Conkouati faunal reserve was created as a reserve in the year 1980 and later on established as a national park on the 14th of August 1999, the park is situated in the southwestern part of the country on the Atlantic coast and found in the districts of Madingo-Kayes and Nzambi, who are believed to have settled there in the 19th century.
The Conkouati faunal reserve inhabitants are Bantu-speaking people believed to have come from different forest ethnic groups, such as the Bagombe and Baka groups of people. The reserve boasts a diverse biodiversity of mangroves, mountainous zones, lagoons, savannahs, wetlands and many more.
The Conkouati faunal reserve has received funding for its development and creation of awareness among the locals who used to live in the park and depended on the park’s resources for their livelihoods. The Conkouati faunal reserve is well known as the most ecologically diverse park with abundant wildlife in Congo.
Conkouati faunal reserve covers an area of 5,045 kilometers.
Activities at Conkouati faunal reserve
Wildlife viewing
Conkouati faunal reserve contains some of the Congo’s endangered species of animals, some of which are manatees, gorillas, forest elephants, sea turtles, forest buffaloes, mandrills, chimpanzees, dolphins and whales
Birdwatching
Conkouati faunal reserve is endowed with various species of birds, both migratory and residential birds it was also listed among the most important bird areas by the Bird life international organization, some of the birds here are aquatic and endemic to this area.
Cultural encounters
Tourists can interact with people and learn about the unique African culture; get entertained by local traditional groups; and acquire locally made handicrafts to take back home for remembrance. Listening to the ancient stories is interesting; there are also historical marks in the towns, as they date back to the 19th century.
Guided nature walks
Tourists can relax while walking on the cool breeze of the coastal shores or even do sunbathing after swimming and sometimes even see sea turtles along the way.
Gorilla trekking
Fishing
How to get there
The reserve is situated near Congo’s economic capital, known as Pointe Noire just 100 kilometers away from the reserve.
Where to stay
There are many lodges where visitors can stay depending on their budget and choice. Some of the accommodation units include Conkouati lodge
Best time to visit
The best time to visit is during the dry seasons when the grass is short and the vegetation is not thick, hence easy views of wildlife.
