Yellala Falls, Waterfall system on Congo River in Kongo Central, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Yellala is a waterfall system on the Congo River that stretches for several kilometers through narrow gorges and rocky terrain. The water drops in distinct stages across the landscape, creating a dramatic cascade of flowing water and turbulent rapids.
Portuguese explorer Diogo Cão discovered this location in 1485 and left a stone marker to record his expedition on behalf of King John II. The site became known as a significant point marking early European exploration of the Congo region.
Local people have shaped their lives around the river for generations, with the falls playing a central role in how they navigate and inhabit the region. The water remains woven into their daily routines and the stories they tell about their homeland.
The falls are reachable from the city of Matadi, and local guides can help you navigate the terrain and explain what you see. Plan to visit during drier months when the paths are easier to walk and safer to explore.
The falls create a natural barrier that has separated fish populations on each bank into distinct groups over time. This division has allowed different fish species to develop differently on opposite sides of the cascade.
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