Lomami national park is one of the latest established Congo national parks in a period of 40 years since 1970, covering an area of 8,874 square kilometers, it was officially established by the Congo prime minister on the seventh of July 2016. Lomami national park is the second national park to be created without internal human settlement.
Lomami National Park lies in the Congo Rainforest Basin, which is the second largest rainforest on planet. The park is located in one of the most remote parts of the country; hence, it’s an unspoiled state in nature, though in recent years, the need for ivory has led to the destruction of the park’s wildlife, more so elephants, by poachers and rebel groups.
The existence of the park was through collaboration of the Lukuru foundation, ICCN, the Congolese army, wild cat foundation and many more organizations, including some volunteering locals and the Congolese government.
In the year 2007, a Congolese endemic species known as the bonobo (an ape) was found in parts of Lomami national park, this area had no human settlements, no roads and agricultural activities; even no four-wheel vehicles could penetrate the mysterious wild Congo basin Lomami rainforest national park, but it was highly threatened by hunters from near and far away.
A new monkey that is said to be new to science is said to have been found within Lomami, known as Lesula.
Lomami national park is the ninth national park in Congo; the park derives its name from the Lomami River found within the park’s boundaries near Kindu city and Kisangani city, the park is situated near the two provinces of Tshopo and Maniema. Lomami national park is rich with a diversity of savanna grasslands, hills, rivers, wildlife and tropical rainforests.
There are three magnificent rivers situated within the Lomami national park whose banks have been water catchments for wildlife, and the rivers are Lomami, Tshuapa and Lualaba. This park came into existence with the help of the Lukuru foundation with its researchers John and Terese Hart, who entered into the unknown and discovered a lot, hence promoting the creation of this protected area.
Activities at Lomami national park
Wildlife viewing
Lomami national park is home to various animals. Examples of animals you can expect to see include forest elephants, buffalos, Lesula monkeys, bonobos, giraffes, okapis, Lomami red colobus, Mona monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, Dryas monkeys, blue monkeys, leopards, bush pigs, and many more that have yet to be discovered.
Birdwatching
Lomami national park also boasts with a variety of birdlife the number of species numbering 275 have been recorded and the research is still on going some of this birds are migratory while others are residential, common birds seen are; African grey parrot, Congo peafowl and many more.
Cultural experience
Tourists can visit these typical African people who live in this remote area. The Mbole and Mituku people have lived in the park’s boundaries, surviving on hunting they were also consulted on the establishment of the park and they also consulted their ancestors through a traditional ceremony, visitors can enjoy storytelling from the locals about the park and also quite a few handy crafts made. The park is surrounded by about seven ethnic groups of people.
Tourists can also acquire souvenirs made from the local materials within the park. Villages in the northern sector accepted the park in 2011 while those in the southern sector accepted it in 2010.
Fishing
Apart from wildlife, tourists can go for this recreational activity and join villagers in the fishing ponds they dug up years ago or do fishing in one of the rivers in the park to make their adventure memorable.
Boat cruises
Tourists can enjoy a boat ride in one of the magnificent rivers; this can be combined with a packed lunch box.
Where to stay at Lomami national park
There are accommodation units where you can stay according to your choice or budget.
Best time to visit
The park can be visited all year round but the best time is during the dry season.
How to get to Lomami national park
Lomami national park can be accessed by road or air transport. By road the park can be accessed through Kindu town.
