Things to Do in Democratic Republic of the Congo

About Democratic Republic of the Congo

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is genuinely one of Africa's most overwhelming experiences – and I mean that in the best way possible. This is the heart of the continent, where the Congo River winds through the world's second-largest rainforest and mist-covered volcanoes shelter some of our closest relatives in the animal kingdom. Kinshasa pulses with rumba music and art scenes that feel raw and alive, while eastern highlands offer treks to see mountain gorillas that'll probably leave you speechless. It's not an easy destination, honestly – infrastructure can be challenging and you'll need patience – but that's partly what makes it so compelling. You're visiting a place that feels genuinely untamed, where nature operates on a scale that's hard to comprehend until you're actually there. The warmth of Congolese people, the infectious energy of the music, and landscapes that shift from endless green canopy to volcanic peaks – it's the kind of place that stays with you.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Domestic flights are your best option for long distances – the road network is limited and often impassable during rainy seasons. Book with companies like CAA or Congo Airways for routes between major cities. In Kinshasa, negotiate taxi fares before getting in (typically 5,000-15,000 Congolese francs for cross-town trips). River boats on the Congo can be atmospheric but expect basic conditions and significant delays.

Money: Bring US dollars in pristine condition – bills printed after 2013 and without any tears or marks, as they're often rejected. The Congolese franc fluctuates considerably, so dollars are widely preferred for larger purchases. ATMs are unreliable outside Kinshasa and Lubumbashi. Budget around $100-200 daily for mid-range travel, more if visiting gorillas (permits run around $400). Mobile money is increasingly common in cities.

Cultural Respect: Photography requires sensitivity – always ask permission before photographing people, and avoid taking pictures of government buildings, military, or airports. Dress tends conservative outside tourist areas; women might want to keep shoulders covered. Greeting people properly matters here – take time for handshakes and inquiries about family. Learning basic French or Lingala phrases like "mbote" (hello) goes surprisingly far in building rapport.

Food Safety: Stick to bottled water and avoid ice in drinks. Street food can be delicious – grilled fish, chikwangue (cassava bread), and brochettes are generally safe when cooked fresh in front of you. Restaurants in major hotels tend to be your safest bet initially. Try moambe chicken (the national dish) and pondu (cassava leaves). Fruit you can peel yourself is fine, but wash everything thoroughly.

When to Visit

The DRC's dry seasons (June to September and December to February) are generally your best windows for travel, though timing really depends on where you're headed. June through September offers the most reliable conditions across the country – temperatures hover around 24-28°C in Kinshasa, trails to see gorillas in the east are more accessible, and you'll avoid the worst of the humidity. That said, this is peak season, so expect gorilla permits to book out months ahead and hotel prices to run 30-40% higher than off-season. December to February gives you another dry window, particularly good for Virunga National Park, though it can get surprisingly cool in the highlands (down to 10°C at night). The rainy seasons (March to May and October to November) bring heavy downpours – we're talking 150-200mm monthly in Kinshasa – that can make roads impassable and complicate logistics, though prices drop by 25-30% and you'll have places largely to yourself. Interestingly, gorilla trekking actually works year-round since the rainforest stays relatively consistent. Worth noting: Kinshasa's music festivals peak around June, and the N'Sele Festival typically happens in May. Wildlife viewing in places like Salonga works best during drier months when animals congregate around water sources. If you're flexible and don't mind getting wet, shoulder seasons offer a decent balance of accessibility and fewer crowds.