But where does the Congo River start? Where does it go? How deep is it? Find out as we explore this timeless African wonder!
Where Does the Congo River Start?
The Congo River starts as the Luabala River in the southeast corner of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Amid a series of tributaries and rapids, the Luabala is the tributary with the greatest water volume. For that reason, it is often considered the primary source of the Congo. However, there is some debate about the Luabala as the starting point. This river is fed by the Chambeshi River, the Congo’s longest tributary. It has its origin in the highlands of northeastern Zambia, about 300 miles upriver. The Chambeshi and Lualaba meet near the borders of Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Some consider the Chambeshi River the Congo River’s true origin. The Congo River is so long and varied that it is divided into three sections: the upper, the middle, and the lower Congo. The Upper Congo contains rapids, tributaries, and lakes. Additionally, it is home to the Congo-Lualaba-Chambeshi river system. This area can be difficult to navigate due to numerous waterfalls and fast-running water. The Middle Congo begins with the Boyoma Falls. These falls feature 7 cataracts running wildly for 60 miles. However, after the falls, the river slows and becomes more easily navigable. People living along the Middle Congo’s banks frequently use the river as a means of transport. The Middle Congo ends with a short stretch of extremely slow-flowing water known as the Malebo Pool. Water from this pool flows over the Livingstone Falls. These famous falls are named after the explorer and missionary David Livingstone. Despite their allure, they are extremely treacherous to attempt. The Lower Congo empties into the Atlantic Ocean, flowing rapidly and expelling huge quantities of water.
What Countries Does the Congo River Flow Through?
The Congo River flows through seven countries. These include the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Republic of Congo, the Central African Republic, western Zambia, northern Angola, and parts of Cameroon and Tanzania. For millennia, the people of these nations have relied on the Congo River for their livelihood and transport. Most of the river-dwelling people engage in fishing. However, areas along the rapids often discourage this occupation.
Where Does the Congo River End?
The Congo River ends at the Atlantic Ocean. After Livingstone Falls, the river continues plunging toward sea level. Two capital cities face each other across the water of the Lower Congo. The first is Kinshasa, which is the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The second is Brazzaville, which is the capital of the Republic of the Congo. These cities have traditionally been rivals. Ironically, they are closer to each other than any other two capital cities in the world. At its extreme end, the mouth of the river gushes 1.25 million cubic feet of water into the Atlantic Ocean every second. For reference, the Mississippi River only releases 590,000 cubic feet of water into the Gulf of Mexico per second. An underwater canyon continues past the Congo River’s estuary for about 125 miles.
How Long is the Congo River?
Because of debates over where the Congo River actually begins, some estimates put the Congo’s length at closer to 2,700 miles.
How Wide is the Congo River?
The Congo River is as wide as 8 miles at the mouth of the Mongala. This site is located in the Middle Congo, where the river is slow. Despite the Congo’s length, there is only one bridge providing a road and rail crossing. This is the Matadi Bridge, which arches over its narrowest point. At 1,710 feet across, the Matadi Bridge was the longest suspension bridge in the world until the Maputo-Katembe Bridge was completed in 2018. The only other crossing of the Congo is the Kongolo Bridge over the Luabala River.
5 Amazing Facts about the Congo River!
It is the world’s deepest river, measuring 720 feet at its deepest – too deep for light to reach!Because of its incredible depth, it fosters a unique ecosystem with more biodiversity than any other African river.It crosses the equator twice and is the largest river in the world to do so.It is home to the goliath tigerfish, a vicious, piranha-like predator famous for attacking humans and even crocodiles!The Congo’s currents are so powerful that fish on either side of the river cannot mix with each other. This leads to genetically diverse species.
From its debatable beginnings to its ending in the Atlantic Ocean, the Congo River is truly one of the most fascinating rivers in the world.
