Grotte Ngovo

Useful Information

Location:	Mbanza-Ngungu, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 5km southeast of the city, in the village of Mbamba-Ntoto. 150 km from Kinshasa. (-5.3019, 14.9373)
Open:	no restrictions. [2024]
Fee:	free. [2024]
Classification:	Karst Cave
Light:	bring torch
Dimension:	L=5860 m.
Guided tours:	self guided
Photography:	allowed
Accessibility:	no
Bibliography:
Address:	Grotte Ngovo
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History

Description

The Grotte Ngovo (Ngovo Cave) is located in the southeast of Mbanza-Ngungu, and belongs to the group of caves named "Caves of Mbanza-Ngungu". The cave contains archaeological remains, and together with nearby Dimba Cave it was listed on the UNESCO World Heritage tentative list. 210 m from the entrance a deposit of 2 to 15 cm contained abundant pottery known as Group VI or Ngovo Group and polished tools. It was dated to the second century BC, and thus it is considered the transitional industry between the Stone Age and the Iron Age.

The cave is also named Grottes aux Poissons Aveugles (Blind Fish Caves), which is due to the blind cave fish which lives in the cave river. The fish are true troglobionts, adapted to life in the cave. They reach a size of 10 cm and live 15 years.

The cave also has other names like Grotte Tordeur or Le Cimetière du Chef.

The Kongo Kingdom flourished in the area from the 14th to the 19th century. During this period, the cave was considered a sacred place where religious ceremonies and rituals were performed. It was believed to house spirits and deities. And it also served as a place of refuge during wars and conflicts.