All About The CongoLocated in Central Africa, the Congo is definitely one of the worlds exotic wonders. The Congo river is not only one of the most diverse rivers, but is also the deepest river in the world. It is the 9th largest river in the world, and the 2nd largest river in Africa. Also known as the Zaire river, the Congo river is definitely a place to see before you die.
CountriesThe Congo river is no small river. It is very large. It is considered to be the most powerful river in Africa. Since it is so powerful, many people have settled around it. This brings various countries that have come to exist around the river. The countries are...
* Democratic Republic of Congo *Republic of the Congo *Central African Republic *Zambia *Angola *Camaroon *Tanzania ClimateThe Congo river has a very moist climate. It is usually very humid, and also very wet. The annual rainfall usually is about 67 inches.
The average temperature is around 70 degrees fahrenheit. There are 2 seasons, dry and wet. The PeopleYou may think such a tropical place would be untouched and uncivilized. But in fact, millions of people live in the Congo River’s basin. Most of these people that live there live in tribal settlements around the rainforest. The rainforests of the Congo first became populated around 1870 when Henry M Stanley first was exploring The Congo and places around it. These natives usually hunt, fish, and gather their food instead of growing crops and livestock. This is a traditional way of living in The Congo, and therefore still takes place with the inhabitants of the Congo Basin today. In the vast majority of people living there, there are several hundred tribes and clans. Many of these people are Bantu, so a lot of the clans and tribes speak different dialects of the language of Bantu. The people here don’t wear tons of clothes, due to the hot and wet climate. A traditional way of making home is using grass, palm leaves, or poles to build a sort of airy hut. The huts are placed strategically, usually on or near the River’s bank. Though not much is grown, what crops are grown are cultivated by women and girls, while the men’s jobs are to fish, hunt, and be craftsmen. Once the garden beds are washed away or overused, the villagers then move to another part of the rainforest. In recent years, the people of the Congo Basin have established many hospitals, schools, apartments and other modern buildings. They are also expanding their exports and becoming more modern as their cities evolve. The Size of the CongoSize-
The Congo Rivers length is 2,900 miles, and is the continent’s second largest river, after the Nile. It’s at an elevation of 5,760 ft. above sea level, and its distance is about 430 miles. Its drainage basin covers an area of 1,335,000 square miles. The AnimalsThe organisms that live here are very exotic considering we have such a moist climate. We have over 700 fish species. We also have over 450 mammal species, and about 300 reptile species, not to mention plants and insects. We have about 10,000 species of plants in the basin area and rainforest. We also have 1,000 species of birds. We also have more than 900 species of butterflies. The animal life in this river is tremendous. A few of the fish species are black catfish, elephant fish, and cichlids. A common bird that has flown in from the sea is a sea swallow. A few mamals that love to hang around are the african forest elephant, the manatee ( sea cow), and cross river gorillas. A common feature of the reptiles seen here is the crocodile. |
What To PackIf you are planning a trip to the Congo, we recommend...
7 tshirts 7 pairs of shorts 5 pairs of pants 2 sweatshirts 5 PJ sets Toiletries 7-10 pairs of socks 2 pairs of tennis shoes 1 pair of sandals Hat Sunscreen We Understand The Pain Of Bugs...Enjoy a complimentary bug repellant set with Bug Spray, Anti Bug Body Wash,
Instant bug killer, and an attachable mask to keep bugs out of your face on hikes... All paid for by TKT. Feeling Adventurous?If you feel extra adventurous, we recommend kayaking on the rapids of the Congo. Be sure to get the training needed before going by yourself. If your a newbie at kayaking, just contact your agent, and we will set up your very own KAYAK TOUR GUIDE!
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