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Katanga Canyon : Congo River Rapids

Why?, Where?, When?
The Grand Canyon Rapids (as it was originally known), was built for the 1986 season, and took up 12 acres of space previously occupied by the car parks. Over 40,000 tons of earth and rock was excavated to create the channel that forms the 6 min. ride. It even required the installation of its own electricity substation, and the creation of a 1.3 million gallon reservoir to store the water. Great care was even taken during construction not to disturb the existing trees in the area. Back in 1985 during its construction, it was by far the biggest project the park had entered into, and was, and still is one of the longest water rides in the U.K.

But What Is It Like?
Passenger loading for the ride is done in a similar way to the Log Flume, with a large rotating platform, which the dinghies move around the outside of. Each dingy can hold upto six passengers, although during the 2000 season, eight passenger dinghies were being tested.

The very nature of the ride makes it difficult to describe, as every ride is different. Some days it can be quite calm, others a raging torrent. You leave the loading station, and it begins calm, although you will notice that you do pick up quite alot of speed during this part of the ride. Soon you enter the rapids section, where large steel tubes under the water, and wave machines create the swirling waters.

If you have managed to stay dry so far, then you are the lucky one. Again, you enter stages where there is little to worry about, as you go run alongside the track for the Runaway Minetrain, and into the tunnel that is shared with the Minetrain. On leaving the tunnel, you find yourself around the back of the Katanga Cookhouse, under the footpath, and towards the Parting of the Red Sea. This is literally two thundering waterfalls, releasing thousands of gallons of water every second, but don't worry too much. The dinghies travel straight down the centre, and you will only get a light spraying of water.

After emerging from the waterfalls, it is a quiet run to the end of the course, where the conveyer will lift you back to the station level, and you can carefully leave your dingy.

Other features of the ride include random water jets which will give you a good soaking, but these are usually only operational on exceptionally hot days during the summer.

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Present Day
Pictures from the past
Construction
Submit your photos
If you have photos we can use, especially from the past or construction periods, then please email them to us at pictures@towersalmanac.com
(No bigger than 100k please)

 

Ride Information
First Installed: 1986
Location: Katanga Canyon
Manufacturer/Designer: Intamin
Track Length: 725 metres
Ride Time: 6 mins
Queue Time: 20 - 45 minutes
Throughput: 2,170 people per hour
Seating Arrangement: up to 35 boats
6 people per boat
When To Ride: Early morning on warm days
Restraint Type: None
Height Restrictions: 0.9 metres, 0.9 - 1.1 metres with an adult
Property Security: Take with you on boat
First Timers: All seats offer same ride
Thrill Seekers: All seats offer same ride
Ride Photos: Yes. Photo booth near ride exot
Ride Ratings

Thrill Rating
Family Rating
Re-ride Rating
Theming Rating
Popularity Rating

Overall Rating: 76%

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