Kisangani, Port city in Tshopo Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Kisangani is a port city along the Congo River in Tshopo Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and stretches along the riverbank where boats end their journey upstream. The city sits below the Boyoma Falls, which prevent further river navigation, and its port facilities connect it to communities downstream while roads lead into the dense inland forest.
A European explorer established a trading post at the falls in 1883, marking the beginning of permanent settlement at this location. The post grew into a commercial hub that moved goods between the upper river and areas downstream, and administrators later changed the name of the place to honor local languages.
The university hosts thousands of students in buildings along wide avenues and contributes to the academic life of the city. Several faculties offer degrees in medicine, law, and other fields, while students from across the northeastern region come to the city to begin their studies.
The airport sits outside the city center and provides connections to other parts of the country as well as some international destinations. Hotels near the airport and in the downtown area offer accommodations for travelers, while local transport helps move between neighborhoods.
The current name comes from the Swahili language and means city on the island, a translation of the older name Boyoma that reflects the geographic location along the river. This name change occurred in 1966 and reflects efforts to replace colonial designations with terms from local languages.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
