Complete list of 9 national parks in Democratic Republic of the Congo

Garamba

Kahuzi-Biega

Kundelungu

Lomami

Maiko

Salonga

Upemba

Virunga

Yangambi

Democratic Republic of the Congo National Parks

Garamba National Park is one of Africa's oldest national parks, established in 1938. The park is known for being one of the last places where northern white rhinoceros existed in the wild, though they are now extinct there. It contains vast savannas, woodlands, and forests that support diverse wildlife including elephants, hippos, and various antelope species.

Kahuzi-Biega National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site named after two extinct volcanoes. The park is one of the last refuges of the eastern lowland gorilla and contains a diverse range of habitats from lowland rainforest to bamboo forest. It is home to numerous endemic species and represents one of the most important sites for biodiversity conservation in the Congo Basin.

Kundelungu National Park features spectacular waterfalls and diverse savanna ecosystems. The park is known for its Kundelungu Falls, which drop 340 meters in a single cascade. The park supports various wildlife species including zebras, antelopes, and numerous bird species.

Lomami National Park is one of the newest national parks in DRC, protecting pristine rainforest habitat. The park is home to bonobos, okapi, and forest elephants. It represents one of the last large intact blocks of central African lowland forest.

Maiko National Park is one of the most remote and pristine parks in DRC. The park protects important populations of eastern lowland gorillas, okapi, and Congo peafowl. It consists primarily of primary tropical forest and is one of the least visited national parks due to its inaccessibility.

Salonga National Park is Africa's largest tropical rainforest reserve and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The park consists of two separate sectors and protects numerous endemic species including bonobos and Congo peacocks. It represents one of the most important conservation areas for rainforest flora and fauna in central Africa.

Upemba National Park features diverse landscapes including savannas, wetlands, and mountains. The park contains the Upemba Depression and is home to various antelope species, zebras, and numerous waterbirds. It represents an important watershed area for the Congo River system.

Virunga National Park is Africa's oldest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The park features an exceptional diversity of landscapes including active volcanoes, savannas, forests, and glaciers. It is home to about one-third of the world's remaining mountain gorillas and contains more bird, mammal, and reptile species than any other protected area in Africa.

Yangambi Biosphere Reserve is a crucial site for scientific research of tropical ecosystems. The reserve contains extensive botanical collections and research facilities dating back to colonial times. It protects important tropical forest ecosystems and serves as a center for the study of African tropical agriculture and forestry.