Lake Upemba, Lake in Bukama, Democratic Republic of Congo
Lake Upemba is a large lake in the Bukama district of the Democratic Republic of Congo, in the southeastern part of the country. It stretches about 70 km (43 mi) and sits in a low basin surrounded by wetlands, grasslands, and smaller lakes connected by rivers and streams.
The area around the lake has been inhabited for over 2,000 years and was once connected to the Luba Kingdom, which ruled parts of Central Africa from the 1500s to the 1800s. The Upemba National Park, which surrounds the lake, was established in 1939 to protect the region's wildlife and land.
The lake sits in a remote area, so it is worth planning ahead and carrying enough supplies for the trip. A local guide is strongly recommended for navigating the wetlands and reaching the lake safely.
The lake has floating islands made of reeds and grasses that drift slowly across the surface with the current. Since 2006, some of these islands have become shelter for people fleeing conflicts in the region.
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