Boyoma Falls

Waterfall Series of powerful falls on the Lualaba River

Boyoma Falls are a series of seven powerful cataracts on the Lualaba near Kisangani, historically important for river transport. Visitors see the rapids from riverboats and local viewpoints; commercial tourism is limited by remoteness.

Main image

Boyoma Falls is a sequence of river cataracts on the Lualaba River immediately upstream of Kisangani in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, formed by seven distinct rapids and falls.

The series of cataracts creates extensive rapids and a complex river channel rather than a single high waterfall; the falls are a significant hydrological feature in the region and impede continuous river navigation.

Historically the falls were known by the colonial-era name Stanley Falls; they have long been important in regional transport and settlement patterns.

The falls lie adjacent to the city of Kisangani in Tshopo province in northeastern DRC.

  • Navigation barrier: River traffic must bypass the falls by land transport or portage infrastructure, making the site a historic and current navigation barrier on the Congo system.

What to See #

  • Seven cataracts: A chain of seven distinct cataracts and rapids on the Lualaba River that together form a major obstacle to river navigation in the Kisangani region.
Boyoma Falls
Boyoma Falls (near Kisangani), Tshopo Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo
0.4911, 25.2064

How to Get to Boyoma Falls #

Boyoma Falls is accessed from the city of Kisangani. River transport and regional roads connect the area, but travel logistics are complex; visitors should coordinate with local authorities or experienced operators due to security and infrastructure considerations.

Tips for Visiting Boyoma Falls #

  • Local knowledge is essential - river travel and seasonal conditions change quickly.
  • Respect local guides and porters; the falls sit within a region with complex logistics and limited tourism infrastructure.
  • Carry necessary permits and vaccinations appropriate for travel in remote tropical areas.

Best Time to Visit Boyoma Falls #

Seasonal river conditions determine access; dry months (June-September) may be marginally easier for logistics.

Dry season
June-September · Day 24-30°C (75-86°F)
Lower river levels can make some rapids more exposed but travel is often easier.
Wet season
October-May · Day 24-32°C (75-90°F)
Higher river volume and more challenging navigation.

Weather & Climate near Boyoma Falls #

Climate

Boyoma Falls's climate is classified as Tropical Rainforest - Tropical Rainforest climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 20°C to 31°C. Abundant rainfall (1739 mm/year), wettest in October.

Air Quality: AQI 94 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
JanuaryFebruaryJune
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
39°
Warmest Month
16°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 20°C. Moderate rainfall (65 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

75 Very Good

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
20° 30°
78%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

65 mm
Rainfall
1.4 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.9
UV Index
Very High
12.0h daylight

February

February is the warmest month with highs of 31°C and lows of 20°C. Regular rainfall (98 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

73 Very Good

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
20° 31°
77%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

98 mm
Rainfall
1.3 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.0
UV Index
Extreme
12.0h daylight

March

March is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Significant rainfall (161 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

67 Good

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
21° 31°
82%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

161 mm
Rainfall
1.1 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.1
UV Index
Extreme
12.0h daylight

April

April is the warmest month with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (168 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

59 Acceptable

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
21° 31°
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

168 mm
Rainfall
1.0 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.1
UV Index
Extreme
12.0h daylight

May

May is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Significant rainfall (161 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

67 Good

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
21° 30°
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

161 mm
Rainfall
1.0 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.9
UV Index
Very High
12.0h daylight

June

June is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (121 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

71 Very Good

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
20° 30°
82%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

121 mm
Rainfall
1.0 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.6
UV Index
Very High
12.0h daylight

July

July is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (107 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

69 Good

Comfort

24°
Feels Like Warm
24°C
Temperature
20° 29°
79%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

107 mm
Rainfall
0.9 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.4
UV Index
High
12.0h daylight

August

August is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (142 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

67 Good

Comfort

24°
Feels Like Warm
24°C
Temperature
20° 28°
82%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

142 mm
Rainfall
1.0 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.5
UV Index
Very High
12.0h daylight

September

September is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (182 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

67 Good

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
20° 29°
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

182 mm
Rainfall
1.4 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.9
UV Index
Very High
12.0h daylight

October

October is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (222 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

65 Good

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
20° 30°
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

222 mm
Rainfall
1.2 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.0
UV Index
Very High
12.0h daylight

November

November is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Heavy rain (208 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

65 Good

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
20° 29°
89%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

208 mm
Rainfall
1.0 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.9
UV Index
Very High
12.0h daylight

December

December is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (104 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

71 Very Good

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
20° 30°
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

104 mm
Rainfall
1.1 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.8
UV Index
Very High
12.0h daylight

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