Things to Do in Democratic Republic of the Congo in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Democratic Republic of the Congo
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Rainy season greenery transforms the landscape - the rainforests around Virunga and Kahuzi-Biega are at their most lush, waterfalls are flowing at full capacity, and wildlife congregates around predictable water sources making tracking easier
- Fewer international tourists than July-August means better availability for gorilla trekking permits in Virunga National Park and more personalized experiences with local guides, though you'll still need to book permits 2-3 months ahead
- River levels are high on the Congo River, making boat travel between Kinshasa and Kisangani more reliable and faster - typical journey times drop from 3 weeks to 2-2.5 weeks when water levels cooperate
- December marks the start of mango season in Kinshasa and western DRC - street vendors sell massive mangoes for 500-1,000 Congolese francs (roughly $0.20-0.40 USD) and the quality is genuinely exceptional
Considerations
- Road conditions deteriorate significantly - the Route Nationale 2 between Kinshasa and Matadi can take 6-8 hours instead of the dry season 4 hours, and many rural roads become completely impassable without 4x4 vehicles
- Afternoon thunderstorms are intense and unpredictable - expect 1-2 hour downpours that flood streets in Kinshasa and can cancel domestic flights with little warning, particularly on smaller carriers like CAA and Compagnie Africaine d'Aviation
- Humidity makes the heat feel more oppressive than the thermometer suggests - that 28°C (82°F) feels closer to 35°C (95°F) with 70% humidity, and air conditioning is inconsistent outside major hotels in Kinshasa and Lubumbashi
Best Activities in December
Virunga National Park gorilla trekking
December sits in the short rainy season, which actually works in your favor for gorilla tracking. The vegetation is thick and green, but gorilla families tend to stay at lower elevations around 2,000-2,500m (6,562-8,202 ft) where the forest is denser and food is abundant. Trails are muddy - expect to be covered in red clay by the end - but you'll typically locate families within 2-4 hours rather than the 5-6 hour treks common in drier months. The rain also means fewer tourists attempting the trek, so groups are smaller and you'll have more intimate encounters. Morning treks starting at 7am usually avoid the worst of the afternoon storms.
Congo River barge journeys
December's high water levels make this the most reliable time for river travel between major cities. The classic route from Kinshasa to Kisangani covers roughly 1,750km (1,087 miles) and takes 12-18 days depending on stops. You'll travel on massive barges pushed by tugboats, with smaller pirogues (wooden canoes) pulling alongside at villages to trade fish, bushmeat, and produce. It's genuinely one of the world's most unusual travel experiences - part cargo transport, part floating market, part cultural immersion. The heat and humidity are intense, but the river breeze provides relief, and you'll see parts of DRC that are otherwise completely inaccessible.
Lubumbashi copper mining heritage tours
The rainy season doesn't significantly impact visiting Lubumbashi in the southeast, where December temperatures are actually more moderate than the scorching dry season. The city's colonial-era mining infrastructure and modern copper operations tell the story of DRC's resource wealth. You can arrange visits to the Musée National de Lubumbashi which houses mining equipment and geological samples, and some tour operators can arrange supervised visits to active mining areas outside the city with advance permission. The December weather makes walking tours of the Art Deco architecture in the city center more comfortable than the 35°C (95°F) heat of August-September.
Kahuzi-Biega National Park lowland gorilla tracking
While everyone focuses on Virunga's mountain gorillas, Kahuzi-Biega near Bukavu offers encounters with the larger eastern lowland gorillas at lower elevations around 1,500m (4,921 ft). December's rains make the forest spectacularly green, and the gorillas are easier to locate as they concentrate in areas with abundant fruit. The treks are generally shorter and less strenuous than Virunga - typically 1-3 hours - making this a better option if you're concerned about fitness levels. The park has had security challenges in recent years, so check current conditions before booking.
Kinshasa music scene and rumba clubs
December is actually perfect for experiencing Kinshasa's legendary music culture since the rain drives everyone indoors where the real action happens anyway. The city is the birthplace of soukous and Congolese rumba, and live music venues come alive after 10pm when the heat finally breaks. Clubs in the Matonge neighborhood and along Boulevard du 30 Juin feature live bands playing until 4-5am. The energy is incredible, and you'll see why Kinshasa is called the music capital of Africa. December also brings end-of-year concerts and special performances as people celebrate before the new year.
Lola ya Bonobo sanctuary visits
Located about 25km (15.5 miles) outside Kinshasa, this is the world's only sanctuary for orphaned bonobos. December's greenery makes the forest enclosures particularly beautiful, and the bonobos are active in the morning before the afternoon heat sets in. Visits include a guided walk through the sanctuary, feeding time observations, and education about bonobo conservation. It's one of the few tourist activities in DRC that's reliably organized and professional, making it a good introduction to the country if you're just arriving. The sanctuary has covered viewing areas so light rain doesn't cancel visits.
December Events & Festivals
Independence Day celebrations
June 30 is the big one, but December doesn't have major national holidays or festivals that significantly impact travel. That said, Christmas celebrations are meaningful in this predominantly Christian country, with church services on December 24-25 that are worth experiencing for the music alone. Kinshasa's churches feature incredible choirs that blend traditional Congolese rhythms with Christian hymns.