Garamba

Garamba National Park is a protected area in the northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. It lies primarily in Haut-Uele Province with some sections in Ituri Province, along the Garamba River near the borders with the Central African Republic and South Sudan. The park covers about 4,600 square kilometers. It was established in 1938 by the Belgian colonial authorities and was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1980. The reserve has faced ongoing conservation challenges, including armed conflict and poaching, and was placed on UNESCO’s World Heritage in Danger list in 1996.

Geography and ecosystems: The park preserves a mosaic of savanna plains, dry woodland, and riverine habitats centered on the Garamba River and its wetlands. Seasonal floods and a network of waterways create diverse ecological niches that support a variety of wildlife.

Biodiversity: Garamba is renowned for its large mammal populations, especially savanna elephants, along with buffalo, giraffe, hippos, and numerous antelope species. The area supports a wide array of birds and other reptiles, making it an important biodiversity hotspot and a critical fauna corridor in the region.

Conservation and management: The park is managed by the Congolese Institute for the Conservation of Nature (ICCN) in collaboration with international partners. Conservation efforts focus on anti-poaching, habitat protection, and community engagement, though security constraints have often limited operations and tourism.

Access and tourism: Tourism is limited due to security concerns and challenging infrastructure. When organized, visits are typically undertaken through guided tours with permits and require careful planning and risk assessment, reflecting the remoteness and instability that can affect the area.