Lake Upemba

lake, Democratic Republic of the Congo

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July 14, 2026

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Lake Upemba is a lake located in the southeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, largely within Upemba National Park. It is an expansion of the Lualaba River and covers approximately 200 square miles (500 square km). The lake is characterized by being swampy and overgrown with papyrus. North of Lake Upemba is another expansion of the Lualaba River, Lake Kisale, which is also part of Upemba National Park along its southern and southeastern shores. The park itself is home to various wildlife, including zebras, antelopes, elephants, buffalo, lions, and aquatic birds.12

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Congo River
Physiography
Thus, Lake Upemba occurs on the upper Lualaba; Lakes Bangweulu and Mweru occur on the Chambeshi–Luapula–Luvua system; and Lake Tanganyika, which is fed by the Ruzizi (flowing from Lake Kivu) and by the Malagarasi, itself flows into the Lukuga. Rapids
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Thus, Lake Upemba occurs on the upper Lualaba; Lakes Bangweulu and Mweru occur on the Chambeshi–Luapula–Luvua system; and Lake Tanganyika, which is fed by the Ruzizi (flowing from Lake Kivu) and by the Malagarasi, itself flows into the Lukuga. Rapids
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Upemba National Park
Lake Upemba, an expansion of the Lualaba River, lies largely within the park; it covers approximately 200 square miles (500 square km) and is swampy and overgrown with papyrus. The Lufira River flows from the southeast to join the Lualaba River north of the lake.…
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Lake Upemba, an expansion of the Lualaba River, lies largely within the park; it covers approximately 200 square miles (500 square km) and is swampy and overgrown with papyrus. The Lufira River flows from the southeast to join the Lualaba River north of the lake.…
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