Are there giraffes in the DRC?

Yes. Garamba National Park in northeastern DRC is home to Kordofan giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis antiquorum), a critically endangered subspecies. With fewer than 2,000 individuals remaining in the wild, Garamba is one of the most important sites for their survival.

Is Garamba National Park a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

Yes. Garamba National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, inscribed in 1980. It is one of Africa's oldest national parks, established in 1938, and is managed by African Parks in partnership with ICCN.

What wildlife can you see in Garamba National Park?

Garamba is home to Kordofan giraffes, savannah and forest elephants, hippos, lions, buffaloes, hyenas, warthogs, waterbucks, and over 300 bird species. It is also one of the last habitats of the northern white rhinoceros, though the species is now functionally extinct.

How do you visit Garamba National Park?

Access is via charter flight to Nagero airstrip inside the park, or overland from Dungu. The park is managed by African Parks with ICCN. Visits are arranged through authorized tour operators or directly with African Parks.

What is the best time to visit Garamba National Park?

The dry season (November–March) offers the best wildlife viewing conditions when animals concentrate near water sources and vegetation is lower. The wet season (April–October) makes some roads impassable but the landscape is lush and green.

UNESCO World Heritage Site · Est. 1938

Garamba National Park

Where to See Kordofan Giraffes in DRC — Complete Safari Guide

Garamba National Park in northeast DRC is home to critically endangered Kordofan giraffes, forest elephants, hippos, and lions — one of Africa's oldest and most exclusive national parks, managed by African Parks with zero tourist crowds.

Quick Answer

Yes, there are giraffes in the DRC. Garamba National Park hosts Kordofan giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis antiquorum) — one of the rarest giraffe subspecies. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site established in 1938, covering 4,902 km² in northeast DRC's Haut-Uélé Province.

Book Now Apply for Access View Safari Package

1938

Established

One of Africa's oldest parks

4,902 km²

Area

Northeast DRC, Haut-Uélé

World Heritage

UNESCO Status

Inscribed 1980

African Parks

Managed by

In partnership with ICCN

Kordofan Giraffes — Congo's Rarest Giants

The Kordofan giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis antiquorum) is one of the most endangered giraffe subspecies in the world, with fewer than 2,000 individuals remaining in the wild. Garamba National Park in northeast DRC is one of its last strongholds.

Distinguished by their paler coloring and irregular patches that extend further down their legs compared to other subspecies, Kordofan giraffes were once widespread across Central and West Africa. Today, their range has collapsed dramatically.

African Parks, in partnership with ICCN (Congo's wildlife authority), has significantly improved the park's security and infrastructure since 2005, creating conditions for wildlife recovery and limited but growing tourism access.

Scientific NameGiraffa camelopardalis antiquorum

Conservation StatusCritically Endangered (IUCN)

Wild Population< 2,000 individuals

Location in DRCGaramba National Park, Haut-Uélé

Distinguishing FeaturePaler patches extending to lower legs

Wildlife of Garamba National Park

Kordofan Giraffe

Critically endangered. Core reason to visit Garamba.

Forest & Savannah Elephant

Large populations managed by African Parks anti-poaching operations.

Hippo

Abundant along the Garamba and Dungu rivers.

Lion

Recovered population following African Parks intervention.

Buffalo

Large herds in savannah zones.

300+ Bird Species

Including shoebill stork in wetland areas near river channels.

Leopard

Present, rarely seen — highest excitement for trackers.

Nile Crocodile

Along major river systems.

Warthog

Extremely common throughout the park.

Sample 6-Day Garamba Safari Itinerary

Designed for first-time visitors seeking the complete Garamba experience.

Day

Arrival at Nagero

Charter flight to Nagero airstrip inside the park. Briefing with African Parks rangers. Evening game drive for first wildlife encounters.

Day

Giraffe Circuit Safari

Full-day game drive targeting Kordofan giraffes in the open savannah zones. Elephants, hippos at river crossings, and abundant birdlife.

Day

North Sector Expedition

Extended safari into the less-visited northern zones. Lion tracking with ranger telemetry, buffalo herds, hyena sightings.

Day

River Ecosystems

Morning hippo observation at the Garamba River. Afternoon birding with an ornithologist guide — 300+ species including shoebill stork in wetland areas.

Day

Conservation Behind the Scenes

Visit the African Parks ranger training facility and conservation monitoring center. Community engagement with Azande villages near the park boundary.

Day

Final Safari + Departure

Early morning game drive for last wildlife encounters. Charter flight out to Kisangani, Entebbe, or Nairobi.

View Full Garamba Safari Package →

How to Visit Garamba National Park

Getting There

Charter flights to Nagero airstrip (inside the park) from Entebbe (Uganda) or Kisangani. Overland access from Dungu for adventurous travelers. Most visitors fly via Entebbe.

Best Time to Visit

November–March (dry season) for optimal wildlife viewing. May–September is greener but some roads may be impassable. Avoid April and October (peak rains).

Where to Stay

Nagero Rest House (managed by African Parks) is the primary accommodation. Tented camping options available. Remote lodge development is part of ongoing investment plans.

Permits & Access

Entry permits issued by African Parks / ICCN. All visits require advance booking. Armed ranger escort included in all safari activities for visitor safety.