Mangroves national park also called Parc Martin des Mangroves is the only marine national park located in the Democratic Republic of Congo with in Mauda territory. It is also one of the smallest national parks covering an area of 768 Square kilometers, situated at the mouth of the Congo River. It is a known Ramsar conservation site, occupied by different vegetation covers such as lush forest, Mangrove, African oak, oak trees, red cedar and walnut trees.
These Mangroves are distinct from those found in Bangladesh and India as they create different mangrove trees. In 1992, Mangroves national park was established and it is now divided into 3 sections including the Mangrove islands, the coastal area and riverside area. At the coastline, tall grasses can be seen as well as the coconut palms dispersed all over.
The park is home to different aquatic wildlife including crocodiles, hippos while on land, animals like reptiles, amphibians, bushbucks, waterbucks, Reed bucks among others can be spotted plus numerous bird species such as the African fish eagle, goliath heron, kingfishers and greater flamingos among others. Also, montane primates can be located in this park like the monkeys.
What to do when you visit the park.
Boat cruises. These normally take place at Congo River and tourists are exposed to different aquatic wildlife such as manatees, hippos, crocodiles, monitor lizards and a lot of different birds like the African fish eagle, kingfishers among others. This is the main activity done in the park under the guidance of armed park rangers.
Bird watching tours. For birders, mangroves National Park is the best place to go as it provides sightings of different bird species including water and forest birds. These range from African fish eagles, vultures, flamingoes, parrots, herons and egrets. Bird watching normally takes in the early morning hours and late evening.
Wildlife viewing. As tourists take nature walks in the middle of the park, they normally view different wildlife species that roam within the park premises and among others may include; Reed bucks, montane, bushbucks, monkeys and snakes. Though the park has fewer animals than other famous African parks, it is worth visiting due to its beautiful marine scenery.
Sport fishing. Different types of fish in the Congo River make this adventure the best recreation activity in the park. This is normally done after a tiresome search of wildlife in the park and visitors are advised to come with their fishing gear. Fish that can be caught here include cichlids, cyprinids, tetras, lungfish and so much more.
Best time to visit Mangroves National park.
Throughout the year, this park can be visited because the vegetation grows and becomes green in the wet season while during dry season, wild animals can be easily spotted on numerous water ponds as they quench their thirst and sun bathe. This means that all seasons have different experiential moments though, for visitors travelling in wet seasons, you are advised to carry insect repellants, sturdy shoes and heavy clothes because of the coldness. And for those who would like to swim and sunbathe, the drier season is the best which happens from June to August.
How to access the park?
Either by road or air, the park can be easily accessed. The flight takes tourists to Muanda town and then a short drive to the park. The park has no known accommodation facilities and those who wish to visit the park are advised to sleep in Maunda town or come with camping tents.
Therefore, as you plan to visit Africa and particularly D.R. Congo, you are advised to add mangroves National Park on your bucket list.
