Kundelungu National ParkAbout Kundelungu National Park
Kundelungu National Park is a protected area in Haut-Katanga Province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo that includes plateaus, river valleys and an extensive system of waterfalls.
The park is notable for dramatic cascades and falls, diverse habitats ranging from upland grasslands to gallery forests, and populations of regional wildlife. Access is often by rough tracks or rivers and facilities are limited.
The area has been used and managed under various colonial and national administrations and later designated for protection to conserve its landscapes and freshwater systems.
Kundelungu sits in southeastern DRC on a high plateau within Haut-Katanga Province; the terrain drops toward surrounding river systems and the nearest major towns are at some distance, so travel typically requires off-road or river transport.
- Best time to visit: Waterfalls in the park are most spectacular during and just after the rainy season when river flows increase sharply.
What to See#
- Lofoi Falls: A large seasonal waterfall and cascade system within the park that is one of the most photographed features and a focal point for visitors arriving by river or track.
Best Time to Visit Kundelungu National Park
Dry season (May-October) is generally best for access, though waterfalls are most dramatic early in the wet season.
Weather & Climate near Kundelungu National Park
Kundelungu National Park's climate is classified as Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) - Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) climate with warm summers (peaking in October) and cool winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 6°C to 29°C. Abundant rainfall (1259 mm/year), wettest in December with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Good | 15° - 24° | 19° | 219 mm | overcast | 84% | 2.2 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.5h |
| February | Good | 15° - 24° | 20° | 206 mm | overcast | 83% | 1.9 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 12.3h |
| March | Good | 14° - 25° | 20° | 232 mm | overcast | 83% | 1.8 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 12.0h |
| April | Excellent | 13° - 25° | 19° | 73 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 2.6 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 11.8h |
| May | Ideal | 10° - 24° | 17° | 9 mm | mostly sunny | 64% | 2.6 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 11.5h |
| June | Ideal | 7° - 23° | 15° | 0 mm | clear | 52% | 2.5 m/s | 1.8 very high | 11.4h |
| July | Ideal | 6° - 24° | 15° | 0 mm | clear | 44% | 2.9 m/s | 1.8 very high | 11.5h |
| August | Ideal | 8° - 26° | 17° | 1 mm | clear | 36% | 3.3 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.7h |
| September | Ideal | 11° - 29° | 20° | 12 mm | mostly sunny | 32% | 3.0 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 11.9h |
| October | Excellent | 14° - 29° | 21° | 73 mm | partly cloudy | 44% | 2.9 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.2h |
| November | Good | 14° - 26° | 20° | 184 mm | overcast | 66% | 2.3 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.5h |
| December | Good | 15° - 24° | 19° | 250 mm | overcast | 81% | 2.1 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.6h |
How to Get to Kundelungu National Park
The park is accessed from Lubumbashi and regional towns in Haut‑Katanga; travel requires planning with local operators for vehicles and guides due to rough roads and limited on-site infrastructure.
Tips for Visiting Kundelungu National Park
- Hire local guides who know seasonal water levels-many waterfalls and wetland trails depend on recent rains for best views.
- Bring mosquito protection and quick-dry clothing-wet habitats and heat combine rapidly.