Top 10 Most Prominent Lakes of DR Congo

The Democratic Republic of Congo isn’t just about dense rainforests and mighty rivers it’s also home to some of Africa’s most stunning lakes. From the depths of the Great Rift Valley to hidden jungle gems, DRC’s lakes offer wild beauty, local lore, and laid-back adventure in equal measure. Here are ten of the most prominent lakes in DR Congo that should be on every traveler’s radar, each with its unique vibe, tips for visiting, and a splash of insider insight.

1. Lake Tanganyika

Location & Vibe: Straddling DRC’s eastern border (and shared with three other countries), Lake Tanganyika is the superstar of African lakes. It’s the world’s second-deepest freshwater lake, plunging to 1,470 meters, and holds a whopping 17% of our planet’s available fresh water. In fact, Tanganyika is so immense that locals jokingly call it “the inland ocean.” Its crystal-clear waters meet palm-fringed shores around towns like Kalemie and Uvira, offering beachy relaxation with Central African flair.

This dreamy slice of Lake Tanganyika was captured by @tropichelicopters just four days ago. A true pilot’s paradise and yours too, if you're lucky enough to land there. See it in motion below.

Don’t be surprised if you spot traditional makoro canoes and the evening glow of lanterns on fishing boats. The sunsets here turn the sky tangerine-orange, casting reflections that seem almost too perfect to be real see it on Instagram (the kind of scene that gives #NoFilter posts a run for their money).

Price & Tips: Enjoying Lake Tanganyika is blissfully free  Mother Nature doesn’t charge a cover. You can swim, snorkel, or just picnic on the sand without spending a franc. If you fancy a boat ride, locals may ferry you across a bay for about $10 (≈20,000 CDF) a small price for a front-row seat to paradise.

Feeling peckish? Try some freshly grilled mukeke or ndagala fish (Tanganyika sardines) at the local market for under $5; it’s a crispy, smoky treat you won’t forget.

Local tip: Tanganyika’s waters teem with unique species, including 250+ kinds of cichlid fish found nowhere else. And if you’re up for a legend, ask about the old German warship MV Liemba  this century-old ferry still chugs along the lake occasionally, a living piece of history. From sky-blue panoramas to lively lakeside bars in Kalemie, Tanganyika lives up to its blockbuster status truly a lake of superlatives.

2. Lake Kivu

Location & Vibe: Nestled amidst misty green hills on the border with Rwanda, Lake Kivu is the Rift Valley’s picturesque rebel. Why rebel? Because beneath Kivu’s tranquil surface lies a volcanic secret vast amounts of methane and CO₂ gas are dissolved in its depths. It’s a “killer lake” in theory (if those gases ever erupted, yikes!), yet everyday life on Kivu’s shores is utterly peaceful.

In Goma and Bukavu, locals sip primus beer at waterfront cafés, musicians strum guitars by the beach, and kids splash around carefree. Towering in the background is the silhouette of Nyiragongo volcano, often with a plume of smoke, reminding you this lake lives in the Ring of Fire. Kivu’s waters are a cool relief in the tropical heat shimmering by day, silvery under the moonlight.

Price & Tips:

 Access to Lake Kivu is free  just stroll up to the shoreline in Goma’s Corniche or Bukavu’s port. For a deeper experience, hop on the daily Goma–Bukavu ferry (Ihusi Express) at around $50 per person (roughly 120,000 CDF) a 3-hour journey that’s part commute, part scenic cruise.

Splurge on the faster speedboat (~$100) if you’re in a hurry, but honestly, on Africa time, who’s rushing? Along the way, snack on sambaza, the local tiny sardines often served fried in paper cones a Lake Kivu delicacy that pairs perfectly with cold beer and lake breezes.

social insight

Two kids wading through Lake Kivu at dusk, the world hushed around them it’s the kind of moment that says everything without needing a word. As one traveler put it on Instagram, “Lake Kivu, in silence.” The water stretches out like glass, the hills fade into haze, and the only soundtrack is the soft ripple of barefoot steps.

Local insight: 

Kivu’s lakebed methane isn’t just for thrills; Rwanda taps it to generate electricity (talk about a hot tub with benefits). Meanwhile on the DRC side, the real attraction is cultural consider a detour to Idjwi Island in the lake’s heart, where time moves slower, bicycles rule the road, and coffee and bananas are the islands’ claim to fame (along with some seriously paradisiacal views see an idyllic island snapshot on Instagram, and just try not to daydream).

Whether you’re kayaking at sunrise or grooving to soukous beats at a lakeside bar in Goma, Lake Kivu offers a mellow mix of adventure and relaxation all with a hint of geological drama underfoot.

3. Lake Albert

Location & Vibe: 

Up in DRC’s far northeast corner lies Lake Albert, a long blue gem forming the natural border with Uganda. This lake is part of the Great Lakes family (albeit the shy cousin) and sits in the Albertine Rift like a mirror between two escarpments. Gaze east, and you’ll see Uganda’s rolling plains; look west, and the imposing Blue Mountains of Congo loom dark and handsome on the horizon, often capped with clouds.

Lake Albert’s vibe is serene and a touch otherworldly think wide-open horizons, flocks of waterbirds skimming the surface, and dugout canoes gliding at dawn. It’s also a working lake: local Alur and Hema fishermen launch out each day from villages like Tchomia and Mahagi-Port, hoping for Nile perch or tilapia in their nets.

Historically, this lake has seen everything from ancient trade to colonial steamships. (Fun fact: explorers Samuel Baker and his feisty wife Florence “discovered” it in 1864 and promptly named it after Queen Victoria’s hubby, Prince Albert.)

Price & Tips: 

Visiting Lake Albert on the DRC side is an exercise in intrepid travel. There’s no fee to view or wander its shores it’s free to all but getting there might involve chartering a 4x4 or hitching a ride on a market truck. If you reach Mahagi Port, you could catch a local ferry toward Uganda (when running) for a few dollars a short ride that offers a panoramic lake view and a truly breezy border crossing. No fancy resorts here, but you can camp by the lakeside (ask village chiefs for permission, usually granted with a smile and maybe a small goodwill payment in CDF or a shared meal).

Local tip: 

Impress the locals by calling the lake “Mwitanzige”, its traditional name meaning “Locust Killer”. Legend says a biblical swarm of locusts once descended, devouring crops, but when the locusts tried to cross the lake, Albert’s waters swallowed them whole.

The name stuck, and it’s still used by communities generations later. While you’re swapping stories, ask a fisherman about the semliki monster  you might hear a tall tale or two about mysterious creatures in these depths (after all, who’s to say what lurks beneath?). True or not, one thing’s certain: watching a fiery sunset over Lake Albert’s calm waters, with the call of fish eagles in the air, is pure magic no ticket needed.

4. Lake Edward

Location & Vibe: Tucked between DRC’s Virunga National Park and Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth Park, Lake Edward is wild in the best way. It may be the smallest of Africa’s Great Lakes, but what it lacks in size, it makes up in untamed beauty.

Picture glassy waters backdropped by the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains (yes, snow on the Equator!) and fringed by plains where elephants and buffalo occasionally wander for a lakeside drink. Lake Edward is entirely within protected areas so its shores are practically devoid of human settlement, save for a couple of ranger posts and fishing hamlets like Vitshumbi and Ishango.

This gives the lake an isolated, Eden-like atmosphere. Expect to see pods of snorting hippos bobbing up and down, flotillas of pelicans and cormorants patrolling for fish, and maybe the ripple of a lurking crocodile. If you’ve ever wanted to pretend you’re David Attenborough for a day, this is the place. Interestingly, this lake even had a brief identity crisis during the 1970s it was renamed Lake Idi Amin by the infamous Ugandan dictator, only to revert to good old Edward after his fall from power. Talk about a lake with stories!

Price & Tips: Since Lake Edward sits inside Virunga National Park (DRC), a visit typically requires a park permit (around $40 USD for DRC residents, higher for foreigners) these fees support conservation and the rangers who protect the area. Most travelers experience Lake Edward via an organized Virunga safari or as part of a gorilla trekking or game drive package.

If you’re DIY-ing it, coordinate with park authorities for access; wandering in on your own is not advised (besides the wildlife, there’s that pesky occasional insecurity). There’s no commercial boating on the lake for tourists, but you can arrange a boat trip with park rangers on patrol gliding among hippos costs about $30 in fuel contributions (and comes with unbeatable nature commentary from your ranger guide).

Local insight: 

Don’t skip a stop at Ishango on the northern tip, if allowed not only is there a ranger station, but archaeologists found an ancient bone harpoon and the Ishango Bone here (thought to be an 20,000-year-old math tool!).

Lake Edward has seen ages come and go. Today, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site as part of Virunga, and you’ll feel that primordial wonder when you’re out on its shores at dawn, mist rising off the water, with only bird calls and distant primate whoops breaking the silence. It’s like Africa distilled into one lake. And yes, you can totally brag that you visited “Lake Idi Amin” your trivia for the day, courtesy of Edward’s quirky history!

5. Lake Mweru

Location & Vibe: Down in the southeast, along the border with Zambia, sprawls Lake Mweru  a broad, tranquil expanse whose very name literally means “lake” (that’s right, locals basically call it “Lake Lake,” which shows you how central it is to life here). Mweru is off the typical tourist trail, giving it an end-of-the-world serenity. Its waters gleam a deep blue, and along the Congolese side, you’ll find rustic fishing villages like Pweto, Kilwa, and Lukonzolwa. Sandy beaches? Yes indeed Mweru boasts stretches of surprisingly white sand especially on some Zambian-side bays, and shallow turquoise shallows where kids play.

The vibe is tropical and lazy: think fishermen mending their nets under mango trees, women smoking fish over wood fires, and herons and storks standing guard in the reeds. As evening falls, Lake Mweru truly comes alive with light  thousands of floating lanterns bob on the dark water as fishermen set out with kerosene lamps to attract sardines.

It’s an absolutely magical sight, like the lake is reflecting a starry sky from below. No wonder folks from as far as Lubumbashi crave the dried “kapenta” (sardines) from Mweru they’re fished by lamp-light and dried in the sun, a taste of the lake you can carry home.

Price & Tips: 

Visiting Mweru is a journey, but not an expensive one. The lake has no entry fee (open-access, like all great lakes) your main costs will be transportation and perhaps hiring a local guide with a boat.

A motorized pirogue ride to explore the shoreline or visit an island (like historical Kilwa Island, once a slave-trade hub) might cost about $15–$20 (30,000–40,000 CDF) per hour negotiate fuel costs and don’t forget lifejackets. Accommodation in Pweto is basic; expect to pay around $10–$15 for a simple guesthouse (or bring a tent and camp by the Catholic mission with permission).

Local tip: 

Get up before dawn to witness the fishermen return with their catch. As they pull in their nets at sunrise, you can often buy a bucket of fresh fish for just a couple of dollars (they might even fry some for you on the spot).

Also, try the local dish “makayabu”  sun-dried, salted fish, usually Mweru tilapia, rehydrated and cooked in tomato sauce. It’s a salty-savory flavor bomb and goes great with fufu (cassava dough). Lastly, keep an eye out for birdlife  Lake Mweru’s wetlands host everything from pied kingfishers to African fish eagles. It’s a birdwatcher’s haven, especially around the Luvua River delta. Mweru might be remote, but its unspoiled charm, friendly lakeside communities, and those lantern-lit nights will steal your heart and fill your camera roll.

6. Lake Upemba

Location & Vibe: Venture into the savannas of Katanga and you’ll find Lake Upemba, shimmering like a mirage amid the grasses. Upemba isn’t just a lake; it’s the centerpiece of Upemba National Park  a vast marshy paradise renowned for its biodiversity. This shallow lake (fed by the Lualaba, the headwaters of the Congo River) sprawls in a patchwork of lagoons, swamps and channels.

The vibe? Imagine an African Okavango Delta, but virtually to yourself. Think waterlilies and floating papyrus mats, herds of graceful antelope and zebra grazing on distant floodplains, and flotillas of pelicans sweeping low over the water. Upemba’s shores are often fringed with villages of the Kisale people, who have fished these waters for centuries.

You’ll see their cone-shaped fishing traps dotting the shallows and maybe hear the laughter of kids chasing each other along the muddy banks. This lake is teeming with life over 30 species of fish (many found nowhere else) thrive here, and sunbathing crocodiles and snorting hippos are common sights. In the wet season, Lake Upemba swells and merges with dozens of smaller lakes (the Upemba Depression holds about 50 lakes in total!). In dry season, it retreats, leaving a mosaic of ponds that attract wildlife from miles around. It’s raw, remote Africa at its finest.

Price & Tips: Being in a national park, visiting Lake Upemba officially requires a park entry fee (around $15 USD for locals, and roughly $20–30 for foreign visitors). However, infrastructure is minimal this is real expedition territory. You’ll likely need a 4x4, a local park guide (budget ~$20/day for the guide’s fee), and plenty of provisions.

For adventurous souls, the park does allow camping at designated sites near the lake (small fee, maybe $10 per tent) and trust us, camping under Upemba’s night sky, with distant hippo grunts as your lullaby, is next-level awesome.

Local insight: 

The park has had security issues in the past, so check current conditions and go with an experienced guide or tour if possible. Assuming all is well: don’t miss a sunset boat ride on the lake. Rangers or fishermen can take you out in a wooden boat for a few dollars’ fuel gliding through mirrored water at golden hour, you might spot puku antelopes sipping at the shore or clouds of waterbirds swirling in a feeding frenzy.

One quirky local legend: they say the Lualaba River spirits guard this lake; fishermen sometimes pour a bit of palm wine into the water as an offering for safe voyages. If someone hands you a calabash of palm wine on your boat ride, you’ll know why! Lake Upemba is a bit of a slog to reach, but those intrepid enough to make the journey are rewarded with pristine wild beauty and serious bragging rights you saw a side of Congo few ever do.

7. Lake Mai-Ndombe

Location & Vibe: The name “Mai-Ndombe” literally means “Black Water” in Lingala/Kikongo, and one look at this lake in western DRC tells you why. Lake Mai-Ndombe stretches like dark glass through the equatorial rainforest its waters are stained tea-black by humic acids from decaying plants, giving it a mysterious, inky appearance. This large shallow lake (roughly the size of Rhode Island) lies in a remote province of the same name, forming part of one of the world’s largest wetlands (the Tumba-Ngiri-Mai-Ndombe Ramsar site).

The vibe here is Jurassic Park meets National Geographic. Dense jungle lines much of the shore, with occasional openings where fishing villages perch on stilts above swampy ground. It’s common to see pirogues carved from giant logs gliding silently through floating forests, fishermen casting nets at dawn’s first light.

The lake’s surface is often eerily calm, reflecting thunderclouds or a fiery sunset in perfect symmetry. Bird lovers, rejoice flocks of African jacanas, herons, egrets, and even the rare shoebill stork patrol these waters. You might spot otters playing in the shallows or hear the splash of a crocodile slipping off a sunning spot. Life for locals revolves around the lake’s pulse: seasonal floods can double its size, and villagers adapt by building houses on raised platforms and traveling by canoe as much as by foot.

Price & Tips: 

Getting to Mai-Ndombe is half the adventure. There’s no fee to access the lake, but you’ll likely need to hire a motorboat or canoe guide from the town of Inongo (the main settlement on its southern shore).

A motorized canoe day-trip might run about $30–$50 in fuel, depending on distance bargain hard and ensure fuel is included (gas isn’t cheap this deep in the interior!). Alternatively, hitch a ride on local transport boats that ply the Fimi River between Inongo and Kinshasa it’s slow (multi-day) but costs only a few dollars and is quite the cultural experience, sleeping on deck under the stars with friendly Congolese traders.

Local tip: 

The lake’s black waters are very acidic (pH ~4.5-5), meaning few mosquitoes  a blessing!

However, that hasn’t stopped an innovative (if concerning) fishing practice: in recent years, some fishermen repurpose mosquito nets for fishing, which unfortunately catches even juvenile fish (a problem highlighted in a documentary called “Black Water”). As a visitor, be a responsible guest support sustainable fishing by buying from folks using proper nets or lines.

Also, venture into the surrounding swamp forest with a local tracker if you can; you might see endemic species like the bonobo (yes, endangered bonobos live north of the lake) or hear the calls of grey parrots overhead. In the evenings, join villagers for story time around the fire you might hear tales of Mbenga, the lake spirit said to protect fishermen from storms. Under a sky crowded with stars and with the lake’s black mirror stretching beyond, you’ll feel the pull of Mai-Ndombe’s magic…and understand why some secrets here are known only to the waters.

8. Lake Tumba

Location & Vibe: Just 120 km northwest of Mai-Ndombe lies her smaller sibling, Lake Tumba (also called Ntomba). If Mai-Ndombe is all about dark mystery, Lake Tumba is about quiet charm. This shallow lake (barely 6 meters at its deepest) expands and shrinks with the seasons, flooding into the surrounding forests and then retreating. The vibe is tranquil and timeless. During high water, the lake overflows into a maze of channels linking to the Congo River; in low water, it becomes a gentle giant bordered by green.

Local Mongo communities live around Lake Tumba, and here’s an anthropological nugget: the Mongo people in this area include two main groups the Oto, who are farming folk, and the Twa (pygmies), who are fishing specialists. Thus, around Tumba you’ll encounter a unique cultural blend: tall Bantu farmers cultivating cassava and maize on the higher ground, and shorter Twa fisher-folk deftly navigating the lake’s backwaters and setting clever fish traps.

The lake’s surface often turns golden at sunrise, as fishermen in carved canoes cast their nets, singing to coordinate their efforts. Birdsong is a constant soundtrack expect everything from whistling ducks to dazzling kingfishers. And if you’re lucky, you might catch sight of a sitatunga (swamp-dwelling antelope) peeking through the reeds, or even hear the distant grunt of a forest elephant (yes, they roam the swamp forests). Lake Tumba feels like a place where humans and nature have struck a harmonious chord.

Price & Tips: 

Lake Tumba is freely accessible, but reaching it requires some determination. Most visitors come via Mbandaka, the nearest city, then travel south by boat or 4x4 to Tumba’s shores. In terms of cost: a local pirogue ride can be hired for as little as $5 per hour (10,000 CDF), and it’s absolutely worth it to explore the lake’s numerous inlets and possibly pay a visit to a Twa village on the water.

Bring small gifts if you plan to visit communities (salt, fishing hooks, or sugar are appreciated tokens of friendship). Accommodations are virtually non-existent, so either plan a homestay (ask the village chief; hospitality is usually offered for a token fee or gift) or camp with your own gear.

Local insight: 

The area around Lake Tumba has some intriguing history it was first “discovered” by Henry Morton Stanley in 1883 during his grand river expedition. He wrote about the “pygmy fishermen of Tumba” in awe.

Today, you can still see the traditional fishing techniques he marveled at: men standing in dugouts, using long spear-like harpoons to catch giant catfish, or setting up conical nets that funnel fish like a corral. For a special treat, ask if there’s any “Liboke” happening this is a local dish where fish (often the tasty capitaine, aka Nile perch) is wrapped in marantaceae leaves with spices and smoked over coals.

Savor it by the lakeside as the day cools. As night falls, fireflies flicker over the water’s edge, and the forest hums to life. On Lake Tumba, you’ll truly feel one with nature – a peaceful pause in your Congo adventures.

9. Lake Tshangalele (Lufira Reservoir)

Location & Vibe: 

Heading back to the south, not far from Lubumbashi, we find Lake Tshangalele  a man-made reservoir that has become one of Katanga’s favorite nature escapes. Formed by a 1920s dam on the Lufira River, Lake Tshangalele spreads out to about 410 km², creating a vast oasis in the otherwise dry highlands east of Likasi.

Despite its artificial origin, the lake feels totally natural now, with gentle waves lapping against grassy banks and acacia-dotted hills rolling in the background. It’s a birdwatcher’s paradise  think flocks of pink-backed pelicans, rows of sleek cormorants sunning their wings, and the occasional visiting flamingos painting the shallows pink. Weekends see a fun, local vibe: families from Likasi and Lubumbashi drive out with cars full of picnic baskets, kids, and pets.

They’ve even dubbed one spot “La Plage” (the beach) a stretch of sand where you’ll find people barbecuing goat brochettes, playing music, and frolicking in the water (which, by the way, is refreshingly cool year-round at this altitude ~1100m).

For the adventure-inclined, the lake offers kayaking and sailing opportunities; there’s a modest water-sports club near the dam, and rumor has it a curious hippo likes to visit those parts, possibly attracted by all the human merriment. In essence, Tshangalele combines scenic tranquility on weekdays with jovial, family-friendly energy on weekends.

Price & Tips: Access to Lake Tshangalele is mostly free. If you’re entering via the official dam road, guards might ask for a token entry fee or registration (usually just a couple of dollars or a note in the logbook). There are no formal tour fees here, but if you want a boat ride, you can often rent a fisherman’s pirogue or a rudimentary sailboat for about $8–$10 per hour (15,000–20,000 CDF).

The drive from Lubumbashi takes ~2 hours; hiring a taxi or driver for a day will run around $50  consider teaming up with other travelers to split the cost.

Local tip: 

Bring your own food and drinks to fully enjoy a lakeside picnic there are scant services by the water aside from maybe a small kiosk selling beverages. One beloved local snack to try if you can source it beforehand is “Chikwangue with mbishi”  that’s cassava bread with spicy grilled caterpillars (trust us, it’s much tastier than it sounds, and full of protein!). Also, keep your binoculars handy: over 300 bird species have been recorded around Tshangalele, from African fish eagles to rare wattled cranes.

Early morning and dusk are prime times for bird activity and you’ll also catch the lake in its most photogenic light then. If you’re a fishing enthusiast, cast a line! Locals pull in tilapia, catfish, and even the occasional Tiger fish (a feisty, toothy game fish). Whether you come for relaxation or recreation, Lake Tshangalele will show you a refreshing side of Congolese life where nature and community chill out together.

10. Lake Mukamba

Location & Vibe: Rounding out our list is a lake steeped in mystery and legend. Tucked in Kasai-Oriental, about 87 km from Mbuji-Mayi, lies Lake Mukamba  a serene, oval-shaped lake with a past as deep as its waters.

Mukamba’s vibe is almost mystical. It sits isolated among gentle hills, its surface often glassy in the early morning, disturbed only by the plop of fish or the distant silhouette of a lone canoe. For centuries, local Luntu people have lived around Mukamba and passed down an incredible origin story: They say that long ago, this lake didn’t exist until one fateful day when water mysteriously welled up from the ground, engulfing entire villages and forming the lake in a single terrifying sweep.

The survivors spoke of it taking the shape of a giant human lying with arms outstretched indeed, from the air the lake’s outline vaguely resembles a person or a bird in flight. Even today, elders whisper that Lake Mukamba holds secrets “never revealed to ordinary people”. Spooky stuff, right? In day-to-day terms, Mukamba is a beloved local treasure. The waters are clear and teem with fish, notably tigerfish (known locally as “mbenga”  vicious fighters on the line and delicious on the grill).

The shoreline alternates between marshy patches alive with frogs and waterbirds, and firmer ground shaded by tall mango and palm trees where villagers cultivate crops. Sunsets here are unreal, turning the placid lake into a mirror of molten gold. At night, you might see campfires of fishermen glinting onshore and hear drums or songs yes, folks around Mukamba love a good bonfire jam session, often praising the lake in their songs.

Price & Tips: Visiting Lake Mukamba can be done via a guided excursion (Congo Travel & Tours offers a 2-day trip, albeit at a hefty $600+ price). But if you’re adventurous and resourceful, you can DIY with local help. There’s no fee to visit the lake itself.

You can hire a car or motorbike from Mbuji-Mayi (budget $100 for a 4x4 day rental with driver, or about $15 for a mototaxi if you pack light and your spine is ready for the bumpy ride). Once at the lake, ask for the village chief in Mukamba village he can usually arrange a canoe for you (tip the paddler ~$5-10) and even an overnight homestay in a basic guest hut (a gift of maybe $10 or some supplies is polite).

Local tip: 

Do try fishing here Lake Mukamba’s tigerfish are legendary. You might need to bring your own rod, but local fishermen can provide bait and pointers. Imagine reeling in a thrashing, silver-and-black tigerfish as local kids cheer you on priceless! If you catch one, the custom is to share the catch in a communal feast.

They’ll help roast it over a wood fire, and you’ll dine under the stars on the lakeshore, enjoying fish so fresh it practically melts in your mouth. Also, be sure to ask the elders to show you the “shape of the lake” lore: some will draw it in the sand, recounting how it’s a giant fallen from the sky or a sacred bird. It’s part of what makes Mukamba more than just a pretty lake it’s a place of living legend.

As you depart, you might just feel a tingle, as if Mukamba’s ancient secret gently brushed by you. Or maybe that’s just the chill from the lake’s morning mist. Either way, Lake Mukamba closes our list with a touch of enchantment, reminding us that in DRC, every beautiful vista can also be a doorway to myth and history.

 From the towering depths of Tanganyika to the whispered mysteries of Mukamba, the lakes of DR Congo are as diverse as the country itself. Some are world-famous wonders, others well-kept local secrets all are integral to the communities and wildlife that depend on them.

Whether you’re into extreme biodiversity, cultural encounters, or just a cold drink by a warm sunset, there’s a Congolese lake calling your name. So pack your sense of adventure (and maybe a fishing rod or binoculars), and dive into these aquatic gems. After all, as we say in Congo, “Maji makwetu hayatulii”  “our waters never rest”  which is a poetic way of saying there’s always something happening on the lakefront. Safe travels and see you on the shores!