28 Dec

#Lifestyle • Congo River Tourism

VENTURES AFRICA – As part of the revival of tourism in the central African region, theRepublic of Congo (Brazzaville) has implemented a program of river tourism on the Congo River. The Republic of the Congo (Congo-Brazzaville) is a developing nation in Central Africa. The official language is French, and Lingala, Kikongo, and Kituba are also widely spoken. The largest cities are the capital, Brazzaville, located on the Congo River, and Pointe Noire on the Atlantic coast.

A real energy boulevard, the Congo River is by far the most pertinent tourist attraction in the country. The river separates the two Congos - Kinshasa and Brazzaville. Also known as the Zaire River, it is one of the most important rivers in Africa and is the deepest in the world. With measured depths in excess of 220m (720 ft), the Congo River is the third largest river in the world by volume of water discharged. Additionally, its overall length (4,700km 2,920 mi) makes it the ninth longest river.

Historically, this river got its name from the ancient Kingdom of Kongo (Royaume Kongo) which inhabited the lands at the mouth of the river. The tributaries of the Congo are the Ubangi, Sangha, Likouala, Alima, Mossaka, Nkéni, Léfini, Djoué and finally Loufoulakari. The average flow of the river is 40 000km3 / s, often up to 50 000m3 / s during rainy seasons and can go down to 30 000m3 / s during low flow periods or dry season (between May and September) which is the perfect time for tourists to plan a trip on the Congo River because the emergence of sandbanks, during this period, will promote relaxation and camping on the surrounding beaches.

Talking of surrounding places, the Kintélé Bay (30 km from Brazzaville) offers a favorable space for water skiing andsport fishing … In some other parts, the river looks in places as Lake extending to the horizon, and the width varies between 25 and 30 km. It is a paradise for fishermen. They say that it is very easy for them to fish and make a living out of their daily activity which they enjoy so much.

Until this day, the bustling underwater world of the Congo River is home to at least 686 species of fish, 80% of which are found nowhere else in the world. According to the Biodiversity Survey: Systematics, Ecology, and Conservation Along the Congo River, a snapshot of this aquatic habitat reveal the elephant fish, the air-breathing lungfish and the endearing killifishes. But there is much more to this amazing fish world than meets the eye.

Taking a trip to the Congo and not see the Congo River will be a great waste of time. Tourists are always amazed by the incredible views they get from Les Rapides, La Cataracte and other waterfalls sites next to the Djoue which, at the end of the day, make your Congolese experience an unforgettable trip. And again, meeting fishermen along the coast who come out of these waters with tiger fish weighing about 180kg is just a rewarding experience for any tourist. And when comes the sunset, you can enjoy the same fresh tiger fish as a very tasty meal served with cassava, fufu or plantains paired with a nice glass of wine or a cocktail, all this prepared by local Chefs who are experts on Congolese and French gourmet cuisines.