Congo River, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo

4.0 (22 reviews) Spent Ranking #4 in Kinshasa Bodies of Water

Pirogue trip

Way back in 1993, another young adventurer and I bought a local pirogue and travelled from Aketi to Bumba on the Itimbiri River, which joins the Congo (then called Zaire) River. Then we caught a ride on a barge from Bumba to Kisangani. The Captain was a friendly Greek, who invited us up to his cabin to drink something "strong and dark". It was part of an amazing adventure. But the river....long, slow, powerful, wide - never underestimate it. It is very beautiful, but can be home to dreadful hordes of mosquitos, snorting groups of hippos, dour old Customs men and laughing children. It is lifeblood and highway to those who live along it and indeed to the whole country. Advice for prospective river-wanderers: the closer you get to a large town or city, the less friendly the people become.

Address

, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Current local date and time now

Monday, May 13, 2024, 14:46

User Ratings

4.0 based on (22 reviews)

Excellent
41%
Good
45%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
0%
Terrible
5%

Reviews

  • 4HPFlat5 5:00 PM May 23, 2015
    Pirogue trip
    Way back in 1993, another young adventurer and I bought a local pirogue and travelled from Aketi to Bumba on the Itimbiri River, which joins the Congo (then called Zaire) River. Then we caught a ride on a barge from Bumba to Kisangani. The Captain was a friendly Greek, who invited us up to his cabin to drink something "strong and dark". It was part of an amazing adventure. But the river....long, slow, powerful, wide - never underestimate it. It is very beautiful, but can be home to dreadful hordes of mosquitos, snorting groups of hippos, dour old Customs men and laughing children. It is lifeblood and highway to those who live along it and indeed to the whole country. Advice for prospective river-wanderers: the closer you get to a large town or city, the less friendly the people become.
  • 4Mani W 5:00 PM May 2, 2014
    Pool Malebo
    The only way to cross from Kinshasa to Brazzaville. Because there's no helicopter or airplane service between the two main towns of both Congo's. The only way to cross is over the Malebo pool, once known as the Stanley Pool. Magnificent, powerful, it takes about half a hour to cross on a average boat, or the day long if you use the huge and rusty tri-ferry, that will be crowded and slow. Take in any case the "Heart of Darkness" with you, so Joseph Conrad keeps you company, on the long waiting for the next leaving, witch only will happens wend the boat is full.

See also

More Things to do in Kinshasa