THE PALABALA PLATEAU

It was on this plateau that James Telford established the first Protestant Mission in the Congo on February 28, 1878. He died 6 months later, having succeeded in launching the Mission. A commemorative plaque bears the following epitaph: "I will offer my body as a stone to build a road into Africa. I will offer my blood as mortar to cement the stones so that others may pass along this road". The church, dating from 1907, is in fairly good condition, as is the pastor's house. Next to the church are two ceramics, one dating from 1878 and the other from 1978. They are similar except for one detail...

This little-visited site can be the starting point for a superb walk down to the river. To do so, go to the main village and ask for the head of the group of eight villages, who can provide you with a guide. The aim: to descend to the river to the historic rock engraved by Diogo Cão, the famous Portuguese explorer who first penetrated the Kongo kingdom. An alternative route can be taken from the RN1 at the level of the monument to the porters; follow the Mpozo river valley and descend towards the river to the Diogo Cão rock. This is also where you'll find the "fishermen's cave". Fishermen stay here for days at a time before heading back up to Matadi with their harvest of small, delicious shrimps. This very hilly walk is for good walkers and can be completed in one day. Bring plenty of snacks and water.