Some time ago, after a particularly stressful period in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, I decided to escape for a few days into the heart of the Mangrove Marine Park of Moanda, at the mouth of the Congo River.

​

My journey took me through the islands of Kimuabi (Kimwabi), Bulambemba and Kimongo Wolo, before continuing to the waterside settlements of Kizunga Manianga, Nteva Malela and Katala.

​

Among the communities living in this extraordinary landscape are the Assolongo, whose livelihoods are closely connected to fishing and shellfish gathering.

​

What fascinated me most was the astonishing sight of entire stretches of ground covered in discarded shells, accumulated over time through generations of shellfish gathering. On Kimwabi, this unusual landscape has even earned the island the nickname Island of Shells.

​

Navigating through the mangroves, discovering these settlements and walking across ground carpeted with seashells felt like entering another world.

​

I had come looking for a little peace and quiet, but discovered something far more memorable.

​

To this day, it remains one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited.

​

#Moanda #DRC #Congo #IslandofShells