Mangroves national park is the only Marine national park in Congo, covering an area of 768 square kilometers, making it the smallest protected area in the Democratic republic of Congo, the park is situated in the Moanda territory at the starting point of the great Congo River. Mangroves national park derives its name from it’s renowned mangrove trees distinctive from the ones found in south Asia.
Mangroves national park is also under Ramsar and recognized as a Ramsar wetland system. The park is home to an endangered manatee population in Congo, and its diverse flora and fauna support a variety of wildlife. Mangroves national park was established in 1992 it’s characterized by mostly Mangroves, lush forests and wetlands the other two areas are the riverside and the coastal strip area.
Activities at Mangroves national park
Wildlife viewing
In the midst of the striking mangrove trees, tourists can view a lot of wildlife for example, reedbucks, bushbucks, snakes, monkeys, manatees, etc.
View plant species
Apart from Mangroves tourists mostly those interested in botany, can view a variety of plant life, such as oak trees, coconut trees, Walbut trees, red cedar and many more this together with grasslands, forms breathtaking views of the park.
Boat cruising
Tourists can take boat cruises in the Congo River and see hippos, crocodiles, manatees and a lot of aquatic birds, plus a reward of panoramic views of the national park.
Birdwatching
Mangroves national park is gifted with a number of bird species some of the examples of birds in the park are egrets, kingfishers, vultures, parrots and herons, among the rest.
Fishing
Fishing is one of the recreational activities tourists can do to relax after encountering the wild; tourists must come with their own fishing gears there are a number of fish species to be seen.
Best time to visit
Mangroves national park can be visited any time of the year the wet season is very rewarding, as the wild plants come to life, giving nature its full meaning and the hot and dry seasons offer you a reward of better views of the wildlife and sunbathing at the ocean side.
Where to stay
Where to go on Saturday while on a visit to Mangroves National Park will depend on the tourist’s budget and choice, but there are a variety of places to choose from, more so at Moanda.
How to get there
Tourists can access Mangroves national park by air or road to Moanda then reach the park from there. Tourists travelling during the wet season are advised to always travel with mosquito repellents, as this place harbors lots of them.
