The Étaka natural pool and its little waterfall

DR Congo · Kongo Central · Day 8 of the Muanda itinerary

Étaka, the natural pool near Zongo

20 minutes from Zongo Falls, a freshwater pool fed by a small waterfall, ideal for a family morning.

From Zongo

20 min

Time on site

≈ 2 hours

Entry

≈ 20 $

With kids

Swimming

What we experienced

Up around 9 am at Zongo, then a 20-minute drive to Étaka. We all arrive together, explore the camp, then head for the natural pool.

We stayed about 2 hours: cool water, a little waterfall, and the kids didn't want to get out.

Then back to Zongo for lunch, and on the road to Kinshasa… where we had two punctures on the track back.

On the last morning, we spent about 2 hours in the natural pool before hitting the road back to Kinshasa.

The natural pool
The natural pool
The pool, another angle
The pool, another angle
The stream that feeds it
The stream that feeds it
The waterfall steps
The waterfall steps

Practical info

Getting there

  • About 20 minutes from the Zongo Falls complex.
  • Alternative: the Massages falls, about 45 minutes away.

Prices

  • Entry to Étaka Bush Camp: about $20
  • Chutes des Massages: about $20

Watch out

Keep a constant eye on the kids near the waterfall: the rocks are slippery. Leave plenty of time for the drive back, which is long and tough on tyres.

Final stop

Étaka wraps up the Kinshasa–Muanda in 8 days itinerary

The guide covers day 8 in detail: timings, the drive back to Kinshasa and what to watch out for on the road.

Get the guide · €29 Guide + local contacts · €89

FAQ

Where is Étaka?

About 20 minutes from Zongo Falls, in Kongo Central.

Can the kids swim?

Yes, our kids swam there, always with an adult watching.

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