Congo-7-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kinshasa

  • Places to Go: Hotel du Congolais (or similar), a colonial-style hotel with comfortable rooms
  • Activities:
    • Arrive at N’djili International Airport, the largest airport in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
    • Take a taxi or shuttle to your hotel
    • Spend the day exploring the city, getting used to the local culture and climate
  • Things to Know:
    • Kinshasa is a vibrant city with a mix of African, French, and Portuguese influences
    • Be prepared for traffic congestion and loud noise
    • Try some local cuisine, such as poulet à la moambé (chicken in peanut sauce)
  • Visa Requirements: Most nationalities require a visa to enter the DRC. Check with your embassy or consulate for specific requirements.
  • Transportation: Taxi or shuttle from airport to hotel

Day 2: Kinshasa

  • Places to Go:
    • Palais du Peuple (People’s Palace), a grand building that serves as the official residence of the President
    • Kasai River, where you can take a boat ride and see local fishermen at work
    • Gombe Market, one of the largest markets in Africa, selling everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts
  • Activities:
    • Visit the National Museum of Congo (Musee Nationale du Congo) to learn about the country’s history and culture
    • Take a walk along the Kasai River and enjoy the views
    • Explore the market and try some local snacks, such as fufu (boiled cassava flour)
  • Things to Know:
    • Be prepared for crowds and noise at the Gombe Market
    • Try to avoid visiting during peak hours or special events
    • Don’t drink tap water; stick to bottled or filtered water
  • Transportation: Taxi, shuttle, or walk between locations

Day 3: Virunga National Park

  • Places to Go:
    • Virunga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to the endangered mountain gorillas
    • Bukima Camp, a basic but comfortable camp where you can stay while trekking for gorillas
    • Lake Edward, a beautiful lake with stunning views of the surrounding mountains
  • Activities:
    • Take a guided trek through the jungle to spot mountain gorillas
    • Visit the nearby villages and learn about local customs and traditions
    • Enjoy the scenic views from Lake Edward
  • Things to Know:
    • Booking in advance is essential for gorilla treks
    • Be prepared for physically demanding hikes and unpredictable weather
    • Respect local rules and guidelines when interacting with the gorillas
  • Transportation: 4x4 vehicle or bus from Kinshasa, followed by a guided trek through the park

Day 4: Virunga National Park

  • Places to Go:
    • Mambasa Camp, another basic but comfortable camp in the heart of the national park
    • Nyiragongo Volcano, one of the most active volcanoes on Earth
    • Kibati village, where you can see local artisans at work making traditional crafts
  • Activities:
    • Take a guided hike to the top of Nyiragongo Volcano (optional)
    • Visit Mambasa Camp and relax in the peaceful surroundings
    • Explore the nearby villages and learn about local customs and traditions
  • Things to Know:
    • Be prepared for unpredictable weather and volcanic activity
    • Respect local rules and guidelines when interacting with the gorillas or visiting sensitive areas
    • Try some local snacks, such as batiko (plantain chips)
  • Transportation: 4x4 vehicle or bus from Kinshasa, followed by a guided trek through the park

Day 5: Goma

  • Places to Go:
    • City Hall (Mairie) in Goma, the capital of North Kivu province
    • Lake Kivu, a beautiful lake with stunning views of the surrounding mountains
    • Hotel Club du Lac Tanganyika, a comfortable hotel with great views of the lake
  • Activities:
    • Take a boat ride on Lake Kivu and enjoy the scenic views
    • Visit City Hall and learn about local history and culture
    • Explore the nearby markets and try some local snacks
  • Things to Know:
    • Be prepared for crowds and noise in Goma
    • Try to avoid visiting during peak hours or special events
    • Don’t drink tap water; stick to bottled or filtered water
  • Transportation: 4x4 vehicle or bus from Virunga National Park

Day 6: Lubumbashi

  • Places to Go:
    • Hotel du Parc, a comfortable hotel in the heart of Lubumbashi
    • Kasai River, where you can take a boat ride and see local fishermen at work
    • Gombe Market, one of the largest markets in Africa, selling everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts
  • Activities:
    • Visit the National Museum of Congo (Musee Nationale du Congo) to learn about the country’s history and culture
    • Take a walk along the Kasai River and enjoy the views
    • Explore the market and try some local snacks, such as fufu (boiled cassava flour)
  • Things to Know:
    • Be prepared for crowds and noise at the Gombe Market
    • Try to avoid visiting during peak hours or special events
    • Don’t drink tap water; stick to bottled or filtered water
  • Transportation: 4x4 vehicle or bus from Goma

Day 7: Departure

  • Places to Go: Hotel du Parc (or similar), a comfortable hotel with great views of the city
  • Activities:
    • Spend the day relaxing and packing for departure
    • Visit any last-minute attractions or markets
    • Enjoy your final meal in Lubumbashi before departing
  • Things to Know:
    • Be prepared for traffic congestion and loud noise on the drive to the airport
    • Check with your airline for any specific requirements or restrictions
    • Try to exchange some local currency (Congolese francs) for international currency before departing

Note: This itinerary is just a suggestion, and you should adjust it according to your preferences and interests. Be sure to check the latest information on travel advisories and safety concerns in the Democratic Republic of Congo.