Inga Falls is a rapids in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where the Congo River drops a staggering 96m (315 ft) over a 15 km (9mi) course. The rapids are extremely lively – the Inga Falls actually form part of a larger group of rapids known as the Livingstone Falls – and have formed a sharp bend in the river, the width of which fluctuates from a mere 260m to an enormous 4 km. With a medium water discharge of 42,476 m?/s (1,500,000 ft?/s) and a maximum recorded volume of 70,793 m?/s (2,500,000 ft?/s), Inga Falls would be considered to be the largest waterfall in the world – the only reason why it’s not is because it is not a true waterfall.
The ecotourist will be glad to hear that this vast and impressive water flow is not going to waste. The Inga Falls are currently the home of two hydroelectric dams, Inga I and Inga II, which harness this incredible and sustainable energy source to create electricity. There are even expansion plans already underway to build what would be the biggest dam in the world – Grand Inga, which would generate a whopping 39,000 megawatts of electricity.
If planning on paying a visit to the Congo, then a tour with Real Congo company to get the best experience available to the green traveller. As Real Congo offers bespoke tours, the ecotourist can discuss what his/her interests are and Real Congo will endeavour to cater to that within the realms of the culture.
There will also be visits to Congolese homes, perhaps dinner with them and of course visits to the local schools, churches, wood carvers, artisans workshops.
photo by Inga Falls (Richard and Jo deMeester/Flickr)