Lubumbashi’s Must Visit Reserve: A Tranquil Oasis to Unwind, Explore, and Reconnect with Nature
Picture a hidden gem in Lubumbashi, a peaceful, boutique-style zoo and garden sanctuary, where you can escape city life and unwind in nature. This zoo doesn’t overwhelm with vast crowds or dozens of enclosures. Instead, it’s small, intimate, and uniquely tranquil, with just a few well-cared-for animals who live in spacious, clean habitats designed to resemble their natural environments as much as possible. Each animal is cherished, their welfare a top priority. The staff ensures they receive exceptional care, and you can tell by their calm, healthy appearances.
Wandering through the space feels like walking through a private garden oasis. Beautifully landscaped paths are bordered by beds of colorful, rare flowers and vibrant tropical plants. Small seating areas are scattered throughout, inviting you to take a moment to sit and immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and smells of nature. The winding paths take you past unique flower beds, fountains, and shaded benches, encouraging visitors to linger and enjoy the details. It’s perfect for a leisurely stroll, a gentle escape where you feel connected to the natural world.
And when it comes to dining, the zoo houses a cosy, open-air Italian café with a wood-fired pizza oven, producing one of the best pizzas in the DRC. The pizzas are made in the authentic Italian style, with thin, crispy crusts topped with fresh ingredients and cooked to perfection in a traditional stone oven. It’s a culinary highlight that draws locals and visitors alike. Enjoying a slice of real Italian pizza amid lush greenery and the sounds of chirping birds is a pleasure in itself.
Overall, this intimate zoo and garden in Lubumbashi offers a refreshing change from the urban rush, providing a peaceful day of nature, good food, and gentle moments with animals—a place to unwind, reconnect, and be inspired.