The Congo River basin spans nine countries in central Africa. It is 2,920 miles (approximately 4,700 km) long, with its headwaters rising in the highlands above the East African Rift and its streams emptying into the Atlantic Ocean. This is also the world’s deepest river, measuring 720 feet (220 meters) in some areas.

The Congo River has three distinct regions: the upper Congo, the middle Congo, and the lower Congo. The river’s headwaters originate from Lake Tanganyika and Lake Mweru. The upper Congo flows northward and crosses the equator for the first time. After passing Boyoma Falls, the upper Congo turns into the middle Congo, where the river becomes smoother and steadier.

The river winds past many major cities in central Africa. After reaching its northernmost point, the Congo River turns south again and crosses the equator a second time. It flows through the Congo rainforest, various cities, and wetlands before emptying into the Atlantic Ocean.