The city of Kinshasa is famously known as the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo. With its neighbours often overshooting it, Kinshasa offers a unique blend of urban and natural attractions that pique any traveller’s interest. From the richness of its history, museums, and expanses of parks and gardens, Kinshasa is a city with an adventure at each corner.
Should you be making that trip into this vibrant metropolis, here are some must-visit sites and things to do in Kinshasa city. Also, whether you are staying in the city for a few days or a year, Lunak Appartements offers luxury living spaces catering to modern renters seeking comfort and style.
1. Visit the National Museum
Closer to the soul of Kinshasa, one should discover its history and culture; there is no better way to do so than by visiting the National Museum of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The museum nurtures exciting activities to do in Kinshasa city through the rich yet rather complex history of DRC.
Opened in 2019, the museum hosts thousands of artefacts narrating the story of the Congolese people. These range from ancient tools and pottery to stunning masks and sculptures showing the different ethnic groups present within the country.
2. Visit the Kisantu Botanical Garden
You can also venture out of the city to Kisantu Botanical Garden, a tranquil retreat and one of the best Kinshasa tourist attractions located about 120 kilometers southwest of Kinshasa. The garden was founded in 1900 by Belgian missionaries. The over-225-hectare garden is home to many different exotic plant and tree species.
All plants are placed according to species: tropical trees, medicinal plants, and ornamental flowers. There are tall trees with green vegetation, making the place serene for relaxed strolls or a quiet picnic in the garden.
3. Go to the African Park Adventure
This is one of the targets for these lovers of adventure and finding wild-life encounters—African Park. It is situated at the periphery of Kinshasa and opens one to the real deal in natural beauty and biodiversity in the DRC.
It is home to antelopes, zebras, and primates, among other animal species, while different species of birds exist within the Park. With various ecosystems, such as savannahs and wetlands, different habitats offer a wide range of wildlife, thus making the area ideal for nature lovers and those enthusiastic about taking photographs.
4. Visit the Zongo Falls
No visit to Kinshasa would be complete without visiting the mighty Zongo Falls, one of the loveliest natural features in the DRC. Lying about 130 km from Kinshasa, the Zongo Falls is a fine waterfall that falls 65 meters into the Inkisi River, making it a tremendous display of water and mist.
On the way to Zongo Falls, one passes fine scenery and villages, giving a glimpse of rural life in Congo. When you finally reach the falls, their power is overwhelming in terms of both sight and sound.
5. Take a Leisurely Time at Chutes de Lukaya
If you want to spend time with nature close to Kinshasa, Chutes de Lukaya is just the spot. This low-key waterfall falls into a tranquil spot that forms the ideal place to spend a day.
You can swim in the natural pools close to the falls, enveloped by greenery and the sound of the water. It’s a popular place for locals and visitors to take it easy and enjoy the outdoors.
6. Nature in Parc de la Vallée de la N’Sele
Parc de la Vallée de la N’Sele, an hour from Kinshasa, is a good viewpoint to see some nature. It’s ideal for a day-out getaway from the city. During the guided tour, one is able to see some of the giraffes, zebras, and antelopes in the park. The wide open spaces and fine scenery make it serene for relaxation.
You could also take a boat ride on the N’Sele River, in which you’ll have magnificent views and perhaps some birding. If you do fishing, there are also ponds within the park for that activity. With its picnic areas and fine views, it’s an ideal place to relax.
7. Académie des Beaux-Arts for Art
In case you are an art enthusiast, do not miss the Académie des Beaux-Arts in Kinshasa. The academy is one of the country’s best, and it has been at the forefront of Congolese art since 1943.
You will be able to see plenty of artwork—paintings and sculptures that make a good representation of traditional and modern Congolese life. You can see the insight into culture and everyday life in the DRC from the artwork.
The academy also hosts events and workshops, which means there’s always something happening here. For those in love with art and curious people, it becomes an excellent spot where the creative side of Kinshasa is on display.
8. Learn History at Cité de l’OUA
Go to Cité de l’OUA, Organization of African Unity, if you are traveling to Kinshasa so that you can learn about this great city in African history. This was a place where, during the 1960s, African leaders used to meet to discuss the future of their continent.
Within the site, there are old buildings and memorials to the leaders who brought independence to African countries. It is a quiet and sober place if one wants to reflect on Africa’s history.
9. Immerse in Local Culture and Markets
Marché Central is Kinshasa’s largest and most famous market, selling everything from fresh produce to crafts. You can wander past stalls of vibrantly printed cloth, intricate jewellery, and classic Congolese art and sample some of the more unusual local delicacies—grilled fish and plantains are on offer at almost any time, while fufu with cassava also proves extremely popular.
Head down to the Symphonie des Arts, a cultural centre cum art gallery dedicated to local talent, for a more relaxed atmosphere of shopping. This gallery houses paintings, sculptures, and pottery, which are various forms of art related to the rich culture of the DRC. It allows one to buy unique souvenirs or admire Congolese artists’ creative prowess and talent.
Lunak Apartments: Luxury Apartments in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Stroll through the busy streets of this city or take a day trip to admire the beauty of Zongo Falls; Kinshasa will leave you with much to relate to and remember. Pack your bags, then, and let the pulsing spirit of this energetic African capital inspire you. Also, if you are looking for luxury apartments in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Lunak Appartements is your best choice. We will keep you in a position to book the best apartments for short-term or long-term rentals. Our luxury apartments in the Democratic Republic of Congo feature contemporary designs, state-of-the-art amenities, and prime locations in Kinshasa.
Activities To Do In Kinshasa City, DRC
The city of Kinshasa is famously known as the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo. With its neighbours often overshooting it, Kinshasa offers a unique blend of urban and natural attractions that pique any traveller’s interest. From the richness of its history, museums, and expanses of parks and gardens, Kinshasa is a city with an adventure at each corner.
Should you be making that trip into this vibrant metropolis, here are some must-visit sites and things to do in Kinshasa city. Also, whether you are staying in the city for a few days or a year, Lunak Appartements offers luxury living spaces catering to modern renters seeking comfort and style.
1. Visit the National Museum
Closer to the soul of Kinshasa, one should discover its history and culture; there is no better way to do so than by visiting the National Museum of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The museum nurtures exciting activities to do in Kinshasa city through the rich yet rather complex history of DRC.
Opened in 2019, the museum hosts thousands of artefacts narrating the story of the Congolese people. These range from ancient tools and pottery to stunning masks and sculptures showing the different ethnic groups present within the country.
2. Visit the Kisantu Botanical Garden
You can also venture out of the city to Kisantu Botanical Garden, a tranquil retreat and one of the best Kinshasa tourist attractions located about 120 kilometers southwest of Kinshasa. The garden was founded in 1900 by Belgian missionaries. The over-225-hectare garden is home to many different exotic plant and tree species.
All plants are placed according to species: tropical trees, medicinal plants, and ornamental flowers. There are tall trees with green vegetation, making the place serene for relaxed strolls or a quiet picnic in the garden.
3. Go to the African Park Adventure
This is one of the targets for these lovers of adventure and finding wild-life encounters—African Park. It is situated at the periphery of Kinshasa and opens one to the real deal in natural beauty and biodiversity in the DRC.
It is home to antelopes, zebras, and primates, among other animal species, while different species of birds exist within the Park. With various ecosystems, such as savannahs and wetlands, different habitats offer a wide range of wildlife, thus making the area ideal for nature lovers and those enthusiastic about taking photographs.
4. Visit the Zongo Falls
No visit to Kinshasa would be complete without visiting the mighty Zongo Falls, one of the loveliest natural features in the DRC. Lying about 130 km from Kinshasa, the Zongo Falls is a fine waterfall that falls 65 meters into the Inkisi River, making it a tremendous display of water and mist.
On the way to Zongo Falls, one passes fine scenery and villages, giving a glimpse of rural life in Congo. When you finally reach the falls, their power is overwhelming in terms of both sight and sound.
5. Take a Leisurely Time at Chutes de Lukaya
If you want to spend time with nature close to Kinshasa, Chutes de Lukaya is just the spot. This low-key waterfall falls into a tranquil spot that forms the ideal place to spend a day.
You can swim in the natural pools close to the falls, enveloped by greenery and the sound of the water. It’s a popular place for locals and visitors to take it easy and enjoy the outdoors.
6. Nature in Parc de la Vallée de la N’Sele
Parc de la Vallée de la N’Sele, an hour from Kinshasa, is a good viewpoint to see some nature. It’s ideal for a day-out getaway from the city. During the guided tour, one is able to see some of the giraffes, zebras, and antelopes in the park. The wide open spaces and fine scenery make it serene for relaxation.
You could also take a boat ride on the N’Sele River, in which you’ll have magnificent views and perhaps some birding. If you do fishing, there are also ponds within the park for that activity. With its picnic areas and fine views, it’s an ideal place to relax.
7. Académie des Beaux-Arts for Art
In case you are an art enthusiast, do not miss the Académie des Beaux-Arts in Kinshasa. The academy is one of the country’s best, and it has been at the forefront of Congolese art since 1943.
You will be able to see plenty of artwork—paintings and sculptures that make a good representation of traditional and modern Congolese life. You can see the insight into culture and everyday life in the DRC from the artwork.
The academy also hosts events and workshops, which means there’s always something happening here. For those in love with art and curious people, it becomes an excellent spot where the creative side of Kinshasa is on display.
8. Learn History at Cité de l’OUA
Go to Cité de l’OUA, Organization of African Unity, if you are traveling to Kinshasa so that you can learn about this great city in African history. This was a place where, during the 1960s, African leaders used to meet to discuss the future of their continent.
Within the site, there are old buildings and memorials to the leaders who brought independence to African countries. It is a quiet and sober place if one wants to reflect on Africa’s history.
9. Immerse in Local Culture and Markets
Marché Central is Kinshasa’s largest and most famous market, selling everything from fresh produce to crafts. You can wander past stalls of vibrantly printed cloth, intricate jewellery, and classic Congolese art and sample some of the more unusual local delicacies—grilled fish and plantains are on offer at almost any time, while fufu with cassava also proves extremely popular.
Head down to the Symphonie des Arts, a cultural centre cum art gallery dedicated to local talent, for a more relaxed atmosphere of shopping. This gallery houses paintings, sculptures, and pottery, which are various forms of art related to the rich culture of the DRC. It allows one to buy unique souvenirs or admire Congolese artists’ creative prowess and talent.
Lunak Apartments: Luxury Apartments in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Stroll through the busy streets of this city or take a day trip to admire the beauty of Zongo Falls; Kinshasa will leave you with much to relate to and remember. Pack your bags, then, and let the pulsing spirit of this energetic African capital inspire you. Also, if you are looking for luxury apartments in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Lunak Appartements is your best choice. We will keep you in a position to book the best apartments for short-term or long-term rentals. Our luxury apartments in the Democratic Republic of Congo feature contemporary designs, state-of-the-art amenities, and prime locations in Kinshasa.