Wildlife viewing

The national park is home to an incredible diversity of African forests and endangered wildlife species that are at risk of extinction if immediate conservation measures are not taken. Activities in the area include poaching, forestry and farming. Wildlife species observed and recorded in Lomami National Park include Bonobos, Tsuapa red colobus, Lomami red colobus, Disse Angolan colobus, Northern black mangabey, Katanga red-tailed monkey, Yellow-tipped red-tailed monkey, De Brazza's monkey, Lomami river monkey, Congo -basin wolf monkey, Lomami hippopotamus monkey, LesulaDryas monkey and more.

Bird watching

Lomami national park is home to over 275 bird species both migratory and residential birds, bird watching is very fascinating and enjoyable as you encounter various beautifully colored birds such as grey heron, and Congo peafowl is seen. These include the Yellow-throated tinker bird, Black-billed Turaco, Cassin's flycatcher, Congo peafowl, grey parrots, Black Cuckoo, crested guineafowls, Hadada ibis, black-bellied bustard, Blue-breasted bee-eater, Eastern bearded greenbul, western Nicator, yellow whiskered greenbul, Velvet-mantled Drongo, white-breasted Nigrita, Black Sparrowhawk, little greenbul, Bates's nightjar, Crested guineafowls, Black-billed Turaco, Pale-crowned Cisticola, red-chested owlet, Black-headed herons, yellow rumpedtinkerbird, white-crested hornbills, Speckled tinkerbird, Johanna's sunbirds, Blue-breasted kingfisher, Blue swallow, Senegal lapwing, African Paradise flycatcher, spotted greenbul, Croaking Cisticola, chestnut-capped flycatcher, Cassin's Spinetail, Grey-throated tit flycatcher, Olive sunbirds and many others.

Boat rides

Boat tours offer exceptional opportunities to learn about the aquatic species and animals of Lomami National Park. Expect rare Nile lizards, birds, especially kingfishers, African ospreys and more. These boat trips usually culminate with a picnic lunch in the wilderness.

Cultural tours

Lomami National Park is surrounded by several villages that are home to 7 different ethnic groups such as Mbole and Mituku. Visitors are given the opportunity to learn about the ancient hunting techniques of the people, listen to stories from the jungle, dance traditional dances and even buy locally made handicrafts and even taste local food.

Fishing

Fishing excursions within Lomami National Park are undertaken within the Lomani River as well as Lualaba River Basin where a superfluity of fish species including Nile Tilapia and Catfish among others. On the other hand, visitors can join the locals to fish within the dug-out ponds close to the village. With over 129 species of fish that visitors to Salonga National Park can encounter, it is therefore possible for anglers to embark on fishing adventures. However, intended participants are advised to always bring their own fishing gear along with other safari essentials. Given that catfish species are the most prevalent, catfish fishing is definitely a popular adventure among visitors to the Congo River Basin. These trips are conducted year-round using traditional wooden boats and live bait.

Lomami River

The Lomami River is one of the beautiful features with which this country is blessed and is considered the main source of the Congo River in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Lomami River is about 1,280 kilometers (800 miles) long and flows north and west and parallel to the upper Congo before joining the Congo River at Isangi, about 113 kilometers (70 miles) west of Kisangani. This river originates in the Katanga highlands of southern DRC near Kamina and the Congo-Zambezi divide, but also flows north through several districts such as Opala, Tshofa, Lubao, Irema, Bolaiti and Kombe.

The Lomami River lends its name to several plant and animal species, including primates such as Cercopithecuslomamiensis (Lesula) and the flowering plant known as Pavettalomamiensis. Also the fact that Lomami National Park is located on the basin of this river is home to several species of mammals such as Dryas monkeys, bonobo, African forest elephants, the rare and newly discovered Tshuapa red colobus monkey, Lomami river wolf monkeys, Katanga red-tailed monkeys, Sclaters Angolan colobus monkeys , Congo Basin wolf monkeys, yellow-nosed red-tailed monkeys, northern black mangabeys, de Brazzas monkeys, northern black mangabeys and Lomami blue monkeys, as well as birds such as the Congo peacock and gray parrots can be sighted.

Notably, the bonobos are common on the eastern banks of the Lomami River and, surprisingly, they are said to be genetically distinct from the other bonobo populations in the country, which is why the existence of the Lomami River is considered a geographic barrier. Also, the okapi, a rainforest giraffe and one of the country's endemic species, is found specifically on the western banks of the river.

Guided Forest Walks

Guided forest walks through the dense tropical rainforest of Salonga National Park are a fascinating way to experience the extraordinary wildlife in the sanctuary and to learn about the various medicinal plants that have been used by local people for years. In addition to species of birds, expect various snakes, frogs, unique species of trees and animals on the ground, as well as a group of monkeys jumping through the treetops. While Salonga National Park is home to more than 50 species of mammals, 223 species of birds, and various reptiles, visitors are not guaranteed to see specific attractions. All you need is a good camera, binoculars and the necessary hiking gear to have the best experience.

Cultural Tours

Simply having the golden opportunity to explore local Iyalima culture is undoubtedly a fulfilling and enlightening experience. For this adventure, visitors are allowed to interact and learn how these people live their lives around the forest and Congo River basin. Travelers will be amazed at how these people have maintained their original beliefs and customs through generations, without the impact of modernity. You'll have the chance to see traditional dance performances, shop for arts and crafts, and even taste the local cuisine.

Swimming in the Congo

Since it holds the world record for the deepest river, you wouldn't imagine that it's possible to swim in the Congo. This bath is for brave tourists looking to cool off from the Salonga heat.

Kayaking

River Congo offers kayaking where visitors have the opportunity to paddle at leisure in the most remote parts of the tropical rainforest in the presence of experienced local guides, enjoying views of animals, birds and trees of particular interest. These kayak excursions usually start in the morning, a perfect time for spotting numerous bird species. The guides hired from the surrounding community provide support for both novice and experienced paddlers, with additional knowledge of the Congo River, its dominant current and the tropical rainforest. Expect 1-2 hours of kayaking.