FAQ

A: Bombo Lumene is approximately 100-130km from Kinshasa depending on how you measure. It takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes to drive to, from downtown Kinshasa, and approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from Ndjili International Airport.

A: Not yet! Although we are working hard to create one in the near future, Bombo Lumene does not yet have a restaurant or bar. Visitors have the option to bring their own food and drinks (including water) from Kinshasa, or order local food in advance when making a reservation ($5-$10usd depending on the dish. Local dishes that can be made are beef/chicken/fish with sides of rice, pondu, fufu, fumbwa, makemba etc. Various beers and some soft drinks can be purchased on site.

A: No! The road to Bombo Lumene’s entry is completely paved and very good. However, once in the reserve, a 4×4 is best for exploring different areas and to get to and from the river with ease.

A: Animals at Bombo Lumene have become very shy and mostly nocturnal due to persistent poaching over the years. While this makes animals harder to see, they are definitely still there! It is best to ask for a guide upon your arrival that can take you on different walks and hikes of varying degrees of intensity to try and find animals. The best time for these walks is very early in the morning or in the late afternoon. Perhaps the best way to see animals is by using a flashlight to look for them at night. There are several antelope that hang around the camping area at night and are usually easily seen if it is quiet enough. Although seeing animals is never guaranteed, all of the animals that live in Bombo Lumene have been spotted near the camp so there is always a chance of spotting something. Recently installed salt licks have also begun to work in attracting several antelopes closer to the camp. We hope that with ongoing efforts, all the animals will once again become comfortable enough around humans to be viewed and photographed. Lastly, do not forget to appreciate the smaller animals, the birds (245 species and counting!), the insects, and especially the views while you are there! 

A: Yes! The Lumene river is a beautiful river to swim in with very refreshing and clean water. However, beware of strong currents in certain parts and speak to a guide first to know where it is safe to swim!

A: Other activities one can enjoy at Bombo Lumene are birdwatching, guided nature walks, hiking, trail running, swimming, fishing (bring your fishing gear!), and nightdrives (in personal vehicles).

A: You should expect to learn a little bit more about the flora and fauna of Bombo Lumene. Your guides will point out various tracks and signs from different animals, and tell you about useful, interesting, and edible plants. You will take in incredible views, interesting insects, amazing birdlife, and with a bit of luck maybe even antelopes, buffalos, jackals, monkeys, and other animals that inhabit the reserve.

A: While it is not required, we highly encourage visitors to leave a tip for their hard-working guides who not only guide tourists, but are also the rangers protecting the reserve and its animals. A little tip will go a very long way for the guides and their families!

FAQ

A: Bombo Lumene is approximately 100-130km from Kinshasa depending on how you measure. It takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes to drive to, from downtown Kinshasa, and approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from Ndjili International Airport.

A: Not yet! Although we are working hard to create one in the near future, Bombo Lumene does not yet have a restaurant or bar. Visitors have the option to bring their own food and drinks (including water) from Kinshasa, or order local food in advance when making a reservation ($5-$10usd depending on the dish. Local dishes that can be made are beef/chicken/fish with sides of rice, pondu, fufu, fumbwa, makemba etc. Various beers and some soft drinks can be purchased on site.

A: No! The road to Bombo Lumene’s entry is completely paved and very good. However, once in the reserve, a 4×4 is best for exploring different areas and to get to and from the river with ease.

A: Animals at Bombo Lumene have become very shy and mostly nocturnal due to persistent poaching over the years. While this makes animals harder to see, they are definitely still there! It is best to ask for a guide upon your arrival that can take you on different walks and hikes of varying degrees of intensity to try and find animals. The best time for these walks is very early in the morning or in the late afternoon. Perhaps the best way to see animals is by using a flashlight to look for them at night. There are several antelope that hang around the camping area at night and are usually easily seen if it is quiet enough. Although seeing animals is never guaranteed, all of the animals that live in Bombo Lumene have been spotted near the camp so there is always a chance of spotting something. Recently installed salt licks have also begun to work in attracting several antelopes closer to the camp. We hope that with ongoing efforts, all the animals will once again become comfortable enough around humans to be viewed and photographed. Lastly, do not forget to appreciate the smaller animals, the birds (245 species and counting!), the insects, and especially the views while you are there! 

A: Yes! The Lumene river is a beautiful river to swim in with very refreshing and clean water. However, beware of strong currents in certain parts and speak to a guide first to know where it is safe to swim!

A: Other activities one can enjoy at Bombo Lumene are birdwatching, guided nature walks, hiking, trail running, swimming, fishing (bring your fishing gear!), and nightdrives (in personal vehicles).

A: You should expect to learn a little bit more about the flora and fauna of Bombo Lumene. Your guides will point out various tracks and signs from different animals, and tell you about useful, interesting, and edible plants. You will take in incredible views, interesting insects, amazing birdlife, and with a bit of luck maybe even antelopes, buffalos, jackals, monkeys, and other animals that inhabit the reserve.

A: While it is not required, we highly encourage visitors to leave a tip for their hard-working guides who not only guide tourists, but are also the rangers protecting the reserve and its animals. A little tip will go a very long way for the guides and their families!

FAQ

A: Bombo Lumene is approximately 100-130km from Kinshasa depending on how you measure. It takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes to drive to, from downtown Kinshasa, and approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from Ndjili International Airport.

A: Not yet! Although we are working hard to create one in the near future, Bombo Lumene does not yet have a restaurant or bar. Visitors have the option to bring their own food and drinks (including water) from Kinshasa, or order local food in advance when making a reservation ($5-$10usd depending on the dish. Local dishes that can be made are beef/chicken/fish with sides of rice, pondu, fufu, fumbwa, makemba etc. Various beers and some soft drinks can be purchased on site.

A: No! The road to Bombo Lumene’s entry is completely paved and very good. However, once in the reserve, a 4×4 is best for exploring different areas and to get to and from the river with ease.

A: Animals at Bombo Lumene have become very shy and mostly nocturnal due to persistent poaching over the years. While this makes animals harder to see, they are definitely still there! It is best to ask for a guide upon your arrival that can take you on different walks and hikes of varying degrees of intensity to try and find animals. The best time for these walks is very early in the morning or in the late afternoon. Perhaps the best way to see animals is by using a flashlight to look for them at night. There are several antelope that hang around the camping area at night and are usually easily seen if it is quiet enough. Although seeing animals is never guaranteed, all of the animals that live in Bombo Lumene have been spotted near the camp so there is always a chance of spotting something. Recently installed salt licks have also begun to work in attracting several antelopes closer to the camp. We hope that with ongoing efforts, all the animals will once again become comfortable enough around humans to be viewed and photographed. Lastly, do not forget to appreciate the smaller animals, the birds (245 species and counting!), the insects, and especially the views while you are there! 

A: Yes! The Lumene river is a beautiful river to swim in with very refreshing and clean water. However, beware of strong currents in certain parts and speak to a guide first to know where it is safe to swim!

A: Other activities one can enjoy at Bombo Lumene are birdwatching, guided nature walks, hiking, trail running, swimming, fishing (bring your fishing gear!), and nightdrives (in personal vehicles).

A: You should expect to learn a little bit more about the flora and fauna of Bombo Lumene. Your guides will point out various tracks and signs from different animals, and tell you about useful, interesting, and edible plants. You will take in incredible views, interesting insects, amazing birdlife, and with a bit of luck maybe even antelopes, buffalos, jackals, monkeys, and other animals that inhabit the reserve.

A: While it is not required, we highly encourage visitors to leave a tip for their hard-working guides who not only guide tourists, but are also the rangers protecting the reserve and its animals. A little tip will go a very long way for the guides and their families!