Yoketelu, Washikengo, Mundja, and Anga. Like other protected areas, Salonga National Park is run by the Congolese Institute for Nature Conservation (ICCN). The park lies nearly halfway between Kinshasa and Kisangani.

Tourist activities in Salonga National Park

The prime activities for you to enjoy while on safari in Salonga National Park include;

Game drives

Wildlife spotting is the leading tourist activity that you shouldn’t miss to participate in while on vacation in Salonga National Park. While on a game drive along this stunning protected area, expect to catch a glimpse at wildlife species such as the dwarf chimpanzees, Congo water civet, Angolan mongoose, pygmy Cape buffalo, sitatunga, Bonobos, dwarf crocodiles, wolf monkeys, okapis, red river hog, duikers, giant ground pangolins, tree pangolins, elephants, leopards, pottos, mono monkeys, white rhinos, dwarf bush baby and many more.

Birding

For bird lovers, there are over 300 avian species for you to spot most of which include the cattle egret, Congo peacock, black stork, yellow-billed stork, grey parrot, black-bellied bustard, and others. Other exciting tourist activities include fishing safaris, hunting adventures, cultural encounters, nature-guided walks, and others.

Getting to Salonga National Park

Salonga National Park lies about 100 kilometers south of Boende in between Kisangani and Kinshasa. The park is also reachable using domestic charter flights from Monkoto, Anga, and Mundja airstrips.

When to visit

The park is wet almost throughout the year but the best time to visit is in the drier months from June to August when there are no floods and vegetation is not very thick hence clearer views of wildlife. The park receives rainfall amounts of about 1700 mm each year.

For a visitor stay, you can opt for budget accommodation tents, bandas, and luxurious bandas.

Salonga National Park is one of the most magnificent protected areas in the Democratic Republic of Congo that you should consider visiting while on an African safari. The park has not been fully explored and yet offers a variety of tourist attractions for you to catch a glimpse.

Wildlife of the Congo Basin