Congo 5 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kinshasa

  • Arrive at N’djili International Airport
  • Transfer to hotel (approx. $20-$30 USD per person for a taxi ride)
  • Check-in at a mid-range hotel such as Hotel President or similar
  • Spend the day exploring the city, visit the:
    • National Museum of Congo (entry fee: $5-$7 USD per person)
    • Kinshasa Cathedral (free entry)
    • Kibuni Beach (free entry) for a relaxing evening stroll

Day 2: Explore Kinshasa

  • Visit the:
    • Avenue du Triangle, a shopping street lined with boutiques and markets
    • Mama Mimi’s Market, a vibrant marketplace selling local handicrafts and souvenirs
    • The Congo River, where you can take a ferry ride or stroll along the riverbank
  • Enjoy a traditional Congolese lunch at a local restaurant (approx. $10-$15 USD per person)
  • In the evening, experience the city’s nightlife by visiting a popular nightclub such as Papa George

Day 3: Visit Mbandaka

  • Take an early morning flight from Kinshasa to Mbandaka (approx. $100-$150 USD per person for a domestic flight)
  • Check-in at a mid-range hotel such as Hotel Ibanda or similar
  • Explore the city’s:
    • Local markets and handicraft shops
    • The Congo River, where you can take a boat ride or stroll along the riverbank
  • Enjoy a traditional Congolese lunch at a local restaurant (approx. $10-$15 USD per person)

Day 4: Visit Kisangani

  • Take an early morning flight from Mbandaka to Kisangani (approx. $100-$150 USD per person for a domestic flight)
  • Check-in at a mid-range hotel such as Hotel Bokolo or similar
  • Explore the city’s:
    • Local markets and handicraft shops
    • The Congo River, where you can take a boat ride or stroll along the riverbank
  • Enjoy a traditional Congolese lunch at a local restaurant (approx. $10-$15 USD per person)

Day 5: Return to Kinshasa

  • Take an early morning flight from Kisangani back to Kinshasa (approx. $100-$150 USD per person for a domestic flight)
  • Spend the day shopping for last-minute souvenirs or exploring any areas of the city you missed on previous days
  • Depart from N’djili International Airport

Visa Requirements:

  • Citizens of most countries, including the US, Canada, EU, and Australia, can obtain a visa upon arrival in Congo (approx. $100-$150 USD per person)
  • However, it’s recommended to check with the Congolese embassy or consulate in your home country for the most up-to-date visa requirements

Transportation:

  • Taxis are widely available in Kinshasa and can be hired for approx. $20-$30 USD per ride
  • For domestic flights between cities, it’s recommended to book with a reputable airline such as Air Congo or Congo Airways
  • Boat rides on the Congo River are also an option, but may require more planning and flexibility

Safety:

  • As with any travel destination, it’s essential to take necessary precautions to ensure your safety in Congo
  • Avoid traveling alone at night, especially in areas with high crime rates
  • Keep valuables secure and be mindful of your surroundings at all times

Health:

  • Make sure you’re up-to-date on all necessary vaccinations before traveling to Congo
  • Take precautions against malaria, as it’s prevalent in certain regions of the country
  • Bring sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun, as well as insect repellent to avoid mosquito bites

Budget:

  • Accommodation: approx. $20-$50 USD per night for mid-range hotels
  • Food: approx. $10-$15 USD per meal for traditional Congolese cuisine
  • Transportation: approx. $100-$150 USD per person for domestic flights, and $20-$30 USD per ride for taxis

Note that the above budget is an estimate and can vary depending on individual circumstances and preferences. It’s always a good idea to research and book in advance to ensure availability and get the best prices.