Upemba National Park

Upemba National Park is a stunning natural treasure located in the southeastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Covering a vast area of 10,000 square kilometers, this park is a marvel of nature with an annex of a further 3,000 square kilometers. The park boasts a diverse geography that includes the lush Upemba Depression, complete with lakes and marshes, and the Kibara Plateau mountains that provide a dryer landscape.Established in 1939, Upemba National Park is home to over 1,800 different species, some of which were only discovered in 2003. The park is a haven for a variety of fish fauna, including Mormyridae, Cyprinidae, Mochokidae, Barbus, Alestidae, and Cichlidae. Visitors can also spot a plethora of bird species, including the shoebill, wattled crane, and spotted ground-thrush. The park’s diverse habitats include Afromontane grasslands, tropical rainforests, Miombo woodlands, and marshes.Despite being a sanctuary for many species, the park has faced many threats. The activities of poachers, pollution, refugees, and militia continue to pose significant dangers. The park is also home to several villages that have contributed to the depletion of its resources. The Mai Mai militia, for instance, attacked the park headquarters in Lusinga on 28 May 2004, killing several wardens and their families, burning down the headquarters, and taking the chief warden’s family hostage.Despite these challenges, the protectors of Upemba National Park have worked tirelessly to protect the rich biodiversity of the Congo River basin. On 1 June 2005, they received the Abraham Conservation Award for their dedication to preserving this natural wonder. Visiting this park is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that exposes you to the beauty of nature and the challenges it faces.