Main image

European Space Agency CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Ebola River

Stream

The Ebola River in Bas‑Uélé gave its name to the Ebola virus after early outbreaks; the area comprises rainforest river valleys and limited research access rather than typical tourism.

Ebola River MbandakaKisanganiBuniaLisalaIsiroBumbaLake TumbaBoyoma FallsEbola River

Ebola River essentials

Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo
Driest months: Dec-Feb
Pay in: Franc (Fr)
Language: French

Ebola River at a Glance

About Ebola River

The Ebola River is a small river in what is now Bas-Uele province in northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. The river and its surrounding area are remote, sparsely populated and dominated by tropical forest.

The name became internationally known in 1976 when the Ebola virus was identified during an outbreak in the nearby Yambuku area; the virus took its name from the river. The river itself is not a tourist destination and is primarily of local geographical and historical significance.

Geographically the river lies in the Bas-Uele region of the DRC in central Africa, within a landscape of forested waterways and rural settlements.

  • Name origin: The Ebola virus was named after this river following the first recorded outbreak near the Yambuku mission in 1976.
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Ebola River

Best visited in the drier months (November-March) when access is easier and river levels are lower.

Wet season
April-October · 24-30°C
Frequent heavy rain and higher river levels make access harder; scenery is lush and rivers swell.
Dry season
November-March · 24-30°C
Less rain and lower river levels, generally easier for travel and river-side access.

Weather & Climate near Ebola River

Climate

Ebola River's climate is classified as Tropical Monsoon - Tropical Monsoon climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 18°C to 32°C. Abundant rainfall (1682 mm/year), wettest in October.

Air Quality: AQI 92 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
JanuaryDecemberFebruary
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
41°
Warmest Month
13°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Excellent 18° - 31° 25° 41 mm partly cloudy 60% 1.0 m/s 2.0 very high 11.8h
February Very Good 19° - 32° 25° 67 mm partly cloudy 61% 1.2 m/s 2.0 extreme 11.9h
March Good 20° - 32° 26° 119 mm overcast 74% 1.2 m/s 2.1 extreme 12.0h
April Good 20° - 31° 25° 154 mm overcast 82% 1.1 m/s 2.2 extreme 12.1h
May Good 20° - 30° 25° 177 mm overcast 83% 1.0 m/s 2.0 extreme 12.2h
June Good 20° - 30° 25° 161 mm overcast 84% 1.0 m/s 1.7 very high 12.2h
July Good 20° - 29° 24° 180 mm overcast 84% 0.9 m/s 1.6 very high 12.2h
August Good 20° - 29° 24° 187 mm overcast 86% 0.9 m/s 1.8 very high 12.1h
September Good 19° - 30° 24° 195 mm overcast 87% 0.9 m/s 2.0 extreme 12.0h
October Good 20° - 30° 25° 229 mm overcast 88% 0.9 m/s 2.0 very high 11.9h
November Very Good 19° - 30° 25° 125 mm partly cloudy 85% 1.0 m/s 1.9 very high 11.8h
December Excellent 18° - 31° 24° 47 mm partly cloudy 73% 0.9 m/s 1.8 very high 11.8h