Manovo-Gounda St. Floris National Park

The Manovo-Gounda St. Floris National Park derives its name from its two neighbouring towns, Manovo and Gounda. Manovo-Gounda St. Floris National Park was established in 1993 to protect one of the last remaining primary forest areas in the north of DR Congo (DRC). Its dense forest has a wide variety of wildlife, including elephants, chimpanzees, yellow-backed duiker, red colobus monkey and many other endemic species. It’s also home to many endangered bird species like the Vanga cuckoo, green aracari and black vulture. Reduced to half its original size by mining activities, logging and agriculture, as well as poaching for bushmeat, ivory and traditional medicine, made it an Endangered UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2016.

Importance of the Park

The importance of this park derives as part of a much larger forest ecosystem called the East-Central African Rainforest. This area is one of the most biodiverse regions in Africa. Manovo-Gounda St. Floris National Park covers an area of only 42 square km. Still, it’s home to over 160 species of birds, 60 species of mammals, 125 species of reptiles and 51 species of amphibians. The park is home to one of the last remaining populations of Hirola antelopes, which are listed as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species is the most comprehensive inventory of global biodiversity. It tracks the conservation status of species, plants and ecological communities. Species are listed as threatened based on their risk of extinction.

History of Manovo-Gounda St. Floris National Park

The history of Manovo-Gounda St. Floris National Park dates back to 1930 when the Belgian colonial authorities set up a concession in the area that was granted to an American company called “St Floris Plantation”. The concession was used for agricultural purposes and some timber felling. Manovo-Gounda St. Floris National Park has been reduced to half its original size. Its northern section was denuded to make room for agriculture, and mining activities destroyed the southern section. Logging also had a major impact on the forest. Manovo-Gounda St. Floris National Park was established in 1993 to protect one of the last remaining primary forest areas in the north of DR Congo and was recognised as a national park in 2010.

Wealth of Flora and Fauna in Manovo-Gounda St. Floris National Park

Manovo-Gounda St. Floris National Park is in the montane forest zone, where the vegetation is tropical and lush. The forest has a wealth of flora and fauna like rare, endemic and endangered species like the Bongoro Forest tree and the Hirola antelope. Manovo-Gounda St. Floris National Park is also known for its wide variety of birds, particularly the Vanga cuckoo, green aracari and black vulture. The Bongoro Forest is one of the few remaining pristine and original forests in the region. It is home to many endemic species threatened by poaching for their meat and body parts and deforestation.

How To Get To Manovo-Gounda St. Floris National Park?

The park is located in the province of Nord-Kivu and is very close to the border of Uganda. The nearest town to the park is Goma, connected to the rest of the country by road. Manovo-Gounda St. Floris National Park is 350 km from Kinshasa on the road to Goma, about 8 hour’s drive. If travelling from Kampala, drive to Kisoro and cross the border to Goma via the Mugunga crossing on the Rurubul River. The distance from Kampala to Goma is approximately 611 km and takes 5 to 6 hours to drive.

Tourism in Manovo-Gounda St. Floris National Park

Manovo-Gounda St. Floris National Park is a fairly new park with limited tourism infrastructure. Manovo-Gounda St. Floris National Park is primarily used for eco-tourism and to promote conservation. Manovo-Gounda St. Floris National Park is best visited between May and December when the Hirola antelopes are on the plains. Manovo-Gounda St. Floris National Park is accessible throughout the year, but visitation is more rewarding when the Hirola are grazing during the dry season.

Activities In And Around The Park

The best way to explore the park is on foot or by car. If you want to get a closer look at the Hirola antelopes, it’s best to go on a guided wildlife walk with a guide.

Conclusion

Manovo-Gounda St. Floris is Africa’s biggest park. 1,740,000 acres. Manovo-Gounda St. Floris National Park straddles two ecoregions and is home to various flora and animals. It’s home to endangered animals, including the black rhino, elephant, hippopotamus, red-fronted gazelle, and herbivores.

This park is a “crossroads” where East and West African savannas and South African woodlands converge. The Park is essential for studying how drought and overgrazing are altering the Sahel and Sudan.