What is the history of the Congo River?

Human history in the Congo basin is defined by their relationship with forests and savannah woodlands. As ancient hominids moved out of the forest and developed an upright posture to see over the tall grass, the human race was born in central Africa. read more

The Chambeshi is a tributary of the Lualaba River, and Lualaba is the name of the Congo River upstream of Boyoma Falls, extending for 1,800 km (1,120 mi). Measured along with the Lualaba, the Congo River has a total length of 4,370 km (2,715 mi). It is the only river to cross the equator twice. read more

In the East it bordered on the Kwango river, a tributary of the Congo River. In total the kingdom is said to have had 3 to 4 million inhabitants and a surface of about 300,000 km². read more

The Upper Congo abruptly ends with Stanley Falls, a 60 mile stretch of rapids. Stanley Falls gives way to the Middle Congo, a 1000 mile stretch of navigable river, nine miles wide in some parts. Along this quiet stretch of river is the city of Kinsangani, a city known for violence since Belgian colonial days. read more