Salonga National Park
Location: Central Democratic Republic of Congo
Year of Inscription: 1984
Criteria: (vii) exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance; (x) the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation.
Overview: Salonga National Park is located in the heart of the Congo Basin, in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is the largest tropical rainforest reserve in Africa, covering an area of 36,000 square kilometers. The park is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including bonobos, forest elephants, and okapis.
Prominent Features: Salonga National Park is characterized by its dense rainforest and its many rivers and streams. The park is home to a large number of endangered species, including the bonobo, the forest elephant, and the okapi. Visitors to the park can take guided walks through the forest to spot wildlife, and can also take boat trips along the many rivers and streams to see the park's aquatic life.
History: Salonga National Park was established in 1970 to protect the region's unique biodiversity.
Family-Friendly Activities: Salonga National Park offers several family-friendly activities, including guided walks through the forest to spot wildlife, and boat trips along the park's rivers and streams to see the park's aquatic life.
Fun Fact: Salonga National Park is home to the world's largest population of bonobos, a species of great ape closely related to chimpanzees.
Entry Fees: The entry fee for Salonga National Park varies depending on the activities and attractions visited. Guided tours and walks typically cost around $20 to $30 per person. It is important to note that the park is only open during the dry season, which runs from June to September.
How to Reach it: Salonga National Park is located in the Democratic Republic of Congo, in the heart of the Congo Basin. The easiest way to reach the park is by flying into Kinshasa, the capital city of the Democratic Republic of Congo. From there, you can take a domestic flight to the city of Mbandaka, which is the closest major city to the park. Alternatively, you can hire a private car or take a bus to get to Mbandaka from Kinshasa, which will take around 1-2 days. Once you reach Mbandaka, you can arrange a guided tour of Salonga National Park. Many tour operators offer guided walks and boat trips in the park, and it is recommended to hire a guide for your safety and to get the most out of your experience. The park entrance is located about 20 kilometers (12 miles) from Mbandaka, and you can hire a car or take a taxi to get there.
Where to Stay: There are a few options for accommodation near Salonga National Park, including lodges and campsites. However, due to the ongoing conflict and security concerns in the Democratic Republic of Congo, travel to the area is not recommended at this time. It is important to check the current safety situation before planning a trip to the park.
Next Stop: Kahuzi-Biega National Park
Year of Inscription: 1984
Criteria: (vii) exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance; (x) the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation.
Overview: Salonga National Park is located in the heart of the Congo Basin, in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is the largest tropical rainforest reserve in Africa, covering an area of 36,000 square kilometers. The park is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including bonobos, forest elephants, and okapis.
Prominent Features: Salonga National Park is characterized by its dense rainforest and its many rivers and streams. The park is home to a large number of endangered species, including the bonobo, the forest elephant, and the okapi. Visitors to the park can take guided walks through the forest to spot wildlife, and can also take boat trips along the many rivers and streams to see the park's aquatic life.
History: Salonga National Park was established in 1970 to protect the region's unique biodiversity.
Family-Friendly Activities: Salonga National Park offers several family-friendly activities, including guided walks through the forest to spot wildlife, and boat trips along the park's rivers and streams to see the park's aquatic life.
Fun Fact: Salonga National Park is home to the world's largest population of bonobos, a species of great ape closely related to chimpanzees.
Entry Fees: The entry fee for Salonga National Park varies depending on the activities and attractions visited. Guided tours and walks typically cost around $20 to $30 per person. It is important to note that the park is only open during the dry season, which runs from June to September.
How to Reach it: Salonga National Park is located in the Democratic Republic of Congo, in the heart of the Congo Basin. The easiest way to reach the park is by flying into Kinshasa, the capital city of the Democratic Republic of Congo. From there, you can take a domestic flight to the city of Mbandaka, which is the closest major city to the park. Alternatively, you can hire a private car or take a bus to get to Mbandaka from Kinshasa, which will take around 1-2 days. Once you reach Mbandaka, you can arrange a guided tour of Salonga National Park. Many tour operators offer guided walks and boat trips in the park, and it is recommended to hire a guide for your safety and to get the most out of your experience. The park entrance is located about 20 kilometers (12 miles) from Mbandaka, and you can hire a car or take a taxi to get there.
Where to Stay: There are a few options for accommodation near Salonga National Park, including lodges and campsites. However, due to the ongoing conflict and security concerns in the Democratic Republic of Congo, travel to the area is not recommended at this time. It is important to check the current safety situation before planning a trip to the park.
Next Stop: Kahuzi-Biega National Park