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NASA CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Lake Kisale

Lake

Lake Kisale in Haut-Lomami supports surrounding settlements and fishing livelihoods; travelers encounter lakeside villages and local fisheries rather than formal tourist services.

Lake Kisale LubumbashiKolweziLikasiKalemieKundelungu National ParkUpemba National ParkLofoi FallsLake UpembaLake Kisale

Lake Kisale essentials

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

Lake Kisale at a Glance

About Lake Kisale

Lake Kisale is a shallow freshwater lake in the southeast of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, within Haut-Lomami province. It forms part of a larger wetland and lake system that supports local fisheries and communities.

The lake and surrounding wetlands are important for local fishing and subsistence use rather than tourism. Shoreline villages and artisanal fishing activity are typical features of the area.

The lake is a natural feature of the regional drainage system and has long supported local settlement and fishing economies. Seasonal water-level variation and wetland dynamics influence how the lake and adjacent areas are used.

Lake Kisale lies inland in Haut-Lomami province in south-central DRC, set within a landscape of wetlands and savanna rather than highland terrain.

When to Go

Best Time to Visit Lake Kisale

Visit during the DRC's drier months for the most reliable overland access; bring contingency time for transfers and check local conditions.

Dry season (May-September)
May-September · 20-30°C
Easier road travel and lower river levels make access simpler.
Wet season (October-April)
October-April · 22-32°C
Heavy rains can wash out tracks and swell feeder streams; expect difficult driving.

Weather & Climate near Lake Kisale

Climate

Lake Kisale's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 18°C to 31°C. Abundant rainfall (1033 mm/year), wettest in December with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 86 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
JuneJulyMay
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
40°
Warmest Month
12°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Good 21° - 29° 25° 169 mm overcast 81% 1.5 m/s 2.2 extreme 12.4h
February Good 21° - 29° 25° 139 mm overcast 79% 1.4 m/s 2.4 extreme 12.3h
March Good 21° - 30° 26° 174 mm overcast 80% 1.5 m/s 2.4 extreme 12.0h
April Excellent 21° - 31° 26° 96 mm partly cloudy 77% 1.7 m/s 2.3 extreme 11.8h
May Ideal 20° - 31° 26° 13 mm mostly sunny 62% 1.9 m/s 2.1 extreme 11.6h
June Ideal 18° - 29° 24° 1 mm clear 50% 2.1 m/s 1.8 very high 11.5h
July Ideal 18° - 30° 24° 0 mm clear 41% 2.1 m/s 1.7 very high 11.6h
August Ideal 19° - 30° 25° 5 mm mostly sunny 36% 2.3 m/s 1.8 very high 11.7h
September Excellent 21° - 31° 26° 31 mm partly cloudy 46% 1.8 m/s 1.9 very high 11.9h
October Very Good 21° - 30° 26° 79 mm partly cloudy 66% 1.8 m/s 2.0 extreme 12.2h
November Good 21° - 30° 25° 145 mm overcast 77% 1.6 m/s 2.2 extreme 12.4h
December Good 21° - 29° 25° 181 mm overcast 82% 1.6 m/s 2.2 extreme 12.5h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Lake Kisale

Reaching Lake Kisale requires regional travel through Haut-Lomami; the nearest significant market towns are connected by dirt roads that may be impassable in the rainy season. Hire local transport from Kamina or regional hubs and expect unpaved tracks and lengthy transfers; a local fixer or guide is strongly recommended.

Tips for Visiting Lake Kisale

  • Hire a local guide and driver; roads in Haut-Lomami can be rough and seasonal.
  • Bring insect repellent and waterproof bags - sudden tropical rains are common.
  • Ask at market towns for the best fishing spots - local knowledge will get you farther than a map.