Kundelungu

Spanning over 8,165 km² in the Haut-Katanga province of south-eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Kundelungu National Park is one of DRC’s most ecologically and culturally significant protected areas. It comprises two zones, one situated on the southern portion of the Kundelungu Plateau, while the western zone covers the Lufira River Basin and its associated lakes – a varied landscape of escarpments, grasslands, miombo woodlands and immense waterfalls. The blend of montane and Katanga endemism makes Kundelungu a biodiversity hotspot. Its watersheds support ecosystems and communities across both the DRC and Zambia, directly sustaining the livelihoods of approximately 50,000 people and making it a critical contributor to regional water security. The surrounding area is known for impressive Iron Age archaeological finds, and has a rich history of human habitation for well over a millennium.

In 2025, the Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature (ICCN) and African Parks signed a long-term agreement to manage Kundelungu National Park, to restore the park’s ecosystems, and support community development through participatory land-use planning, and socio-economic and education initiatives. With its location near Lubumbashi, Kundelungu is one of the DRC’s most accessible parks, adding significant potential for sustainable tourism to further create employment opportunities that will enhance a local economy.

• At 340 metres, Lofoi Falls is one of the largest waterfalls in Central Africa.
• Due to its high altitude and rainfall, Kundelungu Plateau is home to a unique blend of montane and Katanga endemism, making it a biodiversity hotspot.
• Translocations of species such as oribi, cheetah and zebra will help to restore functioning ecosystems across the landscape.
• The western zone is a mixed-use zone that supports local communities and accommodates transhumance movements from both the Lake Mweru region and the Kamalondo Depression.