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Republic of Congo

A land of steamy jungles hiding half the world's lowland gorillas, masses of forest elephants, and hooting, swinging troops of chimpanzees, the Republic of Congo is on the cusp of becoming one of the finest ecotourism destinations in Africa.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Parc National d'Odzala

One of the oldest national parks in Africa, the Parc National d’Odzala is Congo's calling card, a massive slice of the Guineo-Congolian rainforest that's…

Parc National Nouabalé-Ndoki

A Unesco World Heritage Site since 2012, Nouabalé-Ndoki is home to important populations of forest elephants, western lowland gorillas, chimpanzees and…

Parc National Conkouati-Douli

The newest of the three national parks in Congo, Conkouati-Douli was inaugurated in 1999 and is the most biodiverse of the country's national parks. The…

La Corniche

Brazzaville

This wonderful modernised embankment is a great place for a stroll, and affords fantastic views over the Congo River to Kinshasa, looming in the distance…

La Côte Sauvage

Pointe-Noire's best and most popular beaches are located to the south of the city and are known locally as 'the wild coast'. There are lots of stalls…

Les Rapides

These wide and powerful rapids on the Congo River can be viewed on the outskirts of Brazzaville. Most people observe the rapids from the nearby bar Site…

Pointe Indienne

This lovely stretch of sandy beach 19km north of Pointe-Noire is a great place for a day trip out of the city. It's popular with locals at weekends, and…

Diosso Gorge

Half an hour north of Pointe-Noire, just outside the dusty village of Diosso, is the remarkable scenery of Diosso Gorge, which tears through the otherwise…

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May 22, 2020 • 2 min read

Congo in Conversation is a collaborative photojournalism project that documents the country's experiences with help from local people.

Oct 15, 2014 • 6 min read

Oct 3, 2014 • 5 min read

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Republic of the Congo

• 3 Other destinations
• 4.1 History
• 4.2 Economy
• 4.3 Tourist information
• 5.1 Visa requirements
• 5.2 By plane
• 5.4 By boat
• 6.1 By shared taxi or minibus
• 6.2 By taxi
• 6.3 By train
• 10.3 Shopping
• 15.1 Authorities
• 15.2 Political unrest
• 15.3 Civil conflict
• 16 Stay healthy

The Republic of the Congo is a country in Central Africa . It is commonly referred to as Congo-Brazzaville to distinguish itself from its giant neighbour, the Democratic Republic of the Congo ( Congo-Kinshasa ).

One of the most sparsely populated countries in Africa , the Republic of the Congo is rich in diversity and landscapes, with more than 60 languages spoken. The Kongo, the largest ethnic group, make up 48% of the population. Other prominent ethnic groups include the Sangha, the Teke, and the Mbochi. There is also a small European community, comprising 3% of the population.

The Republic of the Congo is a predominantly Christian country, with Roman Catholicism being the largest denomination in the country. It is a former colony of France . Independent African churches thrive in the country; Kimbanguism, a syncretic movement, has several followers here.

Endowed with pristine wilderness areas and charismatic fauna, there is plenty to do and see in the Republic of the Congo, even though it's not on most travellers' lists.

Regions [ edit ]

Wikivoyage divides Republic of the Congo into six regions.

Cities [ edit ]

• -4.269444 15.271111 1 Brazzaville — the capital is home to one third of the country's people, and has been designated a "City of Music" by UNESCO
• -4.7975 11.850278 2 Pointe Noire — a port city
• -4.200556 12.679167 3 Dolisie — a busy logging town that attracts few foreigners
• -2.945278 12.715556 4 Mossendjo — the regional hub city of the Chaillu Massif mountainous region
• -2.54 14.751944 5 Djambala  — a good base for visiting the Léfini Faunal Reserve
• -0.483333 15.8975 6 Owando — considered one of the best places to visit in the north of Republic of Congo

Other destinations [ edit ]

• -2.775 11.625 4 Mount Fouari National Reserve — big game such as elephant, leopard and buffalo still roam here
• -4.2227 15.406 5 Ile Mbamou — a government-owned island that is about one hour from Brazzaville
• -3.276378 15.477108 6 Lesio Louna Gorilla Reserve — a special reserve for endangered western lowland gorillas, bounded by three rivers
• 0.8 14.933333 8 Odzala-Kokoua National Park — the country's most famous national park
• 2.442778 16.554167 9 Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park — the largest and most remote of Congo's national parks and reserves, in the far north bordering the Central African Republic 's Dzanga Sangha National Reserve

Understand [ edit ]

History [ edit ].

Following independence as the Congo Republic on August 15, 1960, Fulbert Youlou ruled as the country's first president until labour elements and rival political parties instigated a three-day uprising that ousted him. The Congolese military took charge of the country briefly and installed a civilian provisional government headed by Alphonse Massamba-Débat.

Under the 1963 constitution, Massamba-Débat was elected President for a five-year term but it was ended abruptly with an August 1968 coup d'état. Captain Marien Ngouabi, who had participated in the coup, assumed the presidency on 31 December 1968. One year later, President Ngouabi proclaimed Congo to be Africa's first "people's republic" and announced the decision of the National Revolutionary Movement to change its name to the Congolese Labour Party (PCT). On 16 March 1977, President Ngouabi was assassinated. An 11-member Military Committee of the Party (CMP) was named to head an interim government with Col. (later Gen.) Joachim Yhombi-Opango to serve as President of the Republic.

After decades of turbulent politics bolstered by Marxist-Leninist rhetoric, and with the collapse of the Soviet Union, Congo completed a transition to multi-party democracy with elections in August 1992. Denis Sassou Nguesso conceded defeat and Congo's new president, Prof. Pascal Lissouba, was inaugurated on 31 August 1992.

However, Congo's democratic progress was derailed in 1997. As presidential elections scheduled for July 1997 approached, tensions between the Lissouba and Sassou camps mounted. On 5 June, President Lissouba's government forces surrounded Sassou's compound in Brazzaville and Sassou ordered members of his private militia, known as "Cobras", to resist. Thus began a 4-month conflict that destroyed or damaged much of Brazzaville and caused tens of thousands of civilian deaths. In early October, Angolan troops invaded Congo on the side of Sassou and, in mid-October, the Lissouba government fell. Soon thereafter, Sassou declared himself President. The Congo Civil War continued for another year and a half until a peace deal was struck between the various factions in December 1999.

In sham elections in 2002, Sassou won with almost 90% of the vote cast. His two main rivals Lissouba and Bernard Kolelas were prevented from competing and the only remaining credible rival, Andre Milongo, advised his supporters to boycott the elections and then withdrew from the race. A new constitution, agreed upon by referendum in January 2002, granted the president new powers and also extended his term to seven years as well as introducing a new bicameral assembly. International observers took issue with the organization of the presidential election as well as the constitutional referendum, both of which were reminiscent in their organization of Congo's era of the one-party state.

Elections in July 2009 were boycotted by opposition parties. Inevitably, Sassou was re-elected, but with a questionably high turnout. Demonstrations in Brazzaville were firmly put down by riot police.

The Republic of the Congo's sparse population is concentrated in the southwestern portion of the country, leaving the vast areas of tropical jungle in the north virtually uninhabited. Thus, the Republic of Congo is one of the most urbanized countries in Africa, with 85% of its total population living in a few urban areas, namely in Brazzaville, Pointe-Noire, or one of the small cities or villages lining the 332-mile (534 km) railway which connects the two cities. In rural areas, industrial and commercial activity has declined rapidly, leaving rural economies dependent on the government for support and subsistence. Before the 1997 war, about 15,000 Europeans and other non-Africans lived in Congo, most of whom were French. Only about 9,500 remain.

Economy [ edit ]

The country has large reserves of petroleum, the mainstay of the country's economy, and accounts for 80% of the country's exports. Although the country is one of the leading oil producers in Africa , this hasn't exactly translated into prosperity. Political instability, corruption, inadequate infrastructure, heavy dependence on oil, a neglected educational system, and the effects of the 1997 civil war mean that the country is among one of the least developed countries in the world. Most Congolese people live in poverty and unemployment is rampant.

Despite these factors, the government has been keen on diversifying the economy and actively encourages foreign investment.

Tourist information [ edit ]

• Republic of the Congo Tourism website

Get in [ edit ]

Visa requirements [ edit ]

The Republic of the Congo is not a country you can just waltz into. There are few visa-free arrangements in place, and thus, almost everyone requires a visa to visit the country .

Citizens of the following countries can obtain a visa on arrival: Benin , Burkina Faso , Ivory Coast , Mauritania , Morocco , Niger , Rwanda , Senegal , Togo , and the United Arab Emirates .

For everyone else, you must possess a valid passport and you must submit the following: two completed visa application forms, two passport photographs, airline tickets, a travel itinerary, an invitation letter from a Congolese individual or organisation (a hotel reservation will normally suffice), and proof you've been vaccinated against yellow fever .

Visa fees tend to be very expensive (The Congolese embassy in the United States charges $200 for visa applications), so plan accordingly. Congolese embassies recommend that you submit all relevant documentation (usually a month before your trip) in advance. Visas typically take 7-10 days to process.

If you hold an "official letter of invitation" you can, in theory, enter the country without a visa, but it may be difficult to obtain because there's little information available on how to obtain it.

By plane [ edit ]

By car [ edit ]

It's safe to drive in the Republic of the Congo. A good sealed road goes north from Brazzaville , but only as far north as President Sassou's hometown of Oyo. Beyond Oyo, the roads get very bumpy and are totally impassable in the rain. It is also very hard to get a rental car that you can drive yourself.

By boat [ edit ]

Passenger and VIP ferries operate daily between Brazzaville and Kinshasa roughly every 2 hours between 8AM and 3PM. Prices for the ferries are: US$15 for the passenger and US$30 for the VIP ferry. The VIP ferry is recommended as these are brand new boats and are not as cramped. A valid visa for both countries is required in either direction. The bureaucracy at either end require some time. Entry and exit procedures in Brazzaville are "easy" and straight forward and people are very helpful in assisting to get through without troubles. In contrast, these procedures are a bit difficult in Kinshasa and depend much on whether you are an individual traveller or assisted by an organisation or an official government representative. There are also speed boats to hire, either in a group or alone (price!), however, it is not advisable to book them as they really speed across the river along the rapids.

Barges follow the Congo, then the Oubangui, rivers right up to Bangui .

Get around [ edit ]

By shared taxi or minibus [ edit ].

Ridiculously cheap shared taxis and minibuses run on an ad hoc basis between towns and villages, crammed with Congolese villagers taking all sorts of livestock for sale in Brazzaville .

By taxi [ edit ]

Taxis in the Republic of the Congo do not have a meter , which means you have to negotiate for a reasonable fare before going anywhere. Don't expect this to be an easy process if you do not possess solid French language and negotiation skills.

In the capital city, Brazzaville , taxis are white and green in colour. If you want to go to the city centre from the airport, it will cost you 3000 CFA. In the main city, however, the official taxi fare stands at 700 CFA.

By train [ edit ]

The Congo-Ocean Railway (COR, or CFCO) re-opened between Pointe-Noire and Brazzaville in Apr 2023 after a 7-year closure. It is scheduled to take 16 hours to complete the 502 kilometres (312 mi) journey. It is the only land route between Congo's two major cities.

Talk [ edit ]

The official language of the country is French . The main indigenous languages are Kituba and Lingala .

See [ edit ]

• Odzala National Park
• Gorillas in Lesio Louna Gorilla Reserve .
• Colonial and post-colonial architecture in Brazzaville .
• Sangha Trinational - a forest in the Sangha and Likouala region that is an UNESCO World Heritage Site (shared with Cameroon and the Central African Republic).

Do [ edit ]

Fish for the Goliath Tiger Fish on the Congo River — the largest fish ever caught was 56 kg.

Buy [ edit ]

Money [ edit ].

The currency of the country is the Central African CFA franc , denoted FCFA (ISO currency code: XAF ). It's also used by five other Central African countries. It is interchangeable at par with the West African CFA franc (XOF), which is used by six countries. Both currencies are fixed at a rate of 1 euro = 655.957 CFA francs.

The U.S. dollar is not widely accepted.

ATMs [ edit ]

All Ecobank ATMs in the Republic of the Congo take Mastercard and Visa card for cash withdrawal.

Shopping [ edit ]

There is an artisan mart and boutiques in the market near the BDEAC (Banque Developpement pour les Etats de l'Afrique Centrale). Really beautiful jewelry, masks, paintings, and other artwork.

All business is conducted in cash. Small change is very scarce and hard to come by. Do not accept torn or taped banknotes.

Eat [ edit ]

There is good and healthy Chinese food at Osaka Restaurant, in Pointe Noire. The average price for a meal is US$12-18. All meals are served in nice clean dishes, the restaurant is indoors and has AC, with a back-up generator, just in case. Some of the workers speak English and French.

There are several great restaurants in Brazzaville. Any taxi driver can take you to one of these nicer places (FCFA 5000-15 000). Most places are closed on Sundays. Expect beers to be overpriced here (FCFA 1000-2000).

Drink [ edit ]

Palm wine is a local favorite in the village. Beer is the favorite in town next to Fanta, Coke etc. There is also a local red wine (SOVINCO) imported from Gabon and the "brique", a liter of imported, mostly Spanish wine from the box.

There is a big price range on beer (FCFA 500-5,000) depending on what neighborhood and type of bar or restaurant you're in.

Produced in Congo under Heineken supervision: N'Gok (meaning "Crocodile", blond, Congolese), Primus (blond, Belgium, Central Africa), Mütsig (blond, French Alsace Region), Guinness (dark, Ireland), and Turbo King (dark, Central Africa)

Imported: Heineken and Bavaria

If the above is too much there is also water of various local and imported brands sold in 1.5 litre plastic bottles.

Sleep [ edit ]

Work [ edit ].

With incredibly mild tax laws and a huge foreign population, the Republic of the Congo has ideal working conditions, but weak political conditions and excessive bureaucracy mean that many are often reluctant to take up work opportunities in the country. In addition, unemployment is quite high (40-50%), due in large part to a poorly developed education system.

Personal connections matter greatly in the Republic of the Congo, and the importance of having local contacts cannot be overstated. This being said, it's obvious to say that nepotism is quite common here.

Many NGOs are situated in Brazzaville . If you have a background in politics or international relations, working in Brazzaville won't be such a bad idea. In addition, the country is a great place to further develop your French language skills.

The government maintains a list of sectors that are in need of investment or development. If you have any skills to offer, or if your company has anything to offer to the country, the government may be more than willing to help you out. As with any country, do your homework before getting into something.

Stay safe [ edit ]

The Republic of the Congo is generally a safe country. Crime rates tend to be low, and people can travel independently without any major worries or concerns. This said, crime such as robbery and assault remains a concern. As in any developing country, don't draw too much attention to yourself and do what the locals do. As the saying goes, "when in Rome, do what the Romans do".

Authorities [ edit ]

There are numerous police checkpoints throughout the country and it's difficult to know if you're coming across a police checkpoint since many of them are poorly marked. In the event you come across a police checkpoint, the police may ask you for your ID and they may conduct a thorough search of your vehicle. This is purely for security reasons, nothing more, nothing less.

Corruption in the Congolese police is widespread. Since members of the police earn low salaries, it's possible they may coerce you into giving them bribes or they may abuse their powers.

As with all authority figures, always remain calm, firm, and polite. If a policeman asks you to do something, just do it. Do not lose your temper if you end up meeting an ill-behaved official and do not challenge their authority.

Political unrest [ edit ]

The Republic of the Congo is one of the most corrupt and least efficiently governed countries in the world. Corruption, cronyism, and nepotism are widespread.

The Congolese have a strained relationship with their government and demonstrations against the government can turn violent . Although no major protests have occurred since 2015, keep an eye out.

Civil conflict [ edit ]

As aforementioned, many Congolese people are frustrated with their government, and this has often lead to open warfare. The most recent war was the "Pool War", in which more than 13,000 people were displaced in the Pool region. Although ceasefire agreements remain in place, frustrations with the government mean that conflict can erupt at any time.

Stay healthy [ edit ]

Population estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS ; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected. In any case use your common sense: do not have unprotected sex.

The likelihood of getting malaria is very high if effective preventative medication is not taken. The malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum can be very serious. Medical attention should be sought if any symptoms are shown.

Tap water is not drinkable, if it's even running at all.

Medical care is substandard throughout the country. Hospitals lack modern equipment, necessary medical supplies and medications, and well-trained physicians, nurses and support staff.

• Netcare Clinic: B.P. 2422, Brazzaville, Tel: 547 0911 (Main Line) or 679 6711. This facility is a franchise from South Africa. It is clean, has facilities for 3 private rooms, an ambulance, a one bed emergency room, basic radiography, pharmacy and a laboratory with microscopy, haematology, and basic chemists. There are two main doctors, Dr. Ali, a Lebanese doctor who considered as the best medic in Netcare, and Dr. Stephan, a French doctor who is also a good doctor.
• Pharmacie Mavre Tel: 81 18 39. Located in Centreville, next to the Cabinet Dentaire building

Brazzaville has many pharmacies, but Pharmacie Mavré is recommended. Please remember to always check the expiration dates on boxes before purchasing any products.

Respect [ edit ]

White travelers should take care while travelling in the Republic. Racial tension and discrimination is not uncommon here, so be safe and keep to yourself.

Connect [ edit ]

You can talk to your loved ones using any of the three mobile operators MTN, CelTel (now Zain), or Warid.

The local call rate are relatively cheap and cost you around FCFA 20-20 per minute.

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Peace Corps Friends of DR Congo

Congo/Zaire YouTube Videos

The following collection of Congo-Zaire YouTube videos has been curated by Board Member Jim Herne - PCV Congo/Zaïre ’71-‘73. Thanks, Jim, for your efforts in putting this together! 

Travel related videos

Bienvenue au congo - welcome in congo.

Stuck trucks, landcruisers, motos, everything, an music too!  Where else can you experience this but in the Congo.  This is my favorite Congo Roads video – the scenes, the mud, the vehicles, the people, all put to music is endlessly amusing….

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_203PSyA2UM&t=70s

CONGO RIVER EXPEDITION – Lisala – Kisangani

This expedition was implemented in 2009 by three research institutions of Belgium: the Africa Museum, the Royal Institute of Natural Sciences and the Botanical Garden with researchers also from the University of Kisangani and Kinshasa (DR Congo), from three Universities in Belgium (K.U. Leuven, R.U. Gent, V.U. Brussels) and from the University of Davis, California (USA).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0-i8RzgWmE

Deadliest Roads | Congo Kivu

Just ran across another Congo Roads video that might be interesting to you.  This one is about National Road 4 which runs between Goma and Kisangani.  The film was made in 2013 but I have not seen it before now on YouTube.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJ7xGYBI6PQ

Deadliest Roads | Congo Katanga

In Katanga many people are waiting for a train named after a bird, the “Swallow”.  More than 2000 people, three times the train’s capacity, are squeezing into the carriages. Conditions are precarious in the “Swallow”, which crosses the whole country in more than a week, stopping in several villages.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1DT_ZQ3EkOk

Deadliest Roads | Congo

World's Most Dangerous Roads: Deadliest Journeys in Congo in 2009.  Years of war have left Congo’s infrastructure in ruins.  In a country with no airports, no viable rail system and where the roads are almost totally unusable, transporting goods has become a serious problem.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Olbqp0Uq1p0

Deadliest Journeys - Congo River

We make the epic journey from Kinshasha, capital of the DRC, to Kisangani, the third largest city in this vast country.  The only way to move between the cities is by boat or airplane.  We join 1,500 people onboard the 'Gbemani', sailing along the Congo River.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VqKPJHWq6Hw&t=84s

Barge Captain on the Congo River

Ce long métrage du documentariste belge Thierry Michel emmène ses spectateurs aux sources du fleuve du Congo, véritable colonne vertébrale et axe de communication essentiel.  Il évoque de nombreuses facettes du Congo d’hier et d’aujourd’hui.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zsYB-W8Cltc

A Week in D.R. CONGO ? (country #185)

Hey guys! Sorry for the week-long hiatus -- I've been having WAY too much fun in the D.R. CONGO, country #185!!!  This video is a recap of the last week of my life, spent with my friend Obed, who I met a few weeks ago on Instagram.  Long story short: it has been AMAZING!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CdplXirnQjY

Traversée "off road" Lubumbashi /Kinshasa

2500 km, 13 jours de conduite, 17 jours de voyage pour faire cette traversée inoubliable.  Prenez votre temps avec ce roadtrip et laissez vous guider .. la traversée par jour egalement sur www.ggroadtrip.com

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LB9c6VchhXw

Bateau sur le fleuve Congo 2018

Un voyage par bateau sur le fleuve Congo en 2018

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePS053M2SJM

Les routes de l'impossible - Congo, le dernier train du Katanga

Au Congo les routes sont, pour la majorité, impraticables ou inexistantes.  Le seul transport fiable, l’avion, est hors de portée des Congolais.  Au sud, le train hirondelle traverse la moitié du pays, depuis la capitale du Katanga, Lubumbashi jusqu’à Ilebo.  Il constitue le seul trait d’union entre les villages les plus reculés.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JM8Vfb0Lm3c

Les routes de l'impossible - Congo : Le Rafiot de L'Enfer

En république démocratique du Congo, pour aller de Kinshasa la capitale, à Kisangani la grande ville du Nord, il n’y a plus aucune route.  Le manque d’entretien et la forêt envahissante l’ont fait disparaître petit à petit.  Pour transporter leurs marchandises ou pour voyager entre ces deux villes, les congolais n’ont que deux solutions : l’avion pour les plus riches, ou le bateau pour les plus pauvres, un voyage de 2000 kilomètres.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KPMZdUg2GjM

CONGO RIVER BIODIVERSITY EXPEDITION

Congo River.  Biodiversity expedition in 2010 Kisangani-Bumba-Kisangani (2x 400 km) & main tributaries (upstream: about 20 km each)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PrLW6ta0wuw

Le Jardin Extraordinaire RTBF 1 - Les mystères du fleuve Congo - chutes de Zongo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XDdQkfAsZ7U

History related videos

Visiting the belgian congo in 1956.

Final part of a 16mm documentary on a visit to the Belgian colony in 1956. After its independence it is called 'The Democratic Republic of the Congo'.  See my other 1150 clips by searching YouTube with 'michael rogge' Website 'Man and the Unknown'  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICpLlM-GldE

King Leopold's ghost still haunts the Congo

The Congo's natural resources have inspired a most unnatural history of greed and violence, which cost the lives of some 10 million Congolese.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=alg33ey4ejo

Belgian Congo (Documentary)

The Belgian Congo was a Belgian colony in Central Africa from 1908 until independence in 1960.  The former colony adopted its present-day name, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), in 1964.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4TPwGfnpc4

Meet The Forgotten "Hitler" Who Killed 15 Million Africans

The story of King Leopold

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QfYC7m4cULE

Modern Day Congo videos

Kinshasa, DR Congo: Africa's Largest Megacity

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bgljcixHvAU

A journey to the heart of Africa - Full documentary - BBC Africa

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is a vast, mineral rich country the size of Western Europe.  Alastair Leithead takes an epic journey from the Atlantic Ocean to the far reaches of the Congo river to explore how history has shaped the Congo of today and uncover the lesser told stories of this beautiful, if troubled country.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43xTvpxWLW4&t=167s

Congo, My Precious. The Curse of the coltan mines in Congo

The Democratic Republic of Congo in Africa is one of the world’s most resource-rich countries.  A wide range of rare minerals can be found here in abundance, all commanding high prices in world commodity markets. Diamonds for jewellery, tantalum, tungsten and gold for electronics; uranium used in power generation and weaponry and many others.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTwzCy0-RTw

Murder in Kinshasa

Who really killed Congolese President Laurent-Desire Kabila in 2001?  At Al Jazeera English, we focus on people and events that affect people's lives.  We bring topics to light that often go under-reported, listening to all sides of the story.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2a5W2tAAD68

DR Congo's Capital Kinshasa. The Largest, Most Developed City in Central Africa

Kinshasa is the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.  It faces Brazzaville, the capital of the neighboring Republic of Congo, which can be seen in the distance across the wide Congo River.  Kinshasa has the largest population of any city in Africa with a population of 14 million within the City limits, and is also the 2nd largest French-speaking city in the world behind Paris.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkpFitVJIkE

The Real Congo: Real Lives, Real People, Real Views

After a good year of stressing and not knowing what to create I believe I have created something that allows people to see the Congo through my eyes.  I was able to travel to Congo in the summer of 2017 for my cousins wedding and captured amazing moments that I would like to share with everyone.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JLfZg-AbNc

The African Terror Group No One Is Talking About

The conflict in Eastern Congo has killed as many as 6 million people; more than any war since WWII.  Yet it remains one of the most underreported crises' in the world.  Over the last few years, one group, in particular, has terrorized dozens of villages, killing or kidnapping hundreds of men, women, and children.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8uSBTlkVoo&bpctr=1608542078

Mobutu era related videos

Mobutu Sese Seko: Corruption and Murder in the Heart of Africa

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ap5BS_-c5Hs

MOBUTU KING OF ZAÏRE - CONGO - VOST EN - Belgique

"Of all the passions of the human race, the appetite for domination is the most intoxicating" St. Augustine.  Ultimate "African King", Joseph Désiré Mobutu was one of the oldest and most tenacious dictators of the Cold War and decolonization.  With the help of the CIA, Mobutu makes a coup and takes power in the former Belgian Congo.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OpCb_Yg_qJA&t=3s

Zaire Revisited: Congolese nostalgic for era of dictator Mobutu

More than 20 years after the fall of the charismatic Congolese dictator Mobutu Sese Seko, who ruled the vast African country with an iron fist from 1965 to 1997, many Congolese look back fondly on the era of "Papa Marshal", as he was nicknamed.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FzfPEL2LX4U

THE WAR IN CONGO

Colonel Mamadou Moustapha Ndala will never be forgotten by the people of the North Kivu province of the Democratic republic of Congo.  His Patriotism and Bravery made him a cult hero and a rising star in the Eastern Congo; due to his accomplishments in pacifying the rising threat of the Kagame and Museveni linked M23 rebel group.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tWBlwOXam78

Miscellaneous Congo/Zaire videos

The congo dandies: living in poverty and spending a fortune.

“La Sape” is a unique movement based in the Congo that unites fashion-conscious men who are ready to splurge money they don’t really have on designer clothes.  Dressing in stark contrast with their surroundings, these elegant ambiance-makers become true local celebrities… but this fame comes at a price.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W27PnUuXR_A

Machete boys of Congo

There is no law or moral code for the youngsters of impoverished neighborhoods in the port city of Matadi.  In their teenage years, they’ve already earned a reputation as ruthless outlaws who prowl streets, steal from locals, extort money from businesses and fight each other. They called, Kulunas – members of youth gangs infesting cities.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lGc2zhCBI0

Conflict Minerals, Rebels and Child Soldiers in Congo

Warlords, soldiers, and child laborers all toil over a mineral you've never even heard of. Coltan is a conflict mineral in nearly every cell phone, laptop, and electronic device. It's also tied to the deaths of over 5 million people in Congo since 1990.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kYqrflGpTRE

Congo: The pygmies of Boyanga - BBC News

Go hunting in the forest with pygmies who still live a very traditional way of life.  Their elders remember the brutal colonial time under Belgian King Leopold II whose men would force them to collect rubber – and amputate limbs if they didn’t collect enough.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1sL7VhyCHQ

The Last Living Dinosaur Could Be Hiding In The Congo

Scientist's may have found the last living dinosaurs, hiding out in the Congo basin in Africa.  For centuries, rumors suggest that Mokele Mbembe could still be alive - until recent scientific evidence suggests there may be some truth to these rumors!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oODNDxrHkvk&t=236s

Kinshasa, Beautiful African Mega City 2020

Kinshasa, formerly Léopoldville, (until 1966) is the largest city and it is the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.  It lies about 320 miles (515 km) from the Atlantic Ocean on the south bank of the Congo River.  One of the largest cities of sub-Saharan Africa, it is a political unit equivalent to a Congolese region, with its own governor.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U2nerhtwuBI

The cleanest city Kinshasa 2020 (DRC)

Look at that my beautiful and favorite city in Africa!  I am Haitian, but Congo-Kinshasa is always in my mind and my heart! Vive La RDC!!!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwVT5XLsHjo

Faces of Africa - Franco: King of Rumba

In the 1960s, a vibrant economy in the newly independent Congo meant artists had access to all the latest developments in music technology.  Among all the great Congolese musicians that emerged in that era, one stands out as the undisputed king of Rumba: Francois 'Franco' Luambo Makiadi.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkdFRYgl7cs

Enquete exclusive - Republique Democratique du Congo : les millionnaires du chaos

Deuxième plus vaste pays d'Afrique, la République démocratique du Congo (RDC) est l'un des Etats les plus pauvres du monde. Or, il compte de... nombreux millionnaires. Ces entrepreneurs, artistes, ex-chefs rebelles ou évangélistes vivent dans des enclaves ultrasécurisées de la capitale Kinshasa.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7cIlkF4G5U

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Canoeing the entire Congo river… and living to tell the tale

I was alone in the middle of deepest, darkest Congo. Worse still, I was being chased by eight angry tribesmen in two dugout canoes – and they were gaining on me.

"Mazungu … Mazunguuu!" came the screams from behind. "Give us money!" They were all standing up and paddling like men possessed. The nearest guy had a huge machete at his waist. I had been paddling as though my life depended on it. As though? It did depend on it! The fear was rapidly growing within me, demanding an answer to the primeval question: fight or flight?

The word mazungu , white man, was being screamed and repeated along both banks. It was disconcerting, to say the least. I felt like a wolf that had inadvertently strolled into a farming community and was being hunted down. I had to go faster. But now, after paddling my heart out to the point of near exhaustion, I turned around and saw the nearest dugout canoe was less than 20m away. So close that I could see the whites of the men's eyes and their teeth bared in a contorted, hate-filled travesty of a smile. What was it going to be: roll over and expose my soft underbelly, or put up a fight? It was the venom in the next cry of "Mazungu" that made me decide. I grabbed my machete …

Thanks to winning a travelling fellowship and grant from the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust , I was on my way to making the first source to sea descent of the Congo river through the war-torn Democratic Republic of the Congo. From the true source in north-east Zambia, the Congo river is just short of 3,000 miles long and the eighth longest river in the world, with a flow rate and drainage area second only to the Amazon. It flows through savannah, swamp and dense tropical rainforest, crossing the equator twice before finally draining into the Atlantic.

The Congo has suffered horribly throughout its history, and due to generations of foreign exploitation, political instability, corruption and civil war, not to mention a prevalence of crocodiles, hippos, waterfalls and huge rapids, the river seems to have been given a wide berth. But if you're looking for a true adventure travel destination, then look no further – the Congo has it all!

Henry Morton Stanley was the first European to explore the middle and lower Congo river, in 1877. He started from Zanzibar on the Indian Ocean, and the entire journey took him 999 days. Of the original 356 men on his expedition, only 114 made it to the end. The last remaining European besides Stanley drowned on the final set of rapids, prompting Stanley to write: "I am weary, oh so weary, of this constant tale of woes and death."

I found the proud people of the Congo to be an absolute inspiration; I believe we could all learn a great deal from their courage and resilience in the face of adversity. It has to be said however, that I also encountered my fair share of hostility too, and I don't think I've ever come as close to a nervous breakdown as I did during the five months it took me to reach the Atlantic. Collapsing unconscious from malaria didn't help.

With local help I found a tiny spring at the base of a banyan tree in the highlands of Zambia. This was the source of the most powerful river in Africa. With my five-metre Canadian canoe strapped to the back of a land cruiser, I eventually found a spot wide enough to start my trip. The upper Chambeshi was a beautiful little stream: crystal clear waters, an abundance of birdlife and lovely little rapids to keep me on my toes. The main risks were either being torn to shreds by the razor sharp thorns that seemed to come from all directions, or getting the canoe pinned against a rock or on one of the many fallen trees crossing the river. A few day's later, however, crocodiles became another consideration.

The environment had now changed, and the way became narrow and dark, with gnarled overhanging trees blotting out the sunlight. As I registering this change in mood, and my mind brought up similarities with the everglades, there was a frenetic thrashing noise to my right. Two four-metre crocodiles came crashing through the undergrowth and launched themselves off a raised bank. They were so close I remember noticing the membrane close on the nearest one's eyes. They belly-flopped onto the water with a tremendous splash and disappeared directly under my canoe, causing me to wobble in more ways than one.

Bangweulu swamp covers an area approximately the size of Derbyshire, and in 1991 was designated as a wetland of international importance. One of its biggest attractions is the lofty shoebill stork, which feeds on baby crocodiles amongst other things. At night, in the absence of firm ground, my technique would be to paddle as hard as I could and ram myself into the thickest area of reeds I could find. I'd then try to somehow drag and push my way further through, until I was securely wedged in with little risk of capsizing. I figured that since I was surrounded by tightly packed reeds, I'd have to be pretty unlucky to get a surprise visit from anything big enough to fit my head in its mouth. On more than one occasion I was awoken in the middle of the night by crashing, splashing sounds, but after a while I got used to it. Crashing, splashing sounds are one thing – something horrible ripping your leg off is quite another.

Weeks later, after negotiating the waterfalls and numerous rapids of the Luapula river, I was confronted by a wall of jungle and the river disappeared into it in a myriad of channels. In I went, and it felt like a different world. I could hear a permanent rumbling of rapids somewhere off in the distance, and tried to keep to the left hand side so as not to get sucked into a potential waterfall. I also didn't want to lose my bearings in the middle.

Every now and then the rapids would increase in size and I'd try to backtrack and find the easiest route. I ducked under one vine only to disturb a crocodile slithering off a rock.

Another time a huge snake swam right up to my canoe, reared up out of the water and I had to fend it off with my paddle. The canopy at this point was all-enveloping with hardly any visible sky, only the occasional beam of light piercing the foliage above.

By far the most remote section of the Congo was the Luvua river, the outlet of Lake Mweru. Peppered with waterfalls and rapids, the entrance was guarded by abandoned T-62 tanks, littering the hillside by Pweto. This was the last town for 300 miles.

The day before I set off, I was approached by a leathery-faced South African bush pilot who, in his thick Afrikaans accent, told me: "Do you know there's still armed Mai Mai rebels in there man? I'm telling you if they catch you, they'll kill you, and it wont be a quick death." He continued: "A year ago two Belgian missionaries were captured, tortured, and had their testicles cut off and eaten. Their heads were then cut off and put on spikes outside their village."

I have to admit to briefly entertaining the idea of giving up, but quickly dismissed it and headed off before I changed my mind.

The Luvua landscape was unique. Golden coloured grass covered the surrounding hills, dotted with occasional abandoned huts built from volcanic-like rock. Large trees seemed to be covered by giant sheets of white silk blowing in the wind – in fact they were gargantuan house-sized spider webs. On one occasion while trying to sneak around a nasty rapid, I inadvertently brushed against one and was instantly covered in a million spiders – crawling in my mouth, my ears, up my nose. If I hadn't been such a rugged adventurer, I'd have screamed like a little girl; or at least, if a fisherman hadn't been sitting on a rock watching me.

Further downstream, soaring ochre coloured cliffs rose up thousands of feet from both sides, with stunted twisted trees clinging precariously to their sides. Everything was as dry as a bone; only by the river's edge was there greenery. The odd thunderous chasm from hell required a portage.

The Lualaba forms the middle and lower Congo River, and though I often experienced tremendous hospitality from the indigenous poverty stricken fishermen, unsavoury characters also became more commonplace. Trying to sneak past the town of Kabalo in the early morning mist, I was forced ashore at gunpoint by a couple of armed soldiers in a dugout canoe. I was greeted on the bank by what I can only describe as a mob of corrupt officials, and subjected to a rather aggressive search, taken away for questioning, arrested, and put into a jail full of prostitutes. My crime was for physically preventing the immigration official from leaving his office, as he had put my passport in his pocket and told me I wouldn't get it back unless I gave him $100. I eventually managed to resolve the situation. The next night, by way of contrast, I spent with a couple of delightful old fishermen on an island in the river.

The town of Kongolo was a perfect example of how former president Mobutu's criminal reign had caused the country's infrastructure to collapse. He squandered the country's wealth for his own personal gain, and the country's limited infrastructure collapsed. The shore was littered with the rusting, decaying hulks of giant river barges. A large tree growing out of one of the holds served as an example as to how long they had been there.

Further inland I discovered a roofless warehouse with three perfectly intact, albeit rusted, old-fashioned steam engines, abandoned to the elements.

In Heart of Darkness, Joseph Conrad described the lower Congo: "Like travelling back to the earliest beginnings of the world, when vegetation rioted on the earth and the big trees were kings. The air was warm, thick, heavy, sluggish. There was no joy in the brilliance of sunshine. On silvery banks hippos and alligators sunned themselves side by side. The broadening waters flow through a mob of wooded islands; you lost your way on the river as you would in a desert … this stillness of life did not in the least resemble a peace. It was the stillness of an implacable force brooding over an inscrutable intention. It looked at you with a vengeful aspect."

One stretch of the lower Congo River was known locally as "the abattoir", due to its past history of cannibalism and its current reputation for criminal activity. Because of this, I decided to hire four brothers as bodyguards. I met them whilst sheltering from a rainstorm in their tiny village miles from anywhere, and straight away I knew I could trust them. Armed with a shotgun and with my canoe lashed to their giant dugout, we paddled and floated for five days and nights on the river. Common questions from locals included: "Why haven't you cut his throat yet?" and "If you don't want to do it, tell us where your camping and we'll come and do it for you … We'll share his money."

Without a doubt, meeting the brothers – Valatay, Leonardo, Maurice and John – was one of the highlights of my trip. As desperately poor as they were, they were shining examples of how to retain your dignity and honour in the face of adversity. If my scrapes with the criminal element ever caused my faith in humanity to waver … these guys definitely restored it.

I left the brothers in Mbandaka, and three stone lighter after a life-changing five months, I eventually arrived at the Atlantic Ocean. My last night on the river was spent with delightful people in a desperately poor village in the coastal mangrove swamps. As a token thank you to the fishermen of the Congo, I gave my canoe as a gift to the village chief. He was chuffed to bits … as was I to have finally achieved my goal.

• Democratic Republic of the Congo holidays
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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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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.

Home » Travel Guides » Congo » 15 Best Places to Visit in the Democratic Republic of Congo

15 Best Places to Visit in the Democratic Republic of Congo

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC and formerly Zaire) has a history that’s difficult to take in.

From the mismanagement of Belgium’s King Leopold, to the corrupt leader Mobutu Sese Seko, to the battlegrounds of Africa’s horrific “world war,” the country has experienced long periods of instability. But the second largest African nation is staging a comeback and by most accounts, is headed in the right direction.

There are regularly travel advisories for DRC, but during times of stability, there is a magic wilderness to explore here.  The country is covered in UNESCO designated national parks.  They’ve got active volcanoes, raging rivers, and all the wildlife you expect of Africa. Caution is needed but the DRC is the literal and figurative heart of Africa.

Let’s have a look at the best places to visit in Congo !

1. Kinshasa

The capital city of the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as one of the 11 provinces, is Kinshasa. It’s chaotic and buzzing with energy and really huge – with over ten million residents.

Established by Henry Stanley in the late 19th century as a trading post it’s now likened to an African New York City.  Enjoy a boat ride on the Congo or a BBQ picnic on its shores.

The Marche des voleurs, or the city market, is colourful and intense and loads of fun. There is a great street art culture here and if you sit in one of the small cafes off the 30 Juin Boulevard, the artists will come up and show you their pieces for sale.  It’s a great way to talk to locals and relax.

2. Lola Ya Bonobo

Lola Ya Bonobo is a sanctuary for orphaned bonobos and one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Kinshasa area.

The bonobos are hunted for bush meat, and when a mother is killed, the babies are often taken and sold on the black market as pets.  The sanctuary tries to recover as many as possible so that they can live out their lives in safety.  One of the four great apes, bonobos have been relatively isolated until the 20th century.

The sanctuary covers 30 hectares of forest and you can visit the several feeding stations that the staff use to help track the apes.  The sanctuary also accepts volunteers.

3. Kahuzi Biega National Park

Named after the 3,000+ metre Mt. Kahuzi and the 2,700+ metre Mt. Biega this spectacular national park is located in the South Kivu Province and stretches from the Congo River basin to Bukavu.

Kahuzi and Biega are extinct volcanoes that now afford some incredible hiking. It was created in 1970 in order to protect the Eastern Lowland Gorillas and just ten years later was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Gorilla poaching has been a problem for decades but thanks to the park authority, a dedicated education effort is ongoing. Today, the gorillas are still endangered, but their quality of life has improved and conditions are improving year each year.

You’ll find incredible biological diversity in the park like endemic plants, elephants, chimps, genet, antelope, and serval.

4. Nyiragongo Volcano

The skyline of Goma in the DRC is dominated by Nyiragongo. This unbelievable, 3,000+ metre volcano last erupted in 2011, destroying up to 15% of the surrounding land and leaving over 120,000 homeless.

Erupting 34 times in the last 130 years, Nyiragongo is located at the junction where the African tectonic plate is breaking.

The landscape around Goma is striking, with black solidified lava so wide that the place looks like an above ground coal mine. There is an active lava lake inside the crater which can sometimes be visited.

The area has recovered nicely from the last blast and you’ll find plenty of new shops and markets to discover.

5. Virunga National Park

Located along the borders of Rwanda and Uganda, Virunga National Park is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.

As the country’s oldest national park, it’s also the most biologically diverse.  You’ll find lava plains, savannas, forests, valleys, active volcanoes, swamps, and even glacier peaks in the Rwenzori Mountains.

Roughly 25% of endangered mountain gorillas call the park home, and Virunga is the only park to have three of the four great apes in one place.

The Okapi, an endangered species that looks like a cross between a giraffe and a zebra, also make the park their home.  You can spot hippos, lions, elephants, and a number of rare and exotic birds.

The park has three distinct areas, all worth a visit:  The Rwenzori Mountains, Lake Edward area, and the Mikeno volcano area.

6. Lake Kivu

Straddling the border between the DRC and Rwanda, Lake Kivu is the sixth largest lake in Africa.

One of a series of freshwater lakes in the region, Lake Kivu offers lovely scenic drives between the towns that dot her shores. From Cyangugu to Gisenyi, the gently winding road affords breathtaking vistas as you leisurely make your way.

Tons of banana and eucalyptus trees line the road and the locals will pause and wave as you pass by. Gisenyi is the largish town that was once a colonial beach resort and so has some nice old mansions and great places to stop for a sundowner’s cocktail.

7. Garamba National Park

This national park is filled with unending grasslands and savannahs.  And these are filled with elephants, giraffes, hippos, black rhinos, and white rhinos.

Garamba National Park is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and an amazing sanctuary for several endangered species.

It’s rare to see so many different classifications of large mammals sharing the same space and that makes a visit to the park an absolute must.

8. Salonga National Park

Salonga is both the DRC and Africa’s largest tropical rainforest.  In this UNESCO World Heritage Site you’ll find several endangered species including the Congo peacock, dwarf chimpanzees, forest elephants, and the slender-snouted crocodile.

The park is quiet isolated and you must take a boat to reach it.

This vital ecosystem is so large that it plays an important role in climate regulation for the entire country.

9. Okapi Wildlife Reserve

This UNESCO World Heritage Reserve is unique for the large variety of primates and exotic birds that call it home.

There are incredibly opportunities for trekking to some even more incredible waterfalls within the reserve.  The landscape along the Epulu and the Ituri rivers is simply stunning.

Also calling the reserve home are the pygmy nomad tribes of the Efe and Mbuti hunters.  It’s a great place to see the endangered Okapi (about one-sixth of the entire population are found here).

In a country of remote locations and national parks, Maiko is the DRC’s most inaccessible national park.

It is also the only park where you’ll find all three of the country’s endemic species: the Okapi, the Congo peafowl, and the Grauer gorilla.  And don’t forget chimpanzees, elephants, leopards, and bongos.

Though it’s not well known or well visited, the forest represents an enormous carbon sink and its future protection is globally important to addressing climate change.  Within Maiko’s borders are the Simba Mai Mai people, who fled here in the 1960’s seeking a kind of political asylum.

Today, the government is working to resettle the roughly 700 inhabitants in order to protect the forest.

11. Falls of Zongo

Located in Bas-Congo (about 130 km from the city of Kinshasa), the Falls of Zongo represent Mother Earth at her best.

If you’re looking for a few days outside of the city, the Falls are a great option.  You can tent camp or rent a bungalow and explore the area for a couple of nights.

Enjoy hiking and taking a cool dip below the falls.

12. Boyoma Falls

Once called Stanley Falls, Boyoma Falls is a long series of cataracts located along the Lualaba River.

After an overall drop of 61 metres and at the end of the seventh cataract, the river merges with the Congo River. The Wagenya fishing tribe live in the region and after generations of living along this unique river, they’ve developed special methods to catch fish.

You’ll see their wooden tripods in the rapids, resting in the natural holes formed in the rocks by the running water. The tripods hold baskets that serve as nets for the fishermen.

A two hour boat ride from the city of Bukavu will take you to Idjwi, a lush island of green mountains and incredible biodiversity.

Idjwi feels like an entirely different world within the DRC – newcomers are often greeted with fresh fruit, and motorcycle or walking are the two primary modes of transportation. Hiking around the island is idyllic and peaceful.

The inhabitants are proud that they have never seen war on their land and you’ll quickly feel the difference this makes.

Accommodation is sparse, but for those adventurers who arrive on this beautiful island, Mother Nature will more than make up for it.

14. Kisangani

Kisangani, formerly Stanleyville, is the third largest city in the DRC and lies completely within the tropical forest.

The city’s new name originates from the nearby Boyoma Waterfalls and means “the city on the island.” Kisangani has great shopping (check out the avenue de l’Eglise) and fantastic local restaurants.

It’s also known for its striking architecture and surprisingly makes a popular convention destination.

Be sure to check out the many museums, botanical gardens, and zoo.  The Rasaire of Notre-Dame Cathedral in the Central market is particularly appealing to visitors. At the University of Kisangani you can view an impressive collection of East African and Congolese archaeological artefacts.

15 Best Places to Visit in the Democratic Republic of Congo:

• Lola Ya Bonobo
• Kahuzi Biega National Park
• Nyiragongo Volcano
• Virunga National Park
• Garamba National Park
• Salonga National Park
• Okapi Wildlife Reserve
• Falls of Zongo
• Boyoma Falls

Update April 12, 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

Assistance for u.s. citizens, democratic republic of the congo (d.r.c.) map, search for travel advisories, external link.

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Man Claims to Have Caught 'Time Traveler' Using His Shed in Wild Video

Alleged 'time traveler' fl man sneaks into shed comes out way older day later.

One guy claims to have captured a real-life Marty McFly on camera at his Florida Airbnb -- posting a video that certainly seems to suggest time travel is real ... if you buy this, that is.

A dude named Alec Schaal posted a series of videos this week that has the internet equally mesmerized and stumped -- because it shows what appears to be a dude sneaking onto his property, going into a shed ... and coming out a day later looking way different.

By that, we mean the man purported to be a "time traveler" emerges several years older.

Take a look and you'll see what we mean. Alec says he's got a home in Florida that he rents out as an Airbnb -- and there's a security camera system that alerts him to activity when he's not there. He got pinged to some movement, and says he saw something incredible.

Check it out ... the video appears to show a random young dude wandering onto Alec's property off the street and he moseys around aimlessly before popping into a shed, seemingly for no reason. Alec calls the cops, who come to check it out -- but can't find the guy in there ... even though you never actually see him leave the space. A day later, a big update.

Alec posted footage that seems to show a totally different person exiting the shed out of nowhere -- only this man is elderly ... although, he looks awfully familiar, at least to Alec.

Long story short ... Alec thinks he's got a time traveler on his hands -- and he insists there's no trickery or pranks afoot on his end. Some believe it, others are a bit more incredulous.

Alec says there are no tunnels in his shed, and he's going to the house soon to inspect what could possibly explain this. On its face, however ... you could call it 'Back to the Future,'-ish.

For more viral news check out TMZ Verified , available on all podcast platforms.

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In the wake of joseph conrad’s steamship with ctt and harvard’s epic congo river voyage, as featured in 2017′ s new york times, ctt’s tour ranked one of cnn’s greatest african river journeys and final frontiers, as featured on cnn 2017, join ctt’s group trip to “odzala park: congo river to congo rainforest expedition” for 2018.

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