Tshuapa

Tshuapa is a province in northern DRC, created on 11 July 2015 when the former Équateur Province was split into a smaller Équateur plus Tshuapa, Mongala, Nord-Ubangi, and Sud-Ubangi. It was formed from the former Tshuapa District, whose town of Boende became the new province's capital. Estimates of population vary by source, from roughly 1.3 million to around 1.9 million (2020 estimate). The province is named after the Tshuapa River, a tributary of the Congo, and lies entirely within the Congo Basin rainforest, divided administratively into the city of Boende and six territories: Befale, Bokungu, Djolu, Ikela, Monkoto, and Boende Territory itself. Salonga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Africa's largest tropical rainforest reserve, lies here, headquartered at Monkoto. The population is predominantly Mongo.

The drier season from December to February.

Boende has an airport. River transport on the Tshuapa and Ruki rivers is important. Salonga National Park requires river access.

Boende is the capital. Salonga National Park protects bonobos, forest elephants, and Congo peacocks. Ikela is a river town.

Cassava fufu, fish, and forest game. Caterpillars are a seasonal delicacy.

Mongo forest traditions and oral storytelling.

Bonobo tracking in Salonga National Park. River journeys on the Tshuapa River.