Located in the far northeast of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Haut-Uélé is a province of vast savannas, dense forests, and remarkable wildlife. Created in 2015 during the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s provincial reorganization, the province takes its name from the Uélé River, one of the region’s most important waterways.
The provincial capital, Isiro, serves as the administrative and economic center of the region. Historically known as Paulis, Isiro has long been an important crossroads connecting northeastern Congo with neighboring regions and countries.
Haut-Uélé is perhaps best known for being home to the world-famous Garamba National Park, one of Africa’s oldest national parks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Established in 1938, Garamba protects vast savannas, woodlands, and wetlands that support elephants, giraffes, lions, buffaloes, and numerous other species. The park has played a crucial role in wildlife conservation for decades.
The province’s landscapes are a unique blend of tropical forest and open savanna, creating habitats unlike those found elsewhere in the Congo Basin. Rivers and seasonal wetlands further enrich the region’s biodiversity.
Agriculture remains the primary source of income for most residents, with cassava, maize, rice, and groundnuts widely cultivated. Mining, trade, and livestock farming also contribute to the local economy. Due to its proximity to borders with South Sudan and the Central African Republic, cross-border connections have historically been important to the region.
Quick Facts
- Capital: Isiro
- Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Established: 2015
- Named after: The Uélé River
- UNESCO Site: Garamba National Park
- Main industries: Agriculture, mining, livestock, and trade
Haut-Uélé is one of the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s last great wilderness regions. From the wildlife-rich plains of Garamba to the remote forests and rivers that stretch across the province, it offers a glimpse into a landscape where nature still dominates the horizon.