congo travel blog

Democratic Republic of Congo

Carpeted by huge swaths of rainforest and punctuated by gushing rivers and smoking volcanoes, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC, formerly Zaire) is the ultimate African adventure. As much a geographical concept as a fully fledged nation, DRC has experienced one of the saddest chapters in modern history, suffering a brutal 20th century of colonial exploitation, authoritarian madness and what has been dubbed Africa's first 'world war', which finally ended in 2003 with the rise of the Kabila political dynasty.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Parc National des Virunga

Eastern DRC

DRC's magnificent calling card is Virunga, Africa's oldest national park and home to mountain gorillas, chimpanzees and the incredible, active Nyiragongo…

Perhaps DRC's most magnificent single sight, active volcano Nyiragongo soars above the city of Goma and the surrounding Virunga National Park and sends…

Lola Ya Bonobo Sanctuary

Ninety minutes west of Kinshasa, just beyond the city's sprawl, this excellent project provides a home for orphaned bonobos. Long thought to be…

Musée National de Kinshasa

This amazing ethnographic archive comprising some 45,000 objects has been waiting patiently for its new home, a US$10 million prestige investment from…

Parc National de Kahuzi-Biéga

South Kivu's star attraction is this national park, where you can track habituated eastern lowland gorillas (Grauer’s gorillas) for just US$400 per person…

Chutes du Zongo

A popular day trip from Kinshasa despite the expensive 4WD hire (US$200) necessary to get here, the gorgeous 65m-high Zongo Falls are one of DRC's most…

Serpents du Congo

This excellent snake farm is located 28km from downtown Kinshasa and makes for a great day out. Owner Franck will gladly show you the poisonous and…

Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage

Provided you make it back from your gorilla track in a timely fashion, it should be possible to visit the world’s only mountain gorilla orphanage, which…

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Jun 4, 2020 • 10 min read

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Unveiling the Marvels of Congo: A Journey into the Heart of Africa

Embark on a mesmerizing expedition to the heart of Africa – Congo. This guide is your key to unlocking the secrets of this diverse and culturally rich nation, from its lush landscapes to vibrant traditions.

Main Tourist Attractions:

Discover the allure of Virunga National Park, home to the magnificent mountain gorillas. Explore the mesmerizing landscapes of Kahuzi-Biega National Park and witness the powerful Congo River at Kisangani. Immerse yourself in the historic charm of Pointe-Noire and Brazzaville.

Natural Parks and Reserves:

Delve into the untouched beauty of Odzala-Kokoua National Park, a haven for diverse wildlife. Navigate the scenic corridors of Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park and be captivated by the biodiversity of Lefini Reserve. Congo's natural wonders await the adventurous traveler.

Cultural and Historical Sites:

Step back in time at the Basilique Sainte-Anne in Brazzaville and explore the cultural tapestry at the Congo National Museum. Visit the Livingstone Falls and marvel at the historical significance of this natural wonder. Engage with locals to truly understand Congo's rich heritage.

Seasonality and Best Months to Visit:

Plan your visit during the dry season (May to September) for optimal wildlife viewing. The months of June to August offer pleasant weather for exploration. Be prepared for occasional rain, especially in the equatorial regions.

Preparing for Various Weather Conditions:

Pack lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing for the tropical climate. Bring sturdy footwear for nature walks and protect against rain with a waterproof jacket. Stay hydrated and apply insect repellent to guard against tropical diseases.

Traditions and Customs:

Respect local customs such as the lively dance of Ekonda and participate in community events. Greet locals warmly and embrace the spirit of Ubuntu, a philosophy of interconnectedness. Learn basic greetings in Lingala or French to enhance cultural interactions.

Local Cuisine and Restaurants:

Savor Congo's culinary delights, from grilled fish at riverside bistros to fufu served with cassava leaves. Explore local markets for exotic fruits and immerse yourself in the vibrant street food scene. Engage with locals to discover hidden culinary gems.

Festivals and Events:

Celebrate Congo's vibrant culture during the Amani Festival in Goma and the Mwinda Night Festival in Brazzaville. Join locals in traditional dances, music performances, and colorful street parades. Time your visit with religious festivals to experience Congo's spiritual traditions.

Adventure Opportunities:

Embark on thrilling gorilla trekking adventures in Virunga National Park or traverse the scenic trails of Kahuzi-Biega. Explore the Congo River with boat excursions or engage in bird watching in the lush rainforests. Congo is a paradise for adventure seekers.

Excursions and Tours:

Participate in guided tours to historical sites in Brazzaville and embark on river cruises along the Congo River. Join local guides for nature walks and explore traditional villages to gain insights into Congo's diverse cultures.

Visa Requirements and Documents:

Ensure you have a valid visa before your journey and check for any updates in visa policies. Carry necessary documents, including a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Plan in advance to avoid any travel disruptions.

Safety and Traveler's Health:

Adhere to safety guidelines, especially in wildlife areas. Consult a travel health professional for vaccinations and carry a basic first aid kit. Stay informed about health facilities in your vicinity and take precautions against tropical diseases.

Travel Planning Tips:

Plan your itinerary with flexibility, considering occasional transportation challenges. Consult local guides for up-to-date information and immerse yourself in Congo's laid-back pace. Prioritize accommodations and transportation arrangements for a seamless journey.

Hotels and Accommodations:

Choose from a range of accommodations, from luxury hotels in Brazzaville to eco-friendly lodges near national parks. Experience the warmth of Congolese hospitality in boutique guesthouses or opt for riverside resorts for a tranquil retreat.

Transportation and Getting Around:

Navigate Congo's diverse landscapes with a combination of domestic flights, riverboats, and local transport. Consider hiring local guides for seamless exploration, and be prepared for occasional travel delays. Domestic flights connect major cities for efficient travel.

Best Residential Areas:

Stay in the heart of Brazzaville for a central location with access to cultural sites and vibrant markets. Explore riverfront accommodations for stunning views or choose lodges near national parks for an immersive experience. Tailor your stay to match your preferred activities and interests.

Local Residents and Customs:

Learn basic Lingala or French phrases to facilitate communication and showcase respect for local customs. Dress modestly, particularly in rural areas, and engage with locals to gain insights into their daily lives. Respect the serene atmosphere of Congo and connect with the warm Congolese people.

Congo, with its breathtaking landscapes and diverse cultures, promises a journey of discovery. Utilize this guide to uncover the mysteries of this African gem, leaving you with memories that resonate long after your departure.

National cuisine and recipes of Congo

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Congo Experience

Deep in the heart of Africa lies the Democratic Republic of Congo. A last bastion of untamed nature and ancestral cultures that refuses to disappear.

Congo river

The mythical Congo River and its tributaries are the backbone of the lives of many of the people living in the DRC.

Life, transport and economy take place along the Congo River, an enormous river current 4,700 kilometres long.

Navigating it is one of the most intense travel experiences you can have in Africa, as its banks show us the culture, the history and also the harshest realities of one of the most fascinating African countries.

Congo Jungle and Wildlife

With its more than 16 million inhabitants, the megacity Kinshasa offers one of the most vibrant cultural movements in Africa.

Besides its museums, its urban movements such as the Sapeur or its impressive street art, it is possible to delve into a hidden world of bizarre rituals.

In the DR Congo, there are many peoples who refuse to let their traditional culture die.

Initiations, ceremonies and festivals take place every year in the most isolated areas of Congo. A world of masks and tradition refuses to disappear.

Historical and Colonial Heritage

A trip to Congo in search of its historical and colonial past is to enter a world that is succumbing to neglect.

Mobutu’s palaces, colonial towns such as Yangambi or Boma or old railway hangars such as the one in Mbanza Ngungu, fight against the passing of time, standing as best they can.

If the traveller is a lover of abandoned places with history, he will find paradise in Congo.

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written by Harriet Constable

updated 09.07.2019

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has been known for too long as the ‘heart of darkness’, but it rewards intrepid travellers with beautiful countryside and some of the continent’s most exciting trekking.

Why should I go?

Isn’t it dangerous, so is it actually safe to visit, where should i go, can i go hiking, how do i get there and around, what about insurance, where can i find out more.

Here, Harriet Constable explores how and why you should visit this central African country.

There is something magical about the DRC. The expansive countryside is alive with colourful flowers, flourishing fruits and luscious green plants. Here, towering mountain peaks are garnished with wisps of mist and giant primates roam the rainforests, munching juicy leaves, swinging from vines and rolling playfully in the dirt.

As a visitor to the DRC, time is spent climbing to great heights for epic views, having close encounters with some of the world’s rarest creatures, and wading through thick, wet rainforests in search of adventure.

This country offers the most extraordinary experiences and, by the very essence of its splendour and variety, deserves to be seen, appreciated and protected.

Kinshasa, Congo © Shutterstock

It’s true that the DRC is a deeply troubled country. Beginning with the arrival of Europeans in the late fifteenth century, and the subsequent colonisation in 1885 by Belgium, extensive pillaging of the country’s rich natural resources, slavery and war mar its history.

Although the DRC enjoyed some prosperous years in the 1950s, the country fell apart again after independence in 1960 and continues to face waves of violence and war, kept at bay only in some regions by the huge UN peacekeeper presence.

It’s because of this that the DRC still struggles to break free from its reputation as a country of ‘darkness’. The reality is that the DRC now, as ever, faces the huge challenges of protecting its rich and varied landscape, saving its precious wildlife and creating a more prosperous future for its people in a complicated political and economic climate.

It’s possible to visit parts of the DRC safely. The safest and most touristed areas of the country are Goma, Virunga National Park and Bukavu in in the east, and the capital Kinshasa in the west.

Given that there are still serious security threats in the DRC for tourists, it’s best to visit with a tour company who will know how best to keep you safe.

The eastern region of the DRC where Virunga is located is still troubled by armed rebel groups, so tour operators will arrange armed escorts to accompany travellers at all times.

© LMspencer/Shutterstock

There are only a couple of regions of the DRC that travellers can visit at present. One of these is the spectacular Virunga National Park, home to about a quarter of the world’s critically endangered mountain gorillas. This is Africa’s oldest national park and is famed for its thick forest, towering mountain peaks and ancient swamps.

On the western side of the DRC is its capital Kinshasa: the world’s second largest French-speaking city. It’s known as the heart of central African music, and the bars in Bandal or Matonge are worth visiting to sample the local nightlife.

After the chaos of Kinshasa, a popular stop off is the crescent shaped Tchegera Island in Lake Kivu – perfect for a couple of days relaxing or kayaking on the lake.

With its expanse of vast mountain ranges and thick rainforest, the DRC offers some top-notch hiking. There are lots of options in Virunga National Park, including various hikes to see the legendary mountain gorillas, but adventurous hikers will also want to tackle Mount Nyiragongo.

This active volcano towers over Goma in eastern DRC, emitting an eerie red glow from its bubbling lava lake as darkness sets each night.

The hike takes around six hours, climbing to 3470m through humid tropical forest, over scraggy lava rocks and past steaming geysers, before being plunged into mist at the top. At the summit, hikers camp in small huts on the crater rim, from where the boiling waves of lava can be heard crashing over each other like water in the ocean.

The evening is spent gaping in awe into the molten, fiery heart of the earth, and watching as the crusted top of the lava lake rhythmically separates, revealing bolts of luminous orange liquid below.

© Dario Verdugo/Shutterstock

It’s difficult to obtain a visa for the DRC without having a tour booked through a reputable company. If you’re travelling independently, it’s best to book your accommodation, transport and activities in advance and use these details for your visa.

To get to Virunga, you can fly into Kigali in Rwanda and then take a three-hour taxi ride to the Goma border in the DRC where your tour company will meet you.

If you’re heading to Kinshasa, you can fly direct with reputable airlines from Addis Ababa, Nairobi, Johannesburg, Brussels and Paris.

Internal flights are not recommended; most of the aviation companies have poor safety ratings.

Many insurance companies refuse to provide cover for areas under a travel warning, so if you already have a policy, check it’s valid in the DRC before you go.

There are a number of companies offering insurance for the DRC, including AMREF, who provide air ambulance evacuation services across the African continent, and Battlefield, who provide comprehensive travel and medical insurance for the region.

For more information about visiting Virunga National Park, head to visitvirunga.org, and to understand more about the challenges of protecting the DRC’s wildlife watch Virunga Movie. If you’re visiting Kinshasha, kinshasa-congo.com has some useful information on the city.

Compare flights , find tours , book hostels and hotels for your trip, and don’t forget to buy travel insurance before you go.

Top image © Sergey Uryadnikov/Shutterstock

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Congo Democratic Republic

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Congo Safaris

Congo safaris: personalized luxury tours with a local expert.

Congo Safaris: Personalized Luxury Tours with A Local Expert. Congo Safari: Best Destination for Gorilla Trekking Tours. Congo offers a truly unforgettable luxury safari experience. Plan a bespoke holiday with The Bespoke African Safari Co. and visit Congo’s most famous destinations.

The tropical rainforests are Africa’s last big wildness, and now tourists can finally visit them at Africa’s newest safari resort. Premier safari lodges have been established in and around Odzala National Park , allowing easy access to the Congo’s beautiful galleried jungle and teeming mud wallows. Although forest elephants and buffalo, two of the biggest attractions, can be seen in the jungle clearings, gorilla trekking is usually the highlight of a Congo safari .

Northern Republic of the Congo’s rainforests are home to a thriving population of western lowland gorillas in addition to the region’s spectacular environment and unique exotic animals. Congo safaris and gorilla hikes are still in their infancy and are best organized with the help of travel professionals; they are best suited for daring travelers who have been on multiple safaris before. Browse the itineraries we recommend for the Congo below, or get in touch with one of our African Travel Experts and they would be pleased to create a personalized route for you, either in isolation or in conjunction with other African countries .

“Congo: Country Profile”

The great land of Congo is one of Africa’s veiled treasures.

Luxury Congo Safaris

Congo travel tips from our experts.

• Odzala-Kokoua National Park, with an area of 1,350,000 ha, is one of the oldest parks in the Congo, having been established in 1935.
• There are more than 400 kinds of birds, 16 species of primates, and an incredible 4,400 types of plants in the park.
• The western lowland gorilla, an endangered species, resides in this area.
• UNESCO has designated the park as a Man and Biosphere Reserve.
• It takes 2.5 hours to fly from Brazzaville to the Mboko Airstrip, from whence you can enter the park.
• Planes from South Africa, Kenya, and France all land at Brazzaville’s international airport.

Congo Safari Packages: Our Top Picks

The Republic of the Congo (the Congo, or Congo-Brazzaville) is a small country along the west coast of Africa. This basin is drained by rivers like the Sangha, Mambili, and the mighty Congo, which give a route through the jungle to far-flung national parks like Odzala-Kokoua . The wilderness is especially prized and traditional ways of life are preserved in certain areas. The heavy forested landscape is characterized by swamps, bais, and rivers; this is ideal habitat for western lowland gorillas; and it is the remarkable wildlife interactions accessible here that are attracting more and more tourists to the Congo . The highlight for visitors is gorilla trekking, which should not be missed.

Despite its tumultuous history, the French colony of Congo-Brazzaville is presently seen as tranquil, stable, and fast developing. Brazzaville, the capital, is sometimes referred to as the “Little Paris of Africa” due to the abundance of art, fabric booths, flower markets, cafés, and the aroma of freshly baked baguettes wafting from the city’s many boulangeries.

Still, tourism has only been around for a short while. Its cities may not be up to five-star standards, but its wilderness areas and wildlife encounters are, thanks to its relative isolation for so long. The Congo is an amazing place to visit if you don’t mind getting your hands dirty.

Gorilla Trek And Beach Holiday Days: 11 | Nights: 10 A Perfect Gorilla Trek And Beach Holiday in Congo Itinerary. Start your 11 Days Gorilla Trek through the Jungles of the Congo before flying to the remote islands of Sao Tome for a beach holiday.

12 Days in Congo Days: 12 | Nights: 11 The Luxury 12 Days in Congo Itinerary, Get off the beaten Gorilla tracks on this Lowland Gorilla Trekking Safari through the Congo and Central African Republic jungles.

Congo And Rwanda Safari Days: 8 | Nights: 7 8 Days Congo and Rwanda Safari itinerary includes Trekking Lowland Gorillas in the Congo’s jungles before moving on to Rwanda to pursue their larger cousins, mountain gorillas.

Congo Travel News, Stories & Articles

Congo Tourism

It’s not typical for anyone to visit the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Travelers to this region of Africa will be treated to sights and experiences that can’t be found anywhere else on the continent.

Update May 10, 2024

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Democratic Republic of the Congo Travel Advisory

Travel advisory july 31, 2023, democratic republic of the congo - level 3: reconsider travel.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Reconsider travel to the Democratic Republic of Congo due to crime and civil unrest . Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Do Not Travel To :

• North Kivu province due to crime , civil unrest , terrorism , armed conflict , and kidnapping .
• Ituri province due to crime , civil unrest , terrorism , armed conflict , and kidnapping .
• The eastern DRC region and the three Kasai provinces (Kasai, Kasai-Oriental, Kasai-Central) due to crime , civil unrest , armed conflict and kidnapping .

Country Summary: Violent crime, such as armed robbery, armed home invasion, and assault, is common and local police lack resources to respond effectively to serious crime. Assailants may pose as police or security agents.

Demonstrations are common in many cities and some have turned violent. Police have at times responded with heavy-handed tactics that resulted in civilian casualties and arrests.

The U.S. government has extremely limited ability to provide emergency consular services to U.S. citizens outside of Kinshasa due to poor infrastructure and security conditions.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

If you decide to travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo:

• Avoid demonstrations.
• Use caution when walking or driving.
• Always have a copy of your U.S. passport and DRC visa. Keep originals in a secure location. Carry your U.S. passport and DRC visa when crossing provincial borders or flying domestically.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter .
• Review the Country Security Report for the DRC.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations.  Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.

North Kivu Province – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Violent crime, such as murder, rape, kidnapping, and pillaging, continue throughout North Kivu province. Road travelers are frequently targeted for ambush, armed robbery, and kidnapping.

Demonstrations and large gatherings can occur throughout these regions, especially in urban areas, and escalate to violence. Extrajudicial mobs can form rapidly and turn violent, posing a threat to humanitarian aid workers and other personnel operating in the area.

Terrorist and armed groups operating in North Kivu province have attacked military and civilian targets and represent an ongoing threat to humanitarian aid workers and other NGO personnel operating in the area.

Armed groups, individuals, and military forces routinely clash with each other. Civilians are frequently targeted in attacks.

The U.S. government is unable to provide emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in North Kivu province as U.S. government travel to these areas is restricted.

Visit our website for Travel to High- Risk Areas.

Ituri Province – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Violent crime, such as murder, rape, kidnapping, and pillaging, continue throughout Ituri province. Road travelers are frequently targeted for ambush, armed robbery, and kidnapping.

Terrorist and armed groups operating in Ituri province have attacked military and civilian targets and represent an ongoing threat to humanitarian aid workers and other NGO personnel operating in the area.

The U.S. government is unable to provide emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in Ituri province as U.S. government travel to these areas is restricted.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas .

Eastern DRC Region and the Three Kasai Provinces – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Violent crime, such as murder, rape, kidnapping, and pillaging, continue throughout South Kivu, Tanganyika, Haut Lomami, Bas-Uele, and Haut-Uele and three Kasai provinces of Kasai Oriental, Kasai Central, and Kasai. Road travelers are frequently targeted for ambush, armed robbery, and kidnapping.

The U.S. government is unable to provide emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in eastern DRC and these provinces, as U.S. government travel to these regions is restricted.

Travel Advisory Levels

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Death toll in bombings at displacement camps in eastern Congo rises to at least 35

People gather at the side of an explosion in a refugee camp on the outskirts of Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Friday, May, 3, 2024. The Congolese army says a bomb at a refugee camp in eastern Congo has killed at least 5 people, including children. An army spokesman blamed the attack at the Mugunga refugee camp in North Kivu on a rebel group, known as M23, with alleged links to Rwanda, in a statement provided to The Associated Press. (AP Photo/Moses Sawasawa)

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GOMA, Congo (AP) — The death toll in the bombings of two camps for displaced people in eastern Congo last week rose to at least 35 Friday, with an additional two in very critical condition, a local official told The Associated Press.

Éric Bwanapuwa, a lawmaker who represents Goma, the provincial capital of North Kivu state, where the attacks took place, provided the updated figure in an interview Friday.

The Congolese army and a rebel group known as M23 have blamed each other for the bombings at the Mugunga and Lac Vert displacement camps in eastern Congo.

The U.S. State Department accused M23 and the army of neighboring Rwanda.

M23, which is short for the March 23 Movement, is an armed group mainly made up of ethnic Tutsis that broke away from the Congolese army 12 years ago.

Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi accuses neighboring Rwanda of destabilizing Congo by backing the M23 rebels. U.N. experts , along with the U.S. State Department, have also accused Rwanda of backing the rebels. Rwanda denies the claims.

The decades-long conflict in eastern Congo has produced one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, with over 100 armed groups fighting in the region, most for land and control of mines with valuable minerals. Some are fighting to try to protect their communities.

Many groups are accused of carrying out mass killings, rapes and other human rights violations.

The violence has displaced about 7 million people, including thousands living in temporary camps like the ones attacked last week. Many others are beyond the reach of aid.