Kongamato: Africa’s Living Pterosaur

Kongamato, meaning “breaker of boats” in the local languages, is a flying cryptid reported from the Jiundu swamps of Western Zambia and neighboring regions. Described as resembling a pterodactyl, this creature represents one of Africa’s most intriguing cryptozoological mysteries.

Description

Witnesses consistently describe Kongamato as:

• Wingspan of 4 to 7 feet (some reports suggest larger)
• Leathery, bat-like wings with no feathers
• Long, pointed beak filled with teeth
• Reddish or blackish in color
• Smooth, reptilian skin
• Long tail
• Generally resembling artistic depictions of pterosaurs

The creature is said to be highly aggressive and territorial, particularly dangerous near water.

First Western Documentation

The first recorded Western account came from British explorer Frank Melland in 1923. In his book “In Witchbound Africa,” Melland described encounters with the creature:

The Kaonde People

Melland interviewed the Kaonde people of Zambia who described Kongamato as:

• A dangerous creature living in the Jiundu swamps
• Something that attacked canoes, hence “breaker of boats”
• A known and feared entity, not a mythical being

The Picture Test

Melland conducted an experiment that has become famous in cryptozoology:

• He showed natives pictures of various animals
• When shown illustrations of pterodactyls, they immediately identified them as Kongamato
• They showed fear at the images and confirmed the likeness

Subsequent Sightings

1925 - Fort Rosebery

A British newspaper reported that a civil servant in present-day Zambia was attacked while crossing a swamp. The creature:

• Swooped down from above
• Struck him with its wings
• Left wounds on his chest
• Matched Kongamato descriptions

When shown a picture of a pterosaur, the man reportedly said, “That’s it!“

1942 - Colonel Pitman

Colonel C.R.S. Pitman, a British game warden, reported in his writings that natives described a flying creature that:

• Lived in swampy areas
• Had no feathers
• Had membranous wings
• Attacked people
• Was greatly feared

1957 - Zambian Hospital

At a hospital in Fort Rosebery (now Mansa), a patient arrived with severe chest wounds. When asked what attacked him, he said “Kongamato.” When shown a picture of a pterodactyl from a book, he screamed and fled the hospital.

1988 - Professor Roy Mackal

American biologist Roy Mackal led an expedition to Namibia based on reports of a similar creature. While he did not observe the creature himself, he collected testimony from witnesses describing:

• A prehistoric-looking flying creature
• Attacks on humans
• Consistent descriptions across independent witnesses

Related Creatures

Similar flying cryptids are reported across Africa:

Olitiau (Cameroon)

• Giant bat-like creature
• Reported by explorer Ivan Sanderson in 1932
• Attacked Sanderson and his companion in Cameroon
• Black, with membranous wings and monkey-like face

Ropen (Papua New Guinea)

• Though in Oceania, shows similar characteristics
• Glowing pterosaur-like creature
• Described by natives and Western visitors

Mbembe (Congo)

• Sometimes associated with Kongamato reports
• May be the same creature or related species

Scientific Theories

Surviving Pterosaur

The most exciting hypothesis is that Kongamato represents a surviving pterosaur:

• The swamps of Central Africa are remote and poorly explored
• The coelacanth, thought extinct, was found living in 1938
• Pterosaurs could theoretically have survived in isolated regions
• However, no physical evidence has been found

Misidentified Known Animals

Skeptics suggest Kongamato could be:

Large Bats

• Hammer-headed bats have wingspans up to 3 feet
• Their unusual appearance could be exaggerated in memory
• They are found in the regions where Kongamato is reported

Saddle-billed Storks

• Large wingspan
• Long, pointed beak
• Found in African wetlands
• Could appear pterosaur-like in flight

Shoebill Storks

• Prehistoric-looking appearance
• Large size
• Found in Central African swamps
• Already nicknamed “living dinosaur”

Cultural Memory

Some researchers suggest:

• Fossil pterosaurs were found in Africa
• Traditional knowledge of these fossils persisted
• The “creature” is a cultural memory, not a living animal

Behavior

Kongamato is reported to:

Attack Patterns

• Target canoes and boats, capsizing them
• Swoop at humans near water
• Defend territory aggressively
• Attack fishermen in swamps

Habitat

• Live in swampy, remote areas
• Prefer dense vegetation near water
• Nest in riverbanks or caves
• Most active at dusk

Diet

• Unknown, but presumably fish-eaters given habitat
• May also take small mammals
• Some reports suggest they attack humans as prey, not just defense

Expeditions

Several cryptozoological expeditions have searched for Kongamato:

1988 Mackal Expedition

• Led by Roy Mackal to Namibia
• Collected testimony but no physical evidence
• Considered witnesses credible

Modern Searches

• Various cryptozoology enthusiasts have visited the region
• Local guides remain willing to discuss the creature
• No definitive evidence has been obtained

Cultural Significance

For local peoples, Kongamato is:

• A known danger to avoid
• Part of traditional knowledge about the swamps
• Something children are warned about
• Associated with death and misfortune

Current Status

Kongamato remains:

• Unverified by scientific standards
• Actively reported by locals
• Of interest to cryptozoologists
• A symbol of Africa’s unexplored wilderness

The Jiundu swamps and surrounding regions remain remote and poorly surveyed. While no physical evidence confirms Kongamato’s existence, the consistency of reports and the credibility of some witnesses keeps the mystery alive.

Whether surviving pterosaur, misidentified animal, or cultural tradition, Kongamato represents one of Africa’s most fascinating cryptozoological enigmas.