Things to Do in Democratic Republic of the Congo in August
August weather, activities, events & insider tips
August Weather in Democratic Republic of the Congo
Is August Right for You?
Advantages
- Dry season conditions across most of the country - August sits right in the middle of the DRC's main dry season (June through September), which means passable roads in rural areas and significantly easier overland travel. You can actually reach places like Virunga National Park without spending half your day stuck in mud.
- Prime gorilla trekking season in eastern highlands - The drier trails and clearer weather around Virunga make August one of the absolute best months for mountain gorilla encounters. Visibility is better, trails are less treacherous, and the gorillas tend to stay at lower, more accessible elevations where the vegetation isn't as thick.
- Lower malaria transmission rates - The reduced rainfall means fewer standing water breeding sites for mosquitoes, particularly in urban areas like Kinshasa and Lubumbashi. You still need prophylaxis obviously, but August historically shows lower transmission compared to the wet season months.
- Festivals and cultural events - August 1st is Parents' Day (a significant national holiday), and you'll find various local celebrations throughout the month. The drier weather means outdoor festivals and markets are actually happening as scheduled rather than being cancelled due to weather.
Considerations
- Dust and air quality issues in cities - The dry season brings significant dust, particularly in Kinshasa and mining areas like Lubumbashi. If you have respiratory sensitivities, the air quality can be challenging. Mornings tend to be hazier, and you'll notice a film of red dust on everything by midday.
- Higher accommodation costs in eastern regions - August is peak season for gorilla trekking, which means lodges near Virunga and Kahuzi-Biéga charge premium rates. Expect to pay 30-40% more than shoulder season months, and availability gets tight if you're not booking at least 8-10 weeks ahead.
- Infrastructure remains challenging regardless of season - While August offers the best travel conditions, this is still the DRC. Road travel takes twice as long as you'd expect, domestic flights get cancelled without notice, and you need genuine flexibility in your schedule. The dry season makes things possible, not easy.
Best Activities in August
Virunga National Park gorilla trekking expeditions
August offers the most reliable trekking conditions of the year. The trails around Bukima and Jomba are significantly drier, cutting trek times from 4-6 hours down to 2-4 hours typically. Morning temperatures in the highlands sit around 12-15°C (54-59°F), warming to 20-24°C (68-75°F) by midday, which is actually ideal for the physical exertion involved. Permits cost USD 400 and must be booked months in advance through the park authority. The vegetation is less dense now, meaning better photography opportunities when you do encounter the gorilla families.
Congo River boat journeys and barge travel
August's lower water levels might sound counterintuitive, but they actually make for more interesting river travel. The barges and pirogues stick closer to settlements, and you'll see more wildlife along the exposed riverbanks. The route between Kisangani and Kinshasa takes 7-10 days typically, and August's drier weather means fewer delays from storms. Temperatures on the river hover around 26-30°C (79-86°F), with decent breeze once you're moving. This is genuinely one of the world's most unusual travel experiences - floating markets, river life, and a pace that forces you to disconnect completely.
Kahuzi-Biéga lowland gorilla tracking
While everyone focuses on Virunga, Kahuzi-Biéga offers eastern lowland gorilla encounters with typically smaller groups and less tourist traffic. August's dry conditions make the lower elevation forests around 2,000-2,400 m (6,560-7,870 ft) much more accessible. The permits run USD 400, same as Virunga, but you're more likely to get your preferred dates. The trek is often shorter - 1-3 hours typically - and the lowland gorillas are actually larger than their mountain cousins, which makes for impressive encounters.
Lola ya Bonobo sanctuary visits near Kinshasa
If the logistics of eastern gorilla trekking feel overwhelming, Lola ya Bonobo offers an accessible alternative just 25 km (15.5 miles) from central Kinshasa. August's drier conditions mean the sanctuary grounds are actually pleasant to walk, and the bonobos are more active in the cooler morning temperatures around 22-25°C (72-77°F). This is the world's only sanctuary for orphaned bonobos, and the 2-3 hour visit gives you genuine insight into conservation challenges in the DRC. Entry runs around USD 15-20 for foreigners.
Lubumbashi mining heritage and urban exploration
August's dry season makes Lubumbashi's red dust legendary, but it's also the best time to explore the DRC's second city and the surrounding Copperbelt region. The colonial architecture in the city center is surprisingly intact, and you can arrange visits to artisanal mining cooperatives in the surrounding areas with local guides. Temperatures sit around 25-28°C (77-82°F) during the day, cooling to 15-18°C (59-64°F) at night - actually quite pleasant compared to the humidity elsewhere. This gives you a completely different perspective on the DRC beyond the nature tourism focus.
Kisangani waterfall exploration and colonial history tours
The Boyoma Falls (formerly Stanley Falls) are at their most dramatic in August when water levels drop and the individual cascades become more distinct. The series of seven cataracts stretches about 100 km (62 miles) along the Congo River, and local guides can arrange pirogue access to viewing points. Kisangani itself offers fascinating colonial architecture and a slower pace than Kinshasa. August temperatures around 26-30°C (79-86°F) with lower humidity than wet season months make this a decent time to explore on foot.
August Events & Festivals
Parents' Day national celebrations
August 1st is Parents' Day throughout the DRC, which replaced the former Fête des Mères et des Pères. You'll see family gatherings, church services, and public celebrations particularly in Kinshasa and major cities. Markets get especially busy in the days leading up to August 1st as people buy gifts and food for family meals. It's worth experiencing for the cultural insight, though expect some businesses and offices to close or operate on reduced hours.
Local harvest festivals in eastern provinces
Various agricultural communities in North and South Kivu hold harvest celebrations throughout August as the dry season crops come in. These aren't organized tourist events - they're genuine community gatherings with traditional music, dance, and local food. If you're in the eastern regions for gorilla trekking, ask your guides about any celebrations happening in nearby villages. Participation is usually welcome if you approach respectfully.