WAGENIA FISHERMEN

The Wagenia are a fishing people who live along the Lualaba River, between Kisangani and Ubundu. They are renowned for their legendary ability to fish using an ancestral fishing technique that is unique in the world: Enya fishing. Enya fishing consists in building wooden scaffolding, joined together by lianas, above the rapids present in this part of the river. This ingenious device is used by the Wagenia with incredible agility to raise and lower their traps, as well as to repair, enlarge or move them if necessary. The Wagenia are also known as excellent piroguers. During festivities, regattas are organized and it's possible to admire the skill of the paddlers maneuvering boats mounted by some forty of them, standing, chanting their movements to the sound of the tam-tam and with characteristic foot-stomping. The dances of young Wagenia women, adorned with belts, necklaces and bracelets of pearls, are also performed on the occasion of major festivities.

The Wagenia Falls, where fishing is practiced, is 5 km from downtown Kisangani. However, given the site's unique tourist appeal, it is increasingly being abused in the absence of an official management body to welcome visitors... Numerous handicrafts are available everywhere, representing the fisheries that have always been the symbol of the city and the tumultuous river that runs through it.