Kongo Jungle


 * Not to be confused with the DKCR world, Jungle.

The Kongo Jungle is a vast jungle covering a large area of Donkey Kong Island, located at the foot of the Monkey Mines. It is the first area in Donkey Kong Country, and is where Donkey Kong's house is located, as well as his precious Banana Hoard, which is often stolen by the Kremlings. The area is quite pleasant, possessing a vast amount of jungle and some rocky terrain. A large lake is also located in the area. The boss of Kongo Jungle is a giant Gnawty aptly named Very Gnawty.

In Donkey Kong Country
The Kongo Jungle is the initial setting of Donkey Kong Country. Being the first world, the levels are for the most part simple, and the jungle is the residence of Rambi. The levels in KJ are mostly jungle-related, and there is also a cave in the jungle leading to a small lake on the other side.

Levels
In DKC, this is the first world of the game. It has five levels.
 * Jungle Hijinxs is the first level of the area. It introduces basic enemies such as the Kritter and Gnawty minions. Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong simply need to keep walking right and defeating enemies in their path. Being the first level of the game, there are multiple extra lives and items available, though not all of the bonuses are in plain sight. Towards the end of the level Rambi the Rhinoceros makes an appearance, who can use his charge attacks to dispose of enemies and even open up bonus areas.
 * Ropey Rampage takes place in the Kongo Jungle at night during a tropical thunderstorm (or a rainstorm in the GBA version). It is assumed to take place directly after the first level due to the fact that the first level ends getting dark at night much like the level background. The level itself consists of going from land, to rope swings, to tree platforms, and repeat. Two new enemies are introduced, the Zinger bees who serve as aerial obstacles and the Army armadillos who try to roll over the heroes. Most of the obstacles are Kritters, wide gaps, ropes, and barrel cannons. Once the player nears the end of the stage, the thunderstorm/rainstorm ceases and the sun begins to rise, filling the level with life.
 * Reptile Rumble is the third level that starts out flat but has several times where the Kongs must navigate up or down. Tires are common in this level, needed to get to higher areas, but often an enemy will be nearby to avoid while doing so. Reptile Rumble has several pits and has usually going at varied terrain. Kritters often guard the upper or lower steeped areas, Zinger usually lurk around tire areas, and Slippas guard the ground level.
 * Coral Capers is the first underwater level in Donkey Kong Country. The swordfish animal buddy Enguarde can help the Kongs throughout this level. Coral Capers also the first level to have no Bonus Levels at all, meaning the level is fully "finished" by simply reaching the end. All of the aquatic enemies aside from Squidge are featured in this level. Also throughout the level secret areas are plenty, often housing a large amount of Bananas or Animal Tokens. These areas are found by swimming through a part of what appears to be the coral walls.
 * Barrel Cannon Canyon is the 5th and final level of Kongo Jungle. As such, it is considered the hardest level in that area. The level is quite long, and as the name suggests, there are several Barrel Cannons located throughout the level. There are several Kritters in the level, as well as a few Zingers near the end. If one jumps over the entrance to the level and walks to the top, they will find a secret barrel cannon which will lead to a few others, skipping a large portion of the level. There are a few more like it around the level as well.
 * Very Gnawty's Lair is the first boss level of the game, featuring Very Gnawty. The most basic strategy is to jump on its head and avoid being near it after it laughs. A more detailed summary can be found in Very Gnawty's article.

Donkey Kong 64
The area where Donkey Kong's Treehouse is located in Donkey Kong 64 could possibly be either Kongo Jungle or a portion of it. Also the area Jungle Japes in Donkey Kong 64 has an extreme resemblance to Kongo Jungle.

Donkey Kong Country Returns
Kongo Jungle was redesigned and simply renamed "Jungle" for the revival game of the Country series, Donkey Kong Country Returns. It lacks the cave and lake of the original DKC, and oddly has a minecart level.

Smash Bros.

 * Main articles: Smashwiki's article on Congo Jungle (SSB) and Kongo Jungle (SSBM)

Kongo Jungle (incorrectly spelled Congo Jungle) appears as one of the arenas in the game Super Smash Bros. The Kongo Jungle stage is made out of a large wooden platform with several smaller, sometimes floating ones around it. There is also a vast jungle in the background of the arena and a Barrel Cannon underneath the arena.

In Super Smash Bros. sequel, Super Smash Bros. Melee, another Kongo Jungle stage was introduced. This Kongo Jungle stage is constructed out of logs strewn together which are sitting on rocks jutting out of a waterfall. In the background of this stage is a vast jungle along with what appears to be Donkey Kong's Treehouse. Occasionally, a Klap Trap will come along on the waterfall, and sometimes a log, which can be used as a platform. Also in Super Smash Bros. Melee is the old version of Kongo Jungle from the previous Super Smash Bros. game. The old version of Kongo Jungle can be unlocked by surviving Fifteen-Minute Melee. The music here was the DK Rap from Donkey Kong 64.

In Adventure Mode, Kongo Jungle stars in Stage 2: Kongo Jungle. In it, the player has to battle two miniature Donkey Kongs. They are easier to knock off the stage, but they gang up on the player. Once beaten, the player moves onto the second half, Jungle Japes, where the player must battle a Giant Donkey Kong.

It returns as a "Melee" stage in SSBB.

Mario Kart series
Kongo Jungle has been the main setting for various Donkey Kong-related race courses, such as D.K.'s Jungle Parkway in Mario Kart 64 and Mario Kart Wii.

Other
A jungle stage called DK's Jungle Adventure in Mario Party is based off Kongo Jungle. Donkey Kong Jungle is a stadium in Mario Superstar Baseball which was more than likely based off Kongo Jungle.

Trivia

 * The name Kongo Jungle is a play on words on the Congo Jungle in Africa, using a 'K' instead of a 'C' to imply that it is the home of the Kongs.