The Lualaba River (Kongo: Nzâdi Luâlâmba, Swahili: Mto Lualamba) flows entirely within the eastern part of Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Its headwaters are in the country's far southeastern corner near Musofi and Lubumbashi in Katanga Province, next to the Zambian Copperbelt.
The source of the Lualaba River is on the Katanga plateau, at an elevation of 1,400 metres (4,600 ft) above sea level.
[1] Below Kongolo, the river becomes unnavigable as it enters the narrow gorge of Portes d'Enfer (Gates of Hell).
The Lualaba River serves as the northern and western boundary of Upemba National Park, protecting habitats on the Kibara Plateau in Katanga Province of the southeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.