Congo-6-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kinshasa

  • Places to go: Hotel du Congolais (a colonial-era hotel) or similar accommodations
  • Activities: Rest and acclimate to the local time zone
  • Things to know:
    • Congo has a complex visa process; see below for details
    • Be prepared for crowds, noise, and chaos in Kinshasa
    • Learn some basic French and/or Lingala to communicate with locals
  • Transportation: Arrive at N’Dolo International Airport (Kinshasa); take a taxi or hire a driver for the day

Day 2: Explore Kinshasa

  • Places to go:
    • Gombe Beach (a bustling waterfront promenade)
    • Stade des Martyrs (a massive stadium with great views of the city)
    • Hotel du Congolais (explore its historic architecture and courtyard)
  • Activities: Visit a local market, take a boat ride on Lake Ngiri, or simply people-watch at Gombe Beach
  • Things to know:
    • Be mindful of your belongings in crowded areas; petty theft is common
    • Try some delicious Congolese cuisine, such as poulet à la moambé (chicken in peanut sauce)
  • Transportation: Use local taxis or ride-sharing services for short trips

Day 3: Fly to Kisangani

  • Places to go: Hotel du Kasai (a colonial-era hotel) or similar accommodations
  • Activities: Rest and explore the city; visit the nearby Lake Tumba National Park (optional)
  • Things to know:
    • Kisangani is a relatively calm and peaceful city compared to Kinshasa
    • Learn some basic Sango, the local language spoken in Kisangani
    • Be prepared for limited electricity and water supplies
  • Transportation: Fly from Kinshasa to Kisangani; take a taxi or hire a driver for the day

Day 4: Explore Lake Tumba National Park

  • Places to go: Lake Tumba National Park (a protected area with stunning scenery)
  • Activities: Take a boat ride on the lake, spot local wildlife (such as hippos and crocodiles), and explore the surrounding forests
  • Things to know:
    • This is a great opportunity for nature lovers and birdwatchers
    • Be prepared for some hiking and walking in dense forest
  • Transportation: Use local guides or drivers for transportation within the park

Day 5: Return to Kinshasa

  • Places to go: Hotel du Congolais (or similar accommodations)
  • Activities: Rest and reflect on your experiences; visit any last-minute attractions in Kinshasa
  • Things to know:
    • Be prepared for a long drive back to Kinshasa (around 12 hours by road or 1.5 hours by air)
    • Use this opportunity to stock up on supplies and souvenirs before departing Congo
  • Transportation: Return to Kinshasa via the same route as before

Day 6: Departure

  • Places to go: N’Dolo International Airport (Kinshasa) for departure
  • Activities: Finalize any last-minute tasks, pack up your belongings, and head to the airport for departure
  • Things to know:
    • Be prepared for some chaos at the airport; have a plan in place for navigating crowds and security checks
    • Take one final moment to appreciate the unique experience of traveling in Congo!

Visa Requirements:

  • Tourists from countries without diplomatic relations with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are advised not to travel to the DRC.
  • Nationals of countries with diplomatic relations may need to obtain a visa on arrival or prior to departure, depending on their nationality and the purpose of their visit.

Health and Safety:

  • Travelers should be aware that certain areas within the DRC have health risks associated with diseases such as malaria, typhoid fever, and Ebola.
  • Consult your government’s travel advisory website for the latest information on health risks and necessary vaccinations.
  • Exercise caution when interacting with local populations and taking part in outdoor activities.

Budgeting:

  • Budget accordingly for transportation costs (flights, taxis, etc.), accommodations, food, and activities.
  • Estimate an additional 10-20% for contingencies and unexpected expenses.