The Lualaba River is a major river in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is considered the upper course of the Congo River and flows approximately 1,100 kilometers (about 685 miles) through the southeastern part of the country. The river is vital for transportation and supports local communities along its banks. The Lualaba River originates from the confluence of the Lualaba and Lufira Rivers near the town of Kamina. It eventually merges with the Congo River near the city of Kisangani. The river's basin is rich in biodiversity and plays a crucial role in the region's ecology and economy.