Location
Kundelungu National Park, Lualaba Province
Duration
3–5 days
Group Size
2–10 people
Difficulty
Moderate
Overview
Discover one of Africa's most spectacular and least-visited natural wonders—Lofoi Falls, which plunges 347 meters into a misty gorge, making it the second-highest waterfall in Africa and among the highest in the world. Kundelungu National Park, sprawling across the high plateaus of southern DRC, offers a landscape utterly different from the country's famous rainforests. The Kundelungu Plateau rises to over 1,700 meters, featuring vast miombo woodlands, rolling grasslands, dramatic escarpments, and hidden waterfalls. This is a land of wide horizons and geological drama, where ancient rock formations meet some of Africa's most intact savanna ecosystems. Wildlife here includes roan and sable antelope, zebras, elands, and a recovering population of cheetahs—one of the few in Central Africa. The park's isolation has kept it wild and free from mass tourism, offering an authentic African wilderness experience.
Tour Highlights
Stand at the edge of Lofoi Falls—Africa's second-highest waterfall
Hike the dramatic Kundelungu Plateau escarpments
Spot rare savanna wildlife: roan antelope, zebra, sable antelope
Experience vast miombo woodland ecosystems
Camp under star-filled southern skies
Visit local communities practicing traditional livelihoods
Explore one of DRC's least-visited national parks
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrival in Lubumbashi
Arrive at Lubumbashi (Luano) International Airport. Transfer to hotel and expedition briefing. Evening exploration of Lubumbashi, DRC's second-largest city and mining capital.
Journey to Kundelungu
Early departure for Kundelungu National Park (5-6 hours drive through changing landscapes). Arrive at park headquarters for ranger introduction. Short afternoon walk on the plateau. Set up camp near escarpment with sunset views.
Lofoi Falls Expedition
Full-day hike to Lofoi Falls. Approach through miombo woodland and grassland, descending to viewpoints overlooking the 347-meter cascade. Picnic lunch with waterfall views. Wildlife spotting en route. Return to camp for evening campfire.
Plateau Exploration & Wildlife
Morning game drive across the plateau looking for roan antelope, zebra, and birdlife. Visit rock formations and ancient geological features. Afternoon community visit to learn about local honey production and sustainable land use. Final camp night.
Return to Lubumbashi
Morning plateau walk or relaxation. Pack up camp and drive back to Lubumbashi. Late lunch in the city and transfer to airport for departure or overnight.
What's Included
- Park entrance and activity fees
- Ranger guides and local trackers
- All ground transportation
- 4x4 vehicles suitable for park conditions
- Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats)
- All meals during the expedition
- Drinking water
- Campfire and cooking equipment
- Community visit contributions
Not Included
- International flights
- Lubumbashi hotel nights
- DRC visa (€97)
- Travel insurance
- Personal camping gear (sleeping bag, headlamp)
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tips for guides and staff
Practical Information
Conservation & Community Impact
Kundelungu National Park is undergoing a remarkable rewilding effort. After decades of conflict and poaching reduced wildlife populations, conservation organizations are now working to restore the park's biodiversity. Your visit supports: • Anti-poaching patrols across the plateau • Wildlife monitoring and census programs • Community-based natural resource management • Sustainable livelihood programs for surrounding villages • Fire management to maintain healthy grasslands • Infrastructure development for responsible tourism Kundelungu represents the future of conservation in southern DRC—a place where wildlife can return as security improves and local communities benefit from protection efforts.
Best Time to Visit
Best season: May-October (dry season)
Physical Requirements
Moderate fitness required (4-6 hours hiking on hilly terrain)
