Congo River Rapids

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Congo River Rapids

One of the rafts on the Congo River Rapids making its way down the river, Alton Towers, Staffordshire. UK.

Alton Towers
Area	Katanga Canyon
Coordinates	52°59′21″N 1°53′12″W / 52.9893°N 1.88678°W / 52.9893; -1.88678Coordinates: 52°59′21″N 1°53′12″W / 52.9893°N 1.88678°W / 52.9893; -1.88678
Status	Operating
Opening date	1986

General Statistics

Type

River rafting ride

Manufacturer

Intamin

Length

725 m (2,379 ft)

Capacity

1800 riders per hour

Duration

6 mins

Restraint Style

Ring In Centre Of Boat

Congo River Rapids is a river rafting ride made by Intamin. The ride is located in the Katanga Canyon area of Alton Towers in Staffordshire, England. The rapids course come close to the Runaway Mine Train as it passes through the tunnel, and also features twin waterfalls that the boats pass between. It also shares a name with a ride at Busch Gardens: Africa in Tampa Bay, Fl. Both rides have different layouts.

History

Congo River Rapids first opened in 1986 named Grand Canyon Rapids and was part of the Aqua Land area of the park. The entrance to the queueline was originally located where the path to Katanga Canyon starts in Mutiny Bay today, meaning that the ride was hidden from view. This was changed when Katanga Canyon was built in the centre of the rapids circuit, as part of John Wardley's plan to open up the area. Katanga Canyon opened in 1992 along with the new Runaway Mine Train. The Grand Canyon Rapids were rethemed to adopt the African safari theme of the new area, including the change of name to: "Congo River Rapids". The original boats held six riders, but were exchanged years later for eight seat boats, to increase passenger throughput.

Inspiration

The inspiration for this ride comes from the real Congo River Rapids. They lie on the outskirts of Brazzaville in the Republic of the Congo, where the Djoué River meets the Congo.

Gallery

Entrance to the ride

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Congo River Rapids.

v t e Alton Towers

Roller coasters (in date order of opening)	Runaway Mine Train (1992) Nemesis (1994) Oblivion (1998) Air (2002) Sonic Spinball (2004) Rita (2005) Thirteen (2010) The Smiler (2013)

Other rides	Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: The Ride (2006) Congo River Rapids (1986) Duel: The Haunted House Strikes Back (2003) Hex - the Legend of the Towers (2000) Marauder's Mayhem (Alton Towers) (1987/2008) Nemesis: Sub-Terra (2012) Peugeot 207 Driving School (2006) Ripsaw (1997) The Flume (1981) The Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs - 4-D Experience (2012) Twirling Toadstool (2009) Battle Galleons (2008)

Past rides	Around The World In Eighty Days (1981–1993) Toyland Tours (1994–2005) Nickelodeon: Outta Control (1997–1998) Doom & Sons (1981–1992) The Black Hole (1984–2005) Thunder Looper (1990–1996) Corkscrew (1980–2008) The Beast (1988–1997) Beastie (1983–2010)

Areas (Zones / Lands)	Towers Street Cloud Cuckoo Land (was Talbot Street/Land of Make Believe/Cred Street) Katanga Canyon X-Sector (was Springfield Centre/Fantasy World) Mutiny Bay (was Ingestre Centre/AquaLand/Merrie England) The Towers Gloomy Wood Storybook Land Forbidden Valley (was Thunder Valley) Adventure Land (was Kiddies Kingdom) Dark Forest (was Talbot Centre/Festival Park/Ug Land) Old MacDonald's Farmyard (was Britannia Farm/Safeway Farm) The Gardens Haunted Hollow (Alton Towers)

Media	Hold Tight (TV show) (1982-1987) The Grand Knockout Tournament (1987)

See also	Cariba Creek Merlin Entertainments John Wardley History of Alton Towers

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