Katanga & South
Industrial history meets green spaces in the copper capital ⛏️
⚠️ SAFETY WARNING: Due to limited medical infrastructure and security concerns in remote areas, government agencies (including CA, USA, UK, and AU) advise travelers to reconsider travel to this region. While Lubumbashi is relatively stable, the surrounding areas carry risks. Families are strongly urged to consult their own government's official travel advisory before considering a trip, as circumstances and risk assessments vary.
The southern region of Katanga feels distinct from the rest of the country, anchored by the economic hub of Lubumbashi. Families visiting the city can spend a pleasant afternoon at the Lubumbashi Zoo, which has been rehabilitated to provide a green sanctuary for local wildlife, or explore the Botanical Gardens. The National Museum of Lubumbashi offers a fascinating look at the region's copper mining history and showcases an impressive collection of minerals that captivates young geologists.
Beyond the city limits, the landscape opens up into the savannahs of the south. Lake Tshangalele is a popular weekend spot for locals and visitors alike, offering a place for picnics and birdwatching in a relaxed atmosphere. For those arranging secure transport with reputable operators, the region provides a window into the country's industrial heritage while maintaining a calmer pace than the bustling capital.
Click a region to explore
Activities & Best Times
Hiking, wildlife, outdoor exploration, ecotourism
Home to the spectacular Kundelungu and Upemba National Parks and the Lofoi Falls, one of Africa's highest, offering rare and authentic savanna-plateau trekking. Peak dry months (May-Sep) provide essential track accessibility and visibility, whereas heavy monsoon rains from November to March render the wilderness areas nearly impassable.
Sport tourism, fitness activities, active recreation
The high-altitude plateaus offer unique terrain for hiking, birdwatching, and rugged expedition-style exploration for active families. Optimal conditions occur during the dry season when humidity is low and temperatures are moderate; the rainy season brings high humidity (up to 68%) and difficult terrain.
Urban tourism, museums, historical sites, architecture
Lubumbashi features distinctive Art Deco colonial architecture and a vibrant local arts scene that provides a sophisticated urban contrast to the wilderness. It is best visited during the cooler dry months to enjoy the cosmopolitan atmosphere comfortably, though it lacks the density of heritage sites required for a higher rating.
Learning experiences, scientific sites, historical education
Offers a unique look into the world's copper mining heritage and the geological wonders of the Copperbelt for curious families. While culturally and industrially significant, it lacks the interactive, world-class museum infrastructure found in top-tier educational destinations.
Attractions (25 total)
Landmark / Monument / Iconic Urban Attraction
Cathédrale Saints-Pierre-et-Paul
Lubumbashi
A striking 1920s brick cathedral with twin towers, standing as the religious and architectural heart of Lubumbashi.
Lofoi Falls
Mitwaba
A breathtaking 340-meter waterfall, among the highest in Africa, located within the wild landscape of Upemba National Park.
Visit website →Gare de Lubumbashi
Lubumbashi
A historic railway hub with distinctive colonial architecture that reflects Lubumbashi's origins as a mining capital.
Musée National de Lubumbashi
Lubumbashi
A key cultural institution displaying Katanga's history through a vast collection of masks, statues, and archaeological finds.
Road Trips & Scenic Drives
Katanga Copperbelt Mining Heritage Route
Lubumbashi
300km paved highway route (4-6 hours) following the N1 and N39. This well-maintained industrial corridor connects the mining heartland, passing through the 'Copper Capital' Likasi and ending in Kolwezi. Key highlights include the stunning turquoise waters of Lake Tshangalele, the massive open-pit mines of Tenke Fungurume, and the historical colonial architecture of the mining towns.
Visit website →Kundelungu Plateau Route
Lubumbashi
180km route (3-4 hours) primarily consisting of paved roads to Minga followed by maintained gravel tracks. The drive is famous for the dramatic ascent onto the Kundelungu Plateau, offering panoramic views of the Lufira River basin. The ultimate destination is the Lofoi Falls, the highest waterfall in Africa (340m), reachable by a scenic track through high-altitude savanna.
Visit website →Adventure Park / Outdoor Activity Center
Kundelungu National Park
Lubumbashi
Famous for the Lofoi Falls, this park offers adventurous hiking trails and breathtaking views of one of Africa's highest waterfalls.
Upemba National Park
Lubumbashi
An expansive wilderness area featuring diverse landscapes from plateaus to wetlands, ideal for rugged outdoor exploration and spotting rare wildlife.
Site de la Mura
Likasi
A peaceful park surrounding a beautiful waterfall, perfect for family picnics and refreshing walks in the Katangan countryside.
Kiubo Falls
Kiubo
A stunning series of waterfalls where visitors can enjoy white-water rafting, motorboating, and swimming in a scenic outdoor setting.
Natural Feature / Scenic Site
Lofoi Falls (Chutes de la Lofoi)
Lubumbashi
One of the highest waterfalls in Africa, this stunning 340-meter single-drop cascade is the crown jewel of Kundelungu National Park.
Kyubo Falls
Mitwaba
A wide and powerful series of waterfalls on the Luvua River that provide a scenic setting for boat trips and nature photography.
Hiking & Cycling Routes
Lofoi Falls Trail
Kundelungu National Park
30km challenging 2-day trek to the base of Africa's tallest vertical-drop waterfall (340m). The route involves steep descents into the canyon and river crossings through dense gallery forests. Shorter 10km moderate day-hike options are available to the upper viewpoints. Official guide required from ICCN at the park headquarters.
Visit website →Kibara Plateau Trek
Upemba National Park
50km expert 4-day trek across the Afromontane grasslands of the Kibara Plateau. This high-altitude route (averaging 1,700m) offers rare opportunities to see the region's unique zebra population and endemic flora. The terrain is rolling and exposed, with significant elevation changes. Treks typically start from the Lusinga station. Self-sufficient camping is required.
Visit website →Kiobo Falls Trail
Upemba National Park
15km moderate round-trip day hike through the Lufira River valley. The route leads to the spectacular Kiobo Falls, which are notable for their width and tiered cascades. Hikers pass through a mix of high-altitude savannah and miombo woodland. Elevation gain is approximately 250m. Guides are mandatory and arranged at the Nagero or Lusinga park stations.
Visit website →Zoo / Wildlife Park / Safari Park
Lubumbashi Zoo
Lubumbashi
A historic urban zoo housing diverse Congolese wildlife and offering a popular educational outing for families in the heart of the city.
Art Gallery / Fine Art Museum
National Museum of Lubumbashi
Lubumbashi
This museum features an impressive collection of archaeological finds, traditional masks, and contemporary art that showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Katanga region.
National Park / Nature Reserve
Lake Tshangalele
Likasi
A significant wetland and bird-watching destination where families can enjoy boat trips and observe local fishing culture.
Castle / Palace / Historic Site
Lubumbashi Railway Station
Lubumbashi
A historic colonial-era terminal featuring early 20th-century architecture that reflects the region's deep industrial and mining heritage.
St. Peter and Paul Cathedral
Lubumbashi
A stunning 1920s red-brick landmark that serves as the city's primary religious and architectural center, offering a peaceful atmosphere for visitors.
Water Park / Splash Park / Aquatic Centre
Village Venus
Lubumbashi
This expansive leisure complex features multiple swimming pools and water slides, serving as a primary destination for family aquatic recreation in the region.
Beach / Coastal Recreation Area
Kalemie Beach
Kalemie
A prominent white-sand beach on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, offering clear turquoise waters for swimming and scenic views of the surrounding mountains.
Botanical Garden / Formal Gardens
Lubumbashi Botanical Garden
Lubumbashi
A historic and serene urban escape featuring a diverse collection of indigenous trees and plants, offering a peaceful setting for educational family walks.
Farm Park / Petting Zoo / Rural Experience
Mikembo Sanctuary
Lubumbashi
A wildlife sanctuary and rural escape where families can observe giraffes, zebras, and antelopes in a protected savanna environment.
Visit website →Science Museum / Natural History Museum / Discovery Centre
Mineralogical Museum of Likasi
Likasi
A specialized science museum featuring over 600 geological specimens and stone samples that document the immense mineral wealth and geological history of the Katanga Copperbelt.