Garamba National Park, DRC

Fauna & Flora

 The southern part of the park is predominantly grassland savannah with scattered trees. Loudetia and Hyparrhenia grasslands are not uncommon with sausage trees (Kigelia africana) and Vitex donniana occurring. Further north the vegetation is mainly mixed woodland, with dense dry forests and riverine and small swamp forest including species such as Chlorophora excesa, Khaya sp and Irvingia smithii. In contrast, the hunting areas are predominantly dense bush savannah, mixed deciduous woodland and forests.

Garamba provides excellent habitat for elephant as it offers abundant food and water resources. The elephant found here are believed to be a hybrid between the savannah species (Loxodonta africana) and the forest elephant (Loxodonta cyclotis). Elephant numbers at present are estimated at around 3,500.

Garamba is also home to the Congo giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis cottoni or congoensis) of which approximately 70 are thought to be roaming in the park.It is arguably most famous as the last refuge for the northern white rhino (Ceratotherium simum cottoni), however there has not been a sighting in the park since 2007.

Many other species remain in Garamba and its surrounding hunting areas. Large antelope species one might expect to find include bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus), waterbuck (Kobus ellipsiprymnus), oribi (Ourebia ourebi), Uganda kob (Kobus kob thomasi), Lelwel's hartebeest (Alcelaphus buselaphus lelwel) and roan antelope (Hippotragus equinus). The secretive bongo antelope (Tragelaphus eurycerus) also occurs in Garamba although it is not regularly seen. Several smaller antelope species grace Garamba, including several species of duiker, notably blue duiker (Philantomba monticola), red-flanked duiker (Cephalophus rufilatus) and yellow backed duiker (C. silvicultor). Other species such as the red-river hog (Potamochoerus porcus), warthog (Phacochoerus africanus), hippopotamus (Hippopothamus amphibius) and Nile buffalo (Syncerus caffer) are also not uncommon.

Several primates occur in Garamba National Park, including the Guereza colobus (Colobus guereza), Patas monkey (Erythrocebus patas), vervet monkey (Chlorocebus pygerythrus), the De Brazza's monkey (Cercopithecus neglectus) and the chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes). The predators that roam Garamba are notably spotted hyaena (Crocuta crocuta), leopard (Panthera pardus), lion (Panthera leo), serval (Leptailurus serval) and several smaller predators.

Bird diversity is also high with more than 340 species recorded in the park. Spectacular colonies of carmine bee-eaters (Merops nubicus) are common along the banks of the River Dungu and clouds of cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis) can be seen circling over the large herds of buffalo.

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