Congo River Tours & 10 Essential Facts About Congo River
Tours along the Congo River. Among its many remarkable features, the Congo River—officially known as the Zaire River—is the most powerful river in Africa, the second-largest river in the world, the fifth-longest river (spanning more than 4,700 km) until it empties into the Atlantic Ocean in Banane, and the deepest river in Africa and the world. Finally, it is the longest river in Africa. The tropical rain forests that the Congo River flows through are the second oldest in the world. After perusing the empty gaps on the globe map, Joseph Conrad drew inspiration for his 1899 novel Heart of Darkness from the dense jungles along the Congo River course.
Consider chartering a local boat or a classic pirogue for your Congo River excursion. Be prepared for an exciting cultural encounter as you travel along the Congo River and come across numerous remote settlements that are completely cut off from the outside world and tourist attractions.
While there are a variety of ways to begin a Congo River tour, we recommend the more fulfilling route that goes from Lisala to Kisangani. On our Congo River trips, you’ll see remote villages, lush rainforests, and the country’s most important historical sites. Plus, you’ll have the chance to meet natives in their most authentic form. To experience the true diversity of Africa, we promise to take you to places that have been largely undiscovered by tourists.
Congo A River Journey
The Congo River Explained
Congo River Tour Packages
There is very little in the way of infrastructure on safaris in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Adventure seekers can choose from a number of trips that take them to the top attractions in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Our DR Congo vacation packages are available now.
16 Days Congo River Tour From Kinshasa
From Lisala to Kisangani, along the gorgeous Congo River, you’ll see some of the country’s most important historical sites, lush rain forests, and, most of all, get to know the locals. This 16 Days Congo River Tour From Kinshasa Itinerary will take you to spots you’ve never seen before in the Congo.
As you journey through one of the most remote regions on this 16 Days Congo River Tour From Kinshasa Itinerary you will encounter the various sights and sounds of authentic Africa.
Our river cruiser, a wooden vessel measuring 18 meters in length and outfitted with two strong outboard motors, is the mode of transportation here.
22 Days Congo River Cruise Behind The Scenes
Following the Nile in Africa in terms of total length, the Congo River ranks second with 4,371 kilometers, and behind the Amazon in terms of global size, thanks to its average flow rate of 40,000 cubic meters per second. With depths exceeding 220 meters (720 feet), it also claims to be the deepest river on Earth. The river begins its journey in southern Katanga at an elevation of 1435 meters and winds its way across the country, passing through Kisangani, Mbandaka, Kinshasa, and Matadi on its way to the Atlantic Ocean, close to Banana.
The Atlantic Ocean portion is accessible between Kisangani and Kinshasa and Matadi, however the portion between and beyond those spans is severely unnavigable and extremely dangerous. Inga, a massive hydroelectric dam that supplies power to the DRC and other nearby nations, is located between the two segments and is navigable only through a series of rapids.
Congo River Expedition Itinerary
The pinnacle of Congo adventures: a boat ride from Lisala to Kisangani along the massive Congo River. Along the way, the group will see jungles, historical landmarks, outlying settlements, and, of course, get to know the natives.
Traveling through a region that few tourists have yet to see will allow you to hear and see the true Africa. Our river cruiser is an 18-meter wooden boat with two strong outboard motors that we use for transportation. In addition, the vessel has a generator, lighting, freezers, sanitary installations, and safety gear. An experienced and certified captain, along with a mechanic and sailor, operate it. Throughout, there is a chef and a tour guide. You can spend your evenings and nights ashore, allowing you to engage in cultural exchanges with the locals.
Facts About Congo River
- The Congo River was named after the ancient kingdom of Kongo.
Portuguese colonizers dissolved the Kongo kingdom in 1857; it had jurisdiction over what is now Northern Angola in West Central Africa. The inhabitants of this realm are known as the Kikongo speakers, which encompass both the Bantu and Ndundu peoples. - Congo River is the Second largest in the World by discharge volume
Approximately 41,200 m3/s (1,454,964.27 cubic ft/s) of water is released annually by the Congo River. It is the world’s second-largest river, after the Amazon, in terms of discharge water volume. Also, the deepest river in the world is the Congo River. At its deepest point, the river is about 220 meters (720 feet) deep. - An extremely significant portion of the world’s natural history is located along the banks of the Congo River, which is home to eight sites recognized as World history by UNESCO.
- The majestic Congo River divides the capitals of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of the Congo. Tributaries of the Congo River include the Upper, Middle, and Lower Congo Rivers.
Stanley Falls was the point of entry for the Upper Congo River into the East African Rift. It is mostly to the northwest from Kisangani that the Middle Congo stretches. At Pool Malebo, the central Congo River veers out to the southwest and takes on more of a lake-like shape, eventually emptying into Stanley Pool. On opposite sides of the Malebo Pool lie the capitals of the Republic of the Congo (Brazzaville) and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (Kinshasa). - All of sub-Saharan Africa’s energy needs may be satisfied by the Congo River, thanks to its tremendous power.
- The river makes two crossings of the equator. Before flowing northeast, the Congo River rises in the southern hemisphere. At this point in its voyage, it crosses the Equator and reaches the Northern Hemisphere. Therefore, it is unique among rivers in that it crosses the equator twice.
- It is estimated that 700 distinct fish species inhabit the Congo River. You can bet that the sum is far greater. There are a few fish species that can only be found in the Congo River.
- Water for the rivers originates in the hills and mountains of the East African Rift as well as in Lakes Tanganyika and Mweru.
- About four thousand islands dot the Congo River; fifty of these are more than ten miles long and populated with tiny towns.
- Diego Cao, on an expedition to the Dark African Kongo Kingdom in 1482, was the first European recorded to glimpse and enter the Congo River.