Zongo Falls, Waterfall along Inkisi River near Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Zongo Falls is a waterfall on the Inkisi River in the western part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, roughly 200 km from Kinshasa. The water drops 65 m (213 ft) over a series of rocky steps before pooling at the base.
The Inkisi River and its falls were a landmark for the peoples of this region long before the colonial period. During the Belgian colonial era, the river was developed as a power source, which led to the founding of the town of Zongo nearby.
The falls take their name from the town of Zongo. The Inkisi enters the DRC by a waterfall and empties into the Congo River after the Zongo Falls; between the two falls, the Zongo hydroelectric dam of 2008 and the falls and dams of Zongo form barriers that limit fish migration.
Getting there from Kinshasa requires good preparation, as road conditions in this part of the country can vary a lot depending on the season. Once on site, a local guide is very helpful for reaching the rocks and the pool at the base safely.
Right next to the falls stands a small hydroelectric station that still generates power for the surrounding area today. It is one of the few places in this part of Africa where a natural site and an industrial facility sit side by side.
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