Things to Do in Democratic Republic of the Congo

About Democratic Republic of the Congo

Where the Congo River carves through the heart of Africa's second-largest nation, the Democratic Republic of the Congo unveils a land of extraordinary contrasts and untamed beauty. This vast country harbors the world's second-largest rainforest, ancient volcanic landscapes, and a mosaic of cultures that have thrived for millennia across savannas, mountains, and waterways. For those who venture beyond the ordinary, the DRC offers one of the planet's last true frontier experiences—raw, powerful, and profoundly transformative.

Travel Tips

• Currency and Cash: The Congolese Franc (CDF) is the official currency, but US dollars (printed 2013 or newer) are widely accepted in major cities like Kinshasa and Lubumbashi; carry small denomination bills as change can be difficult to obtain and ATMs are unreliable outside major hotels.

• Yellow Fever Documentation: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for entry and is frequently checked at airports and roadblocks throughout the country, so keep multiple copies with your passport at all times.

• Local Transportation: In Kinshasa, use established taxi services or hotel-arranged transportation rather than flagging down street taxis, and always negotiate fares before departing; "esprit de mort" (minibus taxis) are cheap but extremely overcrowded and best avoided.

• Language Preparation: While French is the official language, learning basic Lingala phrases (especially in Kinshasa and western regions) or Swahili (in eastern regions) will greatly improve interactions with locals, as English is rarely spoken outside international hotels and NGO offices.

When to Visit

The optimal time to visit the Democratic Republic of the Congo is during the dry season from June to September in the south and December to February in the north, when temperatures hover between 23-28°C and humidity drops from the oppressive 80-90% levels of the rainy seasons. For those heading to Virunga National Park for mountain gorilla trekking, June to September offers the best trail conditions, though you'll face cooler highland temperatures around 10-15°C and should book permits months in advance as this is peak season. The wet seasons (March to May and October to November) bring torrential afternoon downpours averaging 200-300mm monthly that can make roads impassable—particularly problematic for reaching remote regions like the Ituri Rainforest—but budget travelers benefit from lower accommodation rates and fewer tourists, and the lush post-rain landscapes are spectacular for photography. If you're interested in cultural experiences, plan around June 30th for Independence Day celebrations featuring vibrant parades and traditional music in Kinshasa, or time your visit to Kisangani for the Fête de la Musique in late June, though be aware that national holidays can sometimes coincide with heightened security measures. Avoid traveling during the November-to-January transition period in central regions, as unpredictable weather patterns, temperature swings between 18-32°C, and increased risk of flooding along the Congo River make both overland travel and internal flights unreliable.