Democratic Republic of the Congo The Ultimate Travel Guide
The Democratic Republic of Congo, the second largest country in the world, is an underrated gem that needs to be explored if you are fond of lush and adventurous spaces. Many of us are unaware that there are two Congos, i.e., Congo Brazzaville (Republic of Congo) and Congo Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of Congo). The region is worth exploring. Let’s explore what makes DRC a one-of-a-kind holiday destination, including the best tourist spots to visit in Congo, the most suitable time to travel, and other Instagrammable spots that are meant to make you fall in love with the country.
Key Insights On DRC
The country is spread over 9,05,568 square miles and stretches along the equator in the central-western part of sub-Saharan Africa. The Central African Republic borders it to the north, South Sudan to the northeast, the Republic of Congo to the northwest, Tanzania to the south, and Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi to the east.
The DRC includes the five key vegetation zones, including grassland, forest, desert, tundra, and ice sheet. 45.6% of the total population, 89,780,875, reside in urban areas like the country’s capital, Kinshasa. The capital is home to 7,785,985 living beings with an area of 3,848 square miles. It is one of the largest cities in sub-Saharan Africa. The official language of the DRC is French and is widely used in government tasks and education. The country’s legal currency is the Congolese franc. The five largest cities of the DRC are –
Kinshasa – As we already know, the capital is the largest city situated on the banks of the Congo River. Palais de la Nation, the official residence of the President, is in this city.
Lubumbashi – This city, located in the southeastern part of the country, has a population of around 1.5 million. It is the mining industry hub of the DRC and has famous tourist attractions like the National Museum of Lubumbashi and Lubumbashi Zoo.
Mbuji Mayi – This city is located 1230 km east of Kinshasa, with a population of 1.3 million,. Some of the most popular sightseeing places are Livingstone Falls and Sankuru River, which are a part of the city. Besides, Mercato Stoffe Africane is a grand shopping hub for African textiles.
Kisangani – The city has a population of 600,000 and sits along the Congo River below the beautiful Boyoma Falls. It is the second busiest port in the DRC. Kisangani River and the zoo are must-visit places in the city.
Masina – With a population of 500,000, this city is situated 20 km east of Central Kinshasa. The city offers pocket-friendly stays, and you can use it as a base camp during the holidays.
Most Popular Tourist Attractions
If you are someone with a hunger for unparalleled adventure, beautiful culture, and exploring breathtaking sights in the heart of Africa, the Democratic Republic of Congo has got you covered. Here’s a list of the best places to visit in the Republic of Congo –
Lola Ya Bonobo
This tourist spot in Kinshasa is among the country’s major attractions. It is the only sanctuary for orphaned bonobo apes. Visitors can see baby bonobos and learn about how endangered wildlife struggles due to illegal trade.
Virunga National Park
Virunga National Park is the world’s most biologically diversified area and has been declared a UNESCO heritage site. Its varied areas include lava plains and snowfields. Besides, it’s home to critically endangered mountain gorillas.
Mount Nyiragongo
The breathtaking Mount Nyiragongo offers you a rare trekking experience that’s worth the try. It’s embedded in the Virunga National Park. You get a chance to taste the volcano-cooked meal while gazing at the world’s largest lake.
National Museum Of Congo
If you are curious to learn about the diverse ethnic groups of the DRC, its captivating history, rich heritage, and legacies, the museum in Kinshasa is just the right place for you. With over 12,000 items on display, you can get ample information.
Matadi Bridge
It’s a suspension bridge that crosses the Congo River. The famous tourist landmark is located at Matadi, a significant seaport of the DRC. The bridge is known to be the largest suspension bridge in Africa, and it was built by the Japanese.
Best Suited Time To Visit
Due to its location on the equator and tropical climate, the country attracts tourists from all over the world throughout the year. Occasional rains and thunderstorms are part of the climate. To avoid unfavourable climatic conditions that might hinder your vacation, the best time to visit the DRC is from May to September. Avoid travelling during the rainy season, which usually starts in November.
Few Other Considerations While Planning The Travel
Everyone needs to apply for a DRC tourist visa if you wish to explore the country, unless you are from Burundi, Congo, Rwanda, or Zimbabwe. The residents of these countries can travel without a visa for 90 days.
You can consider the following points to make your trip effortless and memorable –
Carry comfortable clothes that look decent and stick to neutral colours while exploring wildlife areas.
Get an excellent capturing device to click and record the best memories from your trip.
Apart from prescribed medicines (if any), preventive medicines like anti-diarrhoea, sunblock, hand sanitisers, and more should always be carried.
Get a sturdy backpack apart from luggage to carry along on a hike or mountain climb.
Enjoy Your Trip With A Comfortable Stay
When you plan your trip, the maximum time you will spend is in the capital city due to the maximum tourist attractions. Besides, it’s well-connected to all other tourist destinations. It’s better to rent a space to enjoy your trip comfortably. Lunak Apartments has a wide range of rental options in Kinshasa, Congo. From affordable to luxurious stays, we have the best options that will fit your budget and expectations. Visit our website to list your preferred options, and get in touch with the landlords to learn about better deals and availability. Staying in Kinshasa in an apartment for rent is going to make your trip easy, as you will be able to stay for as long as you want without breaking the bank by paying for expensive hotels. Besides, good connectivity aids in seamless exploring and a comfortable travelling experience.
Democratic Republic of the Congo The Ultimate Travel Guide
The Democratic Republic of Congo, the second largest country in the world, is an underrated gem that needs to be explored if you are fond of lush and adventurous spaces. Many of us are unaware that there are two Congos, i.e., Congo Brazzaville (Republic of Congo) and Congo Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of Congo). The region is worth exploring. Let’s explore what makes DRC a one-of-a-kind holiday destination, including the best tourist spots to visit in Congo, the most suitable time to travel, and other Instagrammable spots that are meant to make you fall in love with the country.
Key Insights On DRC
The country is spread over 9,05,568 square miles and stretches along the equator in the central-western part of sub-Saharan Africa. The Central African Republic borders it to the north, South Sudan to the northeast, the Republic of Congo to the northwest, Tanzania to the south, and Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi to the east.
The DRC includes the five key vegetation zones, including grassland, forest, desert, tundra, and ice sheet. 45.6% of the total population, 89,780,875, reside in urban areas like the country’s capital, Kinshasa. The capital is home to 7,785,985 living beings with an area of 3,848 square miles. It is one of the largest cities in sub-Saharan Africa. The official language of the DRC is French and is widely used in government tasks and education. The country’s legal currency is the Congolese franc. The five largest cities of the DRC are –
Most Popular Tourist Attractions
If you are someone with a hunger for unparalleled adventure, beautiful culture, and exploring breathtaking sights in the heart of Africa, the Democratic Republic of Congo has got you covered. Here’s a list of the best places to visit in the Republic of Congo –
Lola Ya Bonobo
This tourist spot in Kinshasa is among the country’s major attractions. It is the only sanctuary for orphaned bonobo apes. Visitors can see baby bonobos and learn about how endangered wildlife struggles due to illegal trade.
Virunga National Park
Virunga National Park is the world’s most biologically diversified area and has been declared a UNESCO heritage site. Its varied areas include lava plains and snowfields. Besides, it’s home to critically endangered mountain gorillas.
Mount Nyiragongo
The breathtaking Mount Nyiragongo offers you a rare trekking experience that’s worth the try. It’s embedded in the Virunga National Park. You get a chance to taste the volcano-cooked meal while gazing at the world’s largest lake.
National Museum Of Congo
If you are curious to learn about the diverse ethnic groups of the DRC, its captivating history, rich heritage, and legacies, the museum in Kinshasa is just the right place for you. With over 12,000 items on display, you can get ample information.
Matadi Bridge
It’s a suspension bridge that crosses the Congo River. The famous tourist landmark is located at Matadi, a significant seaport of the DRC. The bridge is known to be the largest suspension bridge in Africa, and it was built by the Japanese.
Best Suited Time To Visit
Due to its location on the equator and tropical climate, the country attracts tourists from all over the world throughout the year. Occasional rains and thunderstorms are part of the climate. To avoid unfavourable climatic conditions that might hinder your vacation, the best time to visit the DRC is from May to September. Avoid travelling during the rainy season, which usually starts in November.
Few Other Considerations While Planning The Travel
Everyone needs to apply for a DRC tourist visa if you wish to explore the country, unless you are from Burundi, Congo, Rwanda, or Zimbabwe. The residents of these countries can travel without a visa for 90 days.
You can consider the following points to make your trip effortless and memorable –
Enjoy Your Trip With A Comfortable Stay
When you plan your trip, the maximum time you will spend is in the capital city due to the maximum tourist attractions. Besides, it’s well-connected to all other tourist destinations. It’s better to rent a space to enjoy your trip comfortably. Lunak Apartments has a wide range of rental options in Kinshasa, Congo. From affordable to luxurious stays, we have the best options that will fit your budget and expectations. Visit our website to list your preferred options, and get in touch with the landlords to learn about better deals and availability. Staying in Kinshasa in an apartment for rent is going to make your trip easy, as you will be able to stay for as long as you want without breaking the bank by paying for expensive hotels. Besides, good connectivity aids in seamless exploring and a comfortable travelling experience.