[2] On 1 June 2005, the protectors of the park received the Abraham Conservation Award for their role in protecting the rich biodiversity of the Congo River basin.

Lake Upemba has a maximum depth reported to be only 3.2 metres (10 ft) and it is a site of intense algae growth.

The watercourses of the region fluctuate according to the season and the water level in the lakes is high from March to June, and low from October to January.

[5] The system of lakes, rivers, swamps and wetlands supports a variety of fish fauna.

This includes over 30 species of Cyprinidae, Mormyridae (also known as freshwater elephant fish), Barbus, Alestidae, Mochokidae and Cichlidae.