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Where does the Congo River begin?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
Physical map of the Congo River basin and its drainage network in Central Africa, showing rivers, major tributaries, elevation gradients, cities, international boundaries, and the approximate boundary of the Ituri Forest. Swamps and flood-prone areas are marked in blue, with symbols indicating waterfalls, rapids, and dams. An inset locator map shows the basin's position within Africa.
Congo River

The Congo River originates in the highlands of northeastern Zambia, between Lake Tanganyika and Lake Nyasa, as the Chambeshi River.1

While the Chambeshi is considered the source, the river system is complex. The Lualaba River, which rises on the Katanga plateau, serves as a major headstream. The Boyoma Falls mark the end of the Lualaba and the beginning of the Congo River proper.23