Parc national de l'Upemba

Parc national de l'Upemba at a Glance

Location

Southern Katanga Plateaus, Democratic Republic of Congo, Central Africa

Coordinates

-9.070188, 26.621544

IUCN Category

II

Crowds

Very Quiet

Malaria Risk

High

Best Time to Visit

Year-round destination with two dry seasons. Conditions vary locally - check the specific region for dry season timing.

Getting to Parc national de l'Upemba

Nearest airport: Lusinga Airport (FZRL), 65 km away.

Nearest international airport: Aéroport International de Lubumbashi Luano (FBM), 298 km away.

Weather & Climate in Parc national de l'Upemba

The warmest temperatures in Parc national de l'Upemba occur in September, averaging 24.9°C (up to 31.5°C). The coolest conditions are in January at 20.5°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in July with average rainfall of 0.0mm. Average humidity: 30.6%.

Monthly Temperatures

• January: 20.5°C (rainfall: 275.2mm)
• February: 21.2°C (rainfall: 204.2mm)
• March: 21.4°C (rainfall: 249.4mm)
• April: 22.1°C (rainfall: 93.9mm)
• May: 23.3°C (rainfall: 3.3mm)
• June: 22.7°C (rainfall: 0.1mm)
• July: 22.7°C (rainfall: 0.0mm)
• August: 24.4°C (rainfall: 5.8mm)
• September: 24.9°C (rainfall: 20.1mm)
• October: 24.1°C (rainfall: 67.2mm)
• November: 21.6°C (rainfall: 223.5mm)
• December: 20.8°C (rainfall: 279.3mm)

Best Time to Visit Parc national de l'Upemba

The best months to visit Parc national de l'Upemba are May, June, July, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

• January: Poor, temperature 20.52°C, rainfall 275.2mm, sunshine 7.9 hrs, humidity 87.3%
• February: Good, temperature 21.17°C, rainfall 204.2mm, sunshine 8.7 hrs, humidity 85%
• March: Good, temperature 21.44°C, rainfall 249.4mm, sunshine 8.5 hrs, humidity 84.3%
• April: Great, temperature 22.12°C, rainfall 93.9mm, sunshine 10.4 hrs, humidity 74.6%
• May: Great, temperature 23.32°C, rainfall 3.3mm, sunshine 11.3 hrs, humidity 45.6%
• June: Great, temperature 22.71°C, rainfall 0.1mm, sunshine 11.1 hrs, humidity 36.2%
• July: Great, temperature 22.66°C, rainfall 0mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 30.6%
• August: Great, temperature 24.36°C, rainfall 5.8mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 32%
• September: Great, temperature 24.93°C, rainfall 20.1mm, sunshine 11.1 hrs, humidity 46.2%
• October: Great, temperature 24.06°C, rainfall 67.2mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 61.5%
• November: Good, temperature 21.6°C, rainfall 223.5mm, sunshine 9.6 hrs, humidity 81.6%
• December: Poor, temperature 20.84°C, rainfall 279.3mm, sunshine 8.8 hrs, humidity 86.8%

Wildlife in Parc national de l'Upemba

Home to 1 recorded species including 1 reptiles.

Recommended Packing List for Parc national de l'Upemba

Based on average temperature of 22.5°C, typical conditions, humidity 63%.

• Light layers - comfortable for 22°C weather
• Binoculars - essential for every game drive
• Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
• Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
• Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
• Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
• First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
• Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
• Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

• Flap-necked Chameleon (Chamaeleo dilepis) - Reptiles

Similar Parks in Southern Katanga Plateaus

• Parc National de Kundelungu

Visitor Tips - Parc national de l'Upemba

Upemba offers a truly raw, untamed safari experience unlike anywhere else. We love the profound sense of exploration it evokes, with vast, uncrowded landscapes and the thrill of discovering its hidden biodiversity. It's a place for the intrepid, where the journey itself is as rewarding as the destination.

Gate Times

Access to Parc national de l'Upemba is less about fixed gate times and more about securing the necessary permits and arranging logistics. We strongly recommend working with a specialist tour operator who can navigate the permit process, which can be complex and requires advance planning. While the park is technically open year-round, the dry season, typically May to October, is when we find access most reliable due to road conditions. Game viewing activities generally align with daylight hours, roughly 6 AM to 6 PM, but these are flexible depending on your itinerary and guide.

Tipping

Tipping is customary and deeply appreciated in the Democratic Republic of Congo. For your main safari guide, we suggest $20-30 USD per person per day. Camp staff can be tipped collectively via a central tip box, with an amount of $10-15 USD per person per day being appropriate. If you have accompanying park rangers, which is common in Upemba, we recommend $15-20 USD per day for their vital support. Always tip in crisp US dollar notes.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Democratic Republic of Congo

Travel advisory for Democratic Republic of Congo

Parc national de l'Upemba FAQs

What is the best time of year to visit Parc national de l'Upemba for wildlife viewing and travel conditions?

The optimal time to visit Upemba National Park is during the dry season, typically from May to September. During these months, rainfall is minimal, making the park's roads more accessible and encouraging wildlife to congregate around the remaining water sources in the Upemba Depression for easier viewing.

What unique wildlife can I expect to see in Upemba, given it's described as a 'different safari experience'?

While not a 'Big Five' destination, Upemba offers exceptional opportunities to spot unique antelope species such as the Upemba lechwe, roan, and sable, alongside zebras and hippos. Its extensive wetlands and numerous lakes also make it a premier destination for birdwatching, with a rich diversity of endemic and migratory species.

What are the typical costs associated with a safari to Parc national de l'Upemba, considering its remote location and low visitor numbers?

Safari costs for Upemba can be higher than more accessible parks due to the logistical challenges of reaching this remote part of the DRC and limited tourism infrastructure. Expect expenses to cover charter flights or robust 4x4 transport, park entry fees, guide services, and basic accommodation, which can vary widely based on tour operator and trip duration.

How can I ensure my safety and health during a visit to Upemba National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo?

Beyond standard safari precautions, it's crucial to consult your doctor about anti-malarial prophylaxis well in advance, as the park has a high malaria risk. Due to the park's remote location in the DRC, arranging travel through a reputable tour operator familiar with local conditions is highly recommended for security and logistical support.

What kind of accommodation and facilities are available within or near Parc national de l'Upemba, given its extremely low crowding level?

Due to its extremely low visitor numbers and remote nature, accommodation options within or immediately surrounding Parc national de l'Upemba are very basic and limited, often consisting of simple guesthouses or designated camping sites. Travelers should be prepared for a rustic experience and confirm arrangements with their tour operator, as luxury lodges are not available here.

Recommended Books

• The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
• Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
• Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
• National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
• The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
• Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
• Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
• The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
• The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
• Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
• African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
• Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
• Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
• The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
• The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
• Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
• When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
• Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
• Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
• Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
• Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
• Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
• Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
• Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
• Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.