KUNDELUNGU PARK & LOFOÏ FALLS

Kundelungu National Park is linked by an ecological corridor with Upemba Park. Initially a private hunting area, it was declared a national protected area in 1970. It is made up of two zones, the western part of which (called the annex zone) was added more recently. The area of the park covers 250 thousand hectares in the reserve part located on the plateau, to which are added about 550 thousand hectares of annex zone. The ecosystem is of the grassy savannah type on immense steppes dotted with forest galleries, characteristic of Katanga. And the fauna that it is supposed to shelter is composed of antelopes, jackals, servals, porcupines, warthogs, a great variety of birds (cranes, egrets, marabouts, pelicans...), snakes, monkeys, buffaloes, hippopotamuses, crocodiles... There is also mention of some lions, cheetahs (of which the park would be the last refuge in DRC), leopards, zebras... But no one knows, particularly in the case of the big cats, if there are really any left. However, it is extremely rare and complicated to see them, so don't count on it, and be satisfied with the splendid landscape which is worth the detour. Starting with the Lofoi waterfalls, the highest in Africa (384m in a single stream), even more impressive in the rainy season. The site includes other majestic falls, of which the two most emblematic with the Lofoi are the Masansa ("shower") and Lutshipuka ("pool") falls where it is possible to swim. And that we can reach in one day.

On a practical level, the dirt track has been recently groomed and is therefore much more comfortable than before. But a good 4x4 remains essential to circulate on the tracks of the park. The drop-off point of the reserve is the Katwé station which has a lodge ($30 per night). For the same price, you can camp in the park - on top of the falls for example to observe the sunset or sunrise - with equipment and armed guards. In both cases, it is necessary to reserve and pay for lodging at the ICCN in Lubumbashi and to buy the permit ($40) for expatriates plus $15 per vehicle. The lodging is clean but rudimentary and without electricity of course, so remember to take everything with you before leaving Lubumbashi: food and water supplies, including for the driver, sleeping bag (it can get cold at night), torches,...