Kinshasa

Despite the lack of real stability, the Congo is about to become one of the top African destinations thanks to a small but rapidly developing tourism industry centered on the Parc National des Virunga or its capital Kinshasa.

Kinshasa

Located on the left bank of the Congo River Kinshasa, or Kin as the natives know it, is a city that is experienced. There is no better place for a quick introduction to the country than to visit the capital. Although it shares elements with other African cities, Kinshasa is the largest French-speaking city in the world. It went from being a small fishing village to one of the largest metropolitan areas on the continent.

With a population of nearly twelve million, Kinshasa is one of the most populous cities as well as the cultural and intellectual center of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

What to see in Kinshasa?

Lola and Bonobo

On the outskirts of Kinshasa is Lola ya Bonobo, a sanctuary for orphaned bonobos created to care for and heal them before they are returned to the wild. Bonobos are a breed of dwarf chimpanzees found only in central Africa and are in danger of extinction due to animal trafficking, poaching, and hunting for food.

Kinshasa National Museum

To soak up the history and culture of the country, it is important to visit the National Museum of Kinshasa, for which there are guided tours that will help the visitor to better understand the context of this African nation. This museum has an interesting archive of around 46.000 pieces on the tribes that make up the Congo and their culture as well as on its geography and history. Once the visit is over, you cannot miss the views of the Congo River.

Palace of the Nation

This building was built in the mid-XNUMXth century as the residence of the Belgian governor at that time. Later, the first president of the country Patrick Lumumba also used it as an official address.

Palais du Peuple

In the Palais du Peuple the laws of the Congo are elaborated and it is another of the buildings that is worth visiting.

Temples in Kinshasa

The Kinshasa Cathedral is a Catholic temple located on the Avenida de la Liberación that was built during the Belgian colonial period in 1947. Another Catholic temple in the Congolese capital is the Church of Santa Annese, which offers Mass in Lingala, Latin and French. It is a quiet place to meditate and is located a few meters from Kinshasa Central Station.

African Park Adventures

This park is an excellent place to visit with the family and spend a day outdoors surrounded by nature if one is interested in relaxing in a quiet place away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Here you can practice archery, kayak, get on pedal boats or go zip-lining.

Kinshasa botanical garden

Another place to spend a quiet day outside the city is to go to the Kinshasa Botanical Garden. Here is a very nice collection of various species of trees and you can have a snack in a Congolese cuisine restaurant that serves snacks and local food.

Snake farm

If you like reptiles and especially snakes, you have to visit the Snake Farm 28 kilometers from the center of Kinshasa. Here you will see a wide variety of native Congo snakes, both poisonous and non-poisonous, see how they feed, and learn about them. Also take photos of yourself with the snakes and even touch them!

The Zongo waterfalls

A very exciting excursion to take 130 kilometers from Kinshasa is to visit the Zongo Waterfalls, a tropical jungle landscape where you can relax watching birds or primates.

Climate in Kinshasa

The Democratic Republic of the Congo has a tropical and equatorial climate that makes it hot and humid. The average temperature is around 26ºC, being the best time to travel during the dry season (April-October in the south and December-March in the north).

Congo gastronomy

Congolese cuisine is one of the best in Africa. Typical dishes include fufu, a sticky cassava flour bun, and poulet à la moambé, chicken in a sauce made from the outer layer of palm nuts. Spicy pili pili sauce is served with just about everything.