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Lomami Rainforest

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Forest
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Lomami Rainforest (Congo - Kinshasa)

Weather…

The Lomami Rainforest is a vast area of tropical lowland rainforest located in the central part of the Democratic Republic of Congo. It stretches between the Lomami and Lualaba rivers. This area is one of the largest and least explored forest areas in Africa and is known for its exceptional biodiversity. In 2016, a large part of this forest was declared Lomami National Park, the country's first national park in almost 40 years. The park's creation was the result of years of research that led to the discovery of several species new to science, including the Lesula monkey (Cercopithecus lomamiensis) in 2007. The forest is also home to significant populations of bonobos, forest elephants, okapis, and Congo peafowl. The region is sparsely populated, but its wildlife is threatened by commercial poaching for the bushmeat trade. The protection of this unique ecosystem is crucial for the conservation of global biodiversity.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Jun, Jul.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C252625252525262525242425
Rain mm9612015813412210991143152181182154

📋 Practical info

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Getting there
Access is extremely difficult and usually involves domestic flights followed by river transport or multi-day drives from major hubs.
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Best season
The brief dry seasons, typically June to August, offer slightly better accessibility, though the forest remains highly humid year-round.
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Terrain & paths
Expect dense, primary equatorial jungle with muddy, overgrown trails, sometimes requiring machetes to clear the way.
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What to bring
Comprehensive jungle gear, including rubber boots, full-coverage clothing, anti-malarial precautions, and water purification systems, is vital.
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Parking
There are no traditional parking facilities; journeys transition from motorized transport to foot or boat at remote outposts.
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Safety
High risk of tropical diseases and getting lost; entry strictly requires organized expeditions with official guides and necessary permits.
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Time needed
A meaningful visit or scientific expedition typically lasts from a week to several weeks due to the extreme remoteness of the area.

Geography

Coordinates
-1.00000, 24.00000

Facts

  • Location: Between the Lomami and Lualaba rivers
  • Part of the Lomami National Park, established in 2016
  • Discovery of the Lesula monkey (Cercopithecus lomamiensis) in 2007
  • Habitat for bonobos, forest elephants, and okapis
  • One of Africa's largest intact forest areas
  • Threatened by commercial poaching

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Lomami RiverLomami River56 km · NExplore →
IkelaIkela84 km · SExplore →
Congo Corn FieldCongo Corn Field144 km · EExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What animals were discovered in the Lomami Forest?
The Lesula monkey species was discovered here just a few years ago.
Is there a national park there?
Yes, the Lomami National Park protects this area.
What is the terrain like?
It is a remote area with deep rainforest.
Are there okapis in the Lomami Forest?
Yes, they are also native to this part of the forest.
How do you reach the park?
Travel is difficult and usually goes through Kindu.
Lomami Rainforest: where is it located?
Lomami Rainforest is located in Congo - Kinshasa.
Lomami Rainforest: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Jun, Jul.
Lomami Rainforest: why is it worth visiting?
The Lomami Rainforest is a vast area of tropical lowland rainforest located in the central part of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nature

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Lomami River
The Lomami River is a major left-bank tributary of the Congo River, flowing north through the central part of the country.
Aruwimi River — Lomami Rainforest (Congo - Kinshasa)
Aruwimi River
A major tributary of the Congo River in the north.
🗺️
Sankuru River
The Sankuru River is the longest tributary of the Kasai River, flowing through the dense forests and savannas of central DR Congo.
Elila River — Lomami Rainforest (Congo - Kinshasa)
Elila River
A right tributary of the Lualaba River in the eastern DRC.
Lukenie River — Lomami Rainforest (Congo - Kinshasa)
Lukenie River
The Lukenie River flows through the central rainforest, providing a vital transport link for remote forest communities.
Lualaba River — Lomami Rainforest (Congo - Kinshasa)
Lualaba River
The Lualaba River is the greatest headstream of the Congo River by volume, flowing north from the Katanga highlands.
Ulindi River — Lomami Rainforest (Congo - Kinshasa)
Ulindi River
A mountain river that flows into the Lualaba.
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Kasai River
The Kasai River is a major tributary of the Congo River, flowing through the central and southern regions of the country.

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🗺️
Boyoma Falls
A series of rapids of the Congo River.
Maiko Rainforest — Lomami Rainforest (Congo - Kinshasa)
Maiko Rainforest
The Maiko Forest is a vast and remote tropical rainforest in eastern DR Congo, providing a critical refuge for rare wildlife.
Congo Basin — Lomami Rainforest (Congo - Kinshasa)
Congo Basin
A vast sedimentary basin in Central Africa.
Congo Basin — Lomami Rainforest (Congo - Kinshasa)
Congo Basin
The Congo Basin is the second-largest tropical rainforest in the world, playing a crucial role in global climate regulation.
Congo Basin Lowland Forest — Lomami Rainforest (Congo - Kinshasa)
Congo Basin Lowland Forest
Large-scale rainforest area in the lowlands.
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Mount Kahuzi
An extinct volcano in the Mitumba Mountains.
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Ubangi Plateau
The Ubangi Plateau is an elevated region in the northern part of the country, forming part of the watershed between the Congo and Nile ba…
Ituri Forest — Lomami Rainforest (Congo - Kinshasa)
Ituri Forest
A significant tropical rainforest in the Congo Basin.