DRC Tourism
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    Livingstone Falls – Congo River Rapids

    KinshasaJuly-September (most dramatic)
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    Quick Answer

    Livingstone Falls is not a single waterfall but a 350km series of rapids and cataracts on the lower Congo River between Kinshasa and Matadi. Named after explorer David Livingstone, these powerful rapids made the Congo interior inaccessible from the sea.

    Livingstone Falls — The Untamed Lower Congo

    Between Kinshasa and the Atlantic port of Matadi, the Congo River drops nearly 280 metres through 350 kilometres of cataracts known collectively as Livingstone Falls. It carries more water than any rapid system on Earth — roughly 42,000 cubic metres per second at peak flow.

    A Day Trip From the Capital

    The lower cataracts are reachable as a day excursion from Kinshasa. Pair them with other nature escapes near the capital like Zongo Falls and Lola ya Bonobo, or extend west toward Muanda Beach and the Atlantic coast.

    Book Your Visit

    Browse curated experiences, contact one of our accredited operators, or start planning with our trip planner.

    Highlights

    350km of rapids
    Dramatic power
    Historic significance
    Photography
    Day trips from Kinshasa

    Activities

    Viewing
    Photography
    Hiking
    History tours

    Nearby Destinations

    kinshasamatadi

    Related Experiences

    livingstone falls tour

    Themes

    waterfall
    river
    nature

    Plan Your Visit

    Best TimeJuly-September (most dramatic)
    Provincekinshasa
    Email to BookWhatsApp
    Explore Kinshasa Province

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    Continue exploring the Democratic Republic of Congo

    The Congo River, Lake Kivu, Lake Tanganyika, Lake Mai-Ndombe and the Atlantic coast at Muanda make the DRC one of Africa's greatest water-based travel destinations. Continue exploring below.

    Plan your DRC tripAll experiencesAll destinationsNational parksWildlife of the DRCCulture & heritageIslands & riversTravel planning guidesDRC travel FAQKinshasa city guideVirunga National ParkKahuzi-Biega National ParkSalonga National ParkGaramba National ParkUpemba National ParkGorilla trekkingBonobo sanctuaryCongo River expeditionsIs the DRC safe?Travel blogAccredited operators & partnersMedia & press kit

    Common questions travellers ask about the DRC

    Is the Democratic Republic of Congo safe to visit?

    Yes — most tourism corridors in the DRC (Kinshasa, Lubumbashi, Virunga, Kahuzi-Biega, Lola ya Bonobo, Kongo Central coast, Upemba, Garamba) are routinely visited safely when travelling with a licensed operator. The DRC is the size of Western Europe, so security conditions vary dramatically by region — avoid eastern conflict pockets outside designated park corridors and check current advisories.

    How much does gorilla trekking cost in the DRC (Congo)?

    Mountain gorilla permits in Virunga National Park start around €415 per person. Grauer's (eastern lowland) gorilla trekking in Kahuzi-Biega starts around €370. Multi-day packages with transfers, ranger fees and lodging typically range from €1,100 to €3,200 per person.

    Do I need a visa to visit the DRC?

    Most travellers need a tourist visa, obtained in advance from a DRC embassy or via an authorised operator with a letter of invitation. A short-stay tourist e-visa is available for many nationalities.

    When is the best time to travel to DR Congo?

    The dry seasons — June to September and December to February — are ideal for gorilla trekking, volcano hikes and safari travel. Congo River and rainforest experiences are rewarding year-round.

    Prefer a human? Plan your trip, apply for a private consultation, or contact our team. For press and partnerships, see our media kit and accredited partners directory.