The Hidden Water Kingdom of Central Africa
Upemba National Park
Safaris
80+ interconnected lakes. Vast papyrus wetlands. Golden savannas. One of the last wild water landscapes of the Congo Basin.
From €3,800 per person · Expeditions depart from Lubumbashi
Why Visit Upemba National Park
Few places on Earth remain as untouched and mysterious as Upemba National Park. Located in the heart of southeastern DRC, this extraordinary protected landscape contains more than 80 interconnected lakes, vast papyrus wetlands, and sweeping savannas that form one of the most remarkable ecosystems in the Congo Basin.
Upemba is the birthplace of the Lualaba River, the upper source of the legendary Congo River — the second-largest river system on Earth.
Unlike traditional African safari destinations, Upemba combines wetlands, lakes, rivers, and savannas across a landscape stretching more than 11,700 km². It is often described as Africa's hidden water safari.
Because it remains remote and rarely visited, it offers something increasingly rare in modern tourism: true wilderness.
Upemba in Focus
A zebra mother and foal on the golden plains
Traditional floating villages on the Kamalondo lakes
Traditional net fishing on the Upemba wetlands
Riverine forest corridors winding through savanna
Sunlight filtering through Upemba's crystal waters
Ancient trees reaching for the sky
Flying into the heart of Upemba's wilderness
The vast Kamalondo lake system from above
A rainbow arching over the endless green plains
Satellite collars for Upemba's rewilding program
Zebras galloping through golden grasslands
Golden hour over the Upemba plains
Rangers protecting Upemba's wilderness
Zebra herds from above the savanna
The dramatic gorges of Upemba's landscape
Twilight on the Kamalondo lakes
Zebras silhouetted against the African sunset
Birdlife in Upemba's wetland ecosystem
Elephants returning to Upemba's grasslands
The vast wetlands of Upemba National Park
Safari Experiences
Upemba Safari Expeditions
Choose the expedition that matches your sense of adventure.
Wetlands Explorer Safari
Boat safaris through papyrus wetlands, birdwatching across the Kamalondo Lakes, wildlife tracking in savanna corridors, and cultural encounters with fishing communities.
- Boat safaris through papyrus channels
- Birdwatching across Kamalondo Lakes
- Wildlife tracking in savanna corridors
- Cultural encounters with fishing communities
- All park fees and guides
Signature Wilderness Expedition
Extended expedition exploring deeper regions of the park and its remote lake systems with expedition-style camps.
- Remote lake navigation
- Wetland wildlife observation
- Expedition-style wilderness camps
- Conservation program visits
- Extended savanna game drives
Royal Conservation Expedition
The most exclusive Upemba safari with private logistics, conservation ranger access, and extended lake expeditions.
- Private safari logistics
- Conservation ranger access
- Extended lake expeditions
- Exclusive wilderness camps
- Wildlife restoration program briefing
Live Availability
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Wildlife of Upemba
Upemba's diverse habitats support a remarkable range of species
Hippopotamus
Lake channels & wetlands
Resident populations
Nile Crocodile
Lakes & rivers
Abundant
Plains Zebra
Savanna grasslands
Reintroduced & growing
Rare Antelope Species
Savanna & woodland
Conservation recovery
African Elephant
Grasslands & forest edge
Returning populations
300+ Bird Species
Wetlands & savanna
Exceptional diversity
The Lakes of Upemba
The park's most defining feature is the Kamalondo Depression, a system of interconnected lakes forming one of Africa's largest freshwater wetland systems.
Lake Upemba
The park's namesake — a vast freshwater body at the heart of the Kamalondo system
Lake Kisale
Archaeological significance with ancient fishing cultures dating back centuries
Lake Kabwe
Remote and pristine, surrounded by papyrus marshes
Lake Kafwe
Important habitat for hippos, crocodiles, and migratory waterbirds
Conservation & Wildlife Restoration
Upemba National Park is undergoing one of Africa's most ambitious ecological restoration programs. Wildlife species are being reintroduced, habitats protected, and anti-poaching patrols strengthened.
The park represents one of Africa's most promising examples of landscape-scale ecosystem recovery.
Visitors who travel here directly support these conservation initiatives. Every expedition funds ranger salaries, wildlife monitoring, and community engagement programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore More Congo Basin Destinations
Upemba is part of a larger network of extraordinary landscapes across the DRC.
National Parks
Waterfalls & Rivers
Gateway Cities
Plan Your Upemba Expedition
Choose the safari style that matches your adventure.
Explorer Safari
€3,800
Signature Wilderness
€6,500
Royal Conservation
€9,500
Reviewed by DRCTourism Research Team · Last updated March 2026
Upemba National Park is a UNESCO-recognized protected area managed by ICCN (Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature)