Mai-Ndombe

Mai-Ndombe is a province in western Democratic Republic of the Congo centered around a large lake of the same name. The region comprises eight administrative territories including Inongo, Kiri, and Kutu connected through the lake system.

The province was created in 2015 when the former Bandundu Province was split into three separate regions. The earlier Plateaux and Mai-Ndombe districts were brought together, with Inongo established as the capital.

People here speak French and Lingala, with distinct traditions across different areas of the region. The lake system connects communities and shapes how people live and interact daily.

Visitors should prepare for humid conditions and varied terrain since the region is shaped by lakes and wetlands. Accessibility changes with the seasons, and local boats are often the main way to travel around.

A large forest conservation area on the western shore is managed by local communities as a pioneering sustainable forest project. This initiative demonstrates how communities themselves can protect the forest while benefiting from its preservation.