The black waters of Salonga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo are among the park’s most striking features. Formed by the slow decomposition of leaves and organic matter, these dark rivers and swamps mirror the sky and towering rainforest canopy with extraordinary clarity. The reflections create an almost dreamlike atmosphere, where every tree, vine, and patch of sky is doubled on the water’s surface. Far from being just a visual spectacle, these waters are also a lifeline, shaping the hydrology of the park and sustaining countless species in one of the world’s largest tropical rainforests.

Situated deep in the Congo Basin, Salonga’s black waters flow through an ecosystem of immense global value. They provide vital habitat for fish, amphibians, and aquatic plants, while also supporting endangered species such as bonobos, forest elephants, and Congo peafowls that depend on the surrounding forests. The waterways serve as natural corridors, linking diverse habitats and allowing wildlife to move across the vast expanse of the park. For local communities, they represent both a source of tradition and a reminder of the importance of conserving this fragile environment. More than a scenic wonder, the black waters of Salonga are a symbol of the park’s biodiversity and of the ecological processes that keep the rainforest alive.

Here are some artistic views