Salonga Salonga National Park was formally known as Tshuapa National Park, Salonga National Park located in the Congo River Basin is the biggest tropical rainforests reserve in Africa covering approximately 36,000 square kilometers situated between Kinshasa and Kisangani. The park was established in 1956 and is UNSECO World’s Heritage Site due to its remarkable fauna and hosting one of the biggest rainforest in the planet. Salonga National Park one of the highly diodiverse and unique with ecosystem , the park is a home to over 735 different plants species relying in the southwestern park of the park acting as a breeding spots and hiding sites for a variety of wildlife species. The park is a home to several primates species such as bryas monkeys, thollon’s red colobus, allen’s swamp monkeys, golden bellied mangabey, red-tailed monkeys, potto, dwarf bushbaby among others Other mammals in the park include the forest buffaloes, Sitatunga, water chevrontain, long-tailed pangolin, giant pangolin, bushbuck, red river hog, aquatic genet, yellow-backed duiker, African golden cat, blue duiker, Congo clawless otter, spotted- necked otter, Angolan kusimanse among others
The park is a home to a variety of different bird species both endemic to the Congo basin and the national park of the Democratic Republic of Congo such as yellow- billed stork, black stork, cattle egret, Congo peafowl, over 56 different kinds of fish species can also found in the park including catfish as well as African snouted crocodiles. Like many of the national parks in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Salonga has not been fully explored and there could still be a lot that we don’t know. Due to continuous encroachments, poaching and other human activities. Even though the civil wars in Congo invaded and almost destroyed some of the unique vegetation and endemic plant species in the forests, the national parks still retain a vastness and uniqueness found nowhere else in the world.
Safari experience in Salonga National Park
Wildlife sighting
Salonga National Park is a home to a variety of wildlife species such as the large buffaloes, elephants, Sitatunga and primate’s species as well as different bird species. While on your Congo wildlife safari in the park you will get a sight a variety of wildlife such as different mammals species including the forest elephants, buffaloes, Sitatunga, water chevrontain, long-tailed pangolin, giant pangolin. You will also encounter with the rare primate species including the biggest Bonobos, as bryas monkeys, thollon’s red colobus, Allen’s swamp monkeys, and golden bellied mangabey. You will also get to spot different bird species like yellow- billed stork, black stork, cattle egret, Congo peafowl as well as stunning vegetation cover.
Primate watching
Primate watching in Salonga National Park is the main highlight of any trip the Salonga National Park, the park is a home to a large population of the Bonobos. Visitors on Congo primate safaris in the park have an opportunity to spot more species beyond the bonobos species, such as bryas monkeys, thollon’s red colobus, Allen’s swamp monkeys, golden bellied mangabey, red-tailed monkeys, potto, and dwarf bush baby among others that can be meet feeding or playing in the forest.
Birding
Salonga National Park is located in the heart of the Congo basin attracting much of the west African endemics in to the area and the international bird , birders on a Congo birding safaris in the park will get a chance to spot such as black peafowl, java green, rainforest peacock.
Nature walks/ hiking
The park offers a lot of hiking trails and nature walks, allowing visitors to encounter the park’s rich diversity, as well as abundant landscape. A guided nature walk in the park offers visitors the chance to immerse themselves in the park’s stunning natural beauty with experienced guides lead visitors through the forest, pointing out interesting flora and fauna along the way.
Getting to Salonga National Park
Salonga National Park is located in the heart of the Democratic Republic of Congo, the park can only be accessed by water means of transport which is done on a boat cruise on the river Congo. Or by taking a flight in the park to Mbandaka the nearest town then take a boat ride to the park.
Best time to visit Salonga National Park
Salonga National Park can be visited throughout the year depending on the visitor’s needs, preferences and expectations. The best time to visit the park is during the dry seasons which runs from June, July and September and then December to February. During this season, there is little or no rainfall and the weather conditions are generally pleasant and loveable making the better deal to spot a variety of wildlife and outdoor activities on easier and passable roads
Accommodation safari in Salonga National Park
The park has limited accommodation safari options due to its strategically locations , accommodation safaris offered to visitors in the park are arranged from tented camps to classic lodges and visitors planning to a Congo safari in Salonga National Park are recommended to book for their accommodations in advance.
Tended camp; camping in the park is a popular option most visitors on a wildlife safari in the park opt for, camping is an adventurous experience to take part in while in the park. The tents are located in the heart of the forest with a well contained and comfortable beds, mosquito net, showers and also public toilets.
Guesthouse
The park offers a lot of fascinating options for travelers who want a luxury kind of stay. The park is located near developing town which offer a precious lodging to visitors. These accommodations offer basic amenities like comfortable beds, shared bedrooms and meals.
Homestays
The park also offers a chance to visitors who are interested to experience local cultural and community life may have an opportunity to arrange the homestays with the local community near the park. Visitors here will get an opportunity to immerse themselves with a lot of unique experiences.
