Kinshasa is the capital and largest city of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The city is located on the Congo River. With a population of 10,076,099 million residents, Kinshasa is Africa’s third largest (after Lagos and Cairo). A significant part of the city’s land is undeveloped, and the urban area only occupies a small section in the far western end of the province.
French-speaking Kinshasa city is both a city and a province in status and is divided into four districts which are further divided into 24 municipalities. It is still a major cultural and intellectual centre for the country, with a flourishing community of musicians and artists. It is also the country’s major industrial centre, processing many of the natural products brought from the interior.
Climate
Kinshasa features a warm and tropical climate. There is a lengthy rainy season which spans from October through late May. During the rainy season there is also the possibility of sudden and sometimes violent thunderstorms. The dry season runs from June through September and is slightly cooler than the wet season, though temperatures remain relatively constant throughout the year. The best time to take Kinshasa flights is between June and September.
Accommodation
Accommodation in Kinshasa is relatively expensive. However, the city has a wide range of major hotel chains and independent hotels. Each has its own charm and visitors can find accommodation in accordance with his/her specifications as they range from 2 star- 5 star hotels. The guests can ensure warm hospitality where as in the elite class hotels tourists get high class service and facility with warmth hospitality. Top Kinshasa hotels include Hotel Venus de Kinshasa, Hotel Estoril, Hotel de la Gombe, Hotel Daito, Hotel Memling, Hotel Ixoras, Grand Hotel Kinshasa and Flats Hotel Luntu. Hotels Memling and the Grand practically have the monopoly and their rates can be in excess of $300 @ night plus breakfast.
Shopping
Kinshasa is the perfect place to shop for some of the brilliant art works of Congo. Those taking cheap flights to Kinshasa find here many places where they can go for buying at reasonable rates. Shopping in Kinshasa will be an altogether different experience. The trend of hand painting has survived flights to Kinshasa through these centuries as the local people have relentlessly protected their indigenous culture since last many centuries. Shopping in Kinshasa will be incomplete without a visit to the shops of the copper artists. There are many government shops and small boutiques that are famous for copper.
Getting Around
Driving in Kinshasa is one of the most challenging experiences. The roads are full of deep potholes and not well maintained. Officially there is a city bus and it has been bolstered recently by some older buses from Belgium being gifted to Kinshasa to improve the routes. There are taxis that ply set routes between embarkation stations. The cost between these various points is usually around 350 Francs. If one’s destination is through multiple points, different taxis will need to be boarded. For foreigners, it is ideal to have a local guide to move around the city.
Alternatively, at much higher rates, you can hire cars from transport operators such as Ave Batetela, Avis and Gombé. They are available for single runs or can be hired by the day. Rates for these taxis vary widely and if one does not appear to be of African descent, there will also be an automatic premium added.
Getting There & Away
There are connecting flights to Kinshasa direct from Paris, France and a huge array of African cities, with several international couriers including Kenyan Airways, South African Airways and Ethiopian airlines and Royal air Maroc (each have a number of flights per week from their hubs in Johannesburg, Nairobi, Addis Ababa and Casablanca). Flights to Europe are with Air France (Paris) and Brussels Airlines (Brussels). Travelers can also ferry between Kinshasa and Brazzaville-Congo across the Congo River. Travelling overland, particularly from Uganda or Rwanda, is volatile. We recommend liaising with your embassy while preparing for your Kinshasa travel.

Ituri Forest Guenon

also renowned for their illustrious cultural treasures.

Wildlife
The reserve is home to a massive population of about 5,000 okapi, 4,000 elephants, 2,000 leopards, 13 endangered species of primate including chimpanzees, three species of crocodile, and other animals of the Ituri rain forest include forest buffalo, water chevrotain, and forest elephants. There are also several species of reptiles like snakes and insects.

Bird Life
Okapi Wildlife Reserve is considered as one of the most important sites for bird conservation in mainland Africa. Over 300 species of birds are found here.

Other Attractions
—    Nepoko River; this is one of the many broad streams of the Ituri River situated in the north.
—    Mbiya Mountain; this imposing mountain is situated at the edge of Epulu overlooking the village. As the reserve is in the middle of the forest, it is a relatively calm and safe place where one can breathe in the fresh air and commune with nature.
—    Ituri and Epulu Rivers; The river originate from Ituri Forest
—    Ituri Forest; The Ituri Forest is a dense tropical rain forest in the northern part of the Congo River Basin in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This relatively small forest is a collection of natural, wood cured perfume glace. It is habituated by the Mbuti and Efe pygmies who are considered to be one the few remaining “forest people” of the world.

Ituri Pygmy

Activities
—    Camping Safaris
—    Game viewing
—    Forest Walks in Ituri Forest
—    Boat Rides on Ituri River
—    Cultural Tours of the Mbuti and Efe pygmy hunters and their famous cultural activities

Garamba National Park
Its strategic location offers a splendid spot supporting a vast reservoir of rare species. The park is also well known for its African elephant domestication programme started in the 1960s and run at the African Elephant Domestication Centre, Gangala-na-Bodio.
Vegetation
Garamba Park is composed of three biomes namely the gallery forest with forest clumps and marshland; aquatic and semi-aquatic associations; and savannas composed of dense savannah woodland and treeless grassland. In the centre of the park the dense savannah, gallery forests, and the papyrus marshes give way to virtually open tree-bush savannah, which fuse into the long grass savannah that covers most of the park. There are approximately 1,000 vascular plant species. About 5% of them are endemic. Numerous small rivers with valley grasslands and papyrus swamps dissect the grasslands.
Climate
The Park has a tropical climate with a pronounced semi-moist rainy season between March and November whose temperatures average between 20° and 28° C; the dry spell start November thru March with temperatures ranging between 6°C and 39°C; the Park frequent experiences hot dry north-easterly winds.
Wildlife

The real wildlife treasure of Garamba National Park is its amazing population of the world’s last known wild Northern White Rhinoceros; but it is also home to other species of wildlife such as Loxodonta Africana elephants which is an intermediary form between the forest and savannah sub-species, savannah giraffe, hippopotamus, buffalo, chimpanzee, olive baboon, hartebeest, waterbuck, and two rare species of otter, four species of monkeys and five species of Mongoose, Lion, Golden Cat, Leopard, Warthog Aethiopicus plus six Antelope species including the Roan Antelope. Garamba safaris are best alone the River Zaire banks and swampy depressions because they provide shelter to a wide range of animals.
Bird Life
Garamba National park is also an important bird watching destination. Some of the famous birds that are available in this park are Heuglin’s Francolin, White-spotted Flufftai, White-crested Turaco, Black-shouldered Nightjar, Red-throated Bee-eater, Hairy-breasted Barbet, African Piculet, and the Red-eyed Puffback.
Best time to visit Garamba
The best time to visit Garamba National Park is from mid-November to early-April. The Park generally remains close during the monsoon season i.e. from May to October. Due to the heavy rains, Brahmaputra River bursts its banks, flooding the low-lying grasslands and causing wildlife to migrate from one area to another within the Park.

Yawning Virunga Gorilla

Wildlife
Virunga National Park is famous for its excellent diversity of rare mammal and reptile species. The mountain gorillas are the most exciting species found in the park. Other animals here include the savannah and forest elephants, Okapi, forest giraffes, chimpanzees and buffaloes. The park also covers Lake Edward’s western shores a spot for great concentrations of hippos.
Virunga Mountain Gorillas
Mountain gorillas are the rarest and largest of the great apes in the world. Deep in the forests of the Virunga Volcanoes, the primates live in family groups. Each group usually consists of a dominant male normally the silver back gorilla, in company of several females and their young ones. Gorillas are exceptionally active during the hours between 6am and 6pm and present the best times for gorilla safaris. To track them in their natural habitat is an inspiring experience to take while on an African safari.
Birdlife
Several endemic bird species have been recorded in the forests of the Virunga Volcanoes. Most of them are migratory from Siberia.
Gorilla Tracking in the Virunga Volcanoes
DR Congo is one of the remaining destinations in the world where the endangered mountain gorillas still exist. It is in the mists of the Virunga Volcanoes that the last remaining mountain gorillas face extinction. Congo gorilla safaris lead you into the dense jungle slopes of the Virunga volcano and are organised in different gorilla groups that have been habituated in the Virunga National Park. There are several gorilla rangers to guide you.

Gorilla Trails

Other Attractions:

• Bambuti Pygmies
• Virunga and Nyiragongo Volcano Caves
• Mount Hoyo
• Lakes Kivu and Edward
• Over 1,000 hippos
• Volcanoes Karisimbi, Mikeno, Visoke, and Sabinyo and the active Nyiragongo volcano.

Threats
In later years it has become known for its mountain gorillas, although poaching and the Congo Civil War have seriously damaged its wildlife population.
Where to Stay
Volcanoes Virungas Lodge, Mt Gorilla Nest lodge

Volcanoes Virunga Lodge Interior

The Grand Hotel Kinshasa
1. Grand Hotel Kinshasa
Location; Avenue Batetela, Kinshasa – Gombe, a residential area overlooking the River Congo
Grand Hotel is the largest hotel in Kinshasa. It is a 5 Star hotel with 442 guest rooms and suites. The hotel offers a unique view over the river Congo.
Hotel Facilities / Amenities
The hotel features a satellite TV, 24 hour fast internet access, private bathroom with bath tub, a desk phone, a mini-bar, tennis courts, 24-hour room service and an outdoor swimming pool, a business centre, bar, night club, a number of restaurants and 7 conference rooms of various sizes.
Contact:
Tel: +243 818110003
Email: grandhotelkinshasa@yahoo.fr
2. Hotel Ixoras
Location; Avenue Ixoras 381, Kinshasa Gombe, DRC
Hotel Ixoras has 19 rooms and six suites.
Hotel Facilities / Amenities
The hotel features a satellite TV, a reading desk, a private bath, desk phone, a conference hall and a restaurant which serves local, European and Lebanese cuisines.
Contact:
Tel: +243-8122-42373
Website: hotelixoras.com
3. Hotel Pacha 786
Location; Av.tchad, Opposite Memling Hotel
Hotel Pacha 786 has 22 rooms
Hotel Facilities / Amenities
The hotel features with fast internet, Cable TV with French and English programs, spiced breakfast and served on request.
Contact:
Tel: +243 991088786
Email: hotelpacha786@hotmail.com

Hotel Memling
4. Hotel Memling
Location; du Tchad 5B, Kinshasa Gombe, DRC
The hotel has 118 exclusive guest rooms. Hotel Memling’s strategic location presents one of the best accommodation options for business travelers and vacationers within the city.
Hotel Facilities / Amenities
The hotels features satellite TV, 24 hour fast internet access, 24-hour room service, a private bath with bath tub, business centre, 5 fully equipped meeting rooms, a hairdryer, a mini-bar, automated security safety box, and a desk phone, a fitness room, an outdoor swimming pool, pool bar, a restaurant and a cocktail lounge. Contact:
Tel: +243-8170-01111
Email: info@memling.net
Website: http://www.memling.net
5. Hotel Daito
Location; No 7249, Tombal bay, Kinshasa Gombe, DRC
Two-story Flat Hotel Daito has 18 one- and two-bedroom apartment suites.
Hotel Facilities / Amenities
The hotel features satellite TVs, a swimming pool, 24 hour fast internet access, a gym and a restaurant that serve both local and foreign cuisines.
Contact:
Tel: +243-9953-37926
Email: info@flathoteldaito.com
Website: http://www.flathoteldaito.com
6. Hotel de la Gombe
Location; 5258 Kauka, Kinshasa – Gombe
Hotel Facilities / Amenities
The Hotel de la Gombe has 24 air-conditioned rooms with bath and hot water and 2 3-room apartments. Contact:
Tel: +243 0815094295
Email: hoteldelagombe@yahoo.fr
7. Hotel Estoril
Location: 85 Avenue Kabasele, Kinshasa – Gombe.
Contact:
Tel: +243 898912210
Email: hotelestorilrdc@yahoo.fr
8. Hotel Venus de Kinshasa
Location: Avenue de la Gombe 306, Kinshasa/Gombe
Contact:
Tel: +243 81 5563 520 / 521
Email: reception@hotelvenus.cd
Website: http://www.hotelvenus.cd
RELATED LINKS
Also See Hotels in Uganda, Hotels in Angola, Hotels in Sierra Leone, Hotels in Mozambique, Hotels in Morocco, Hotels in Chad, Hotels in Egypt, Hotels in Cameroon, Hotels in Rwanda, Hotels in Seychelles, Hotels in Burundi, Hotels in Mauritius, Hotels in Malawi, Hotels in Tunisia, Hotels in Congo, Hotels in Central African Republic, Hotels in Djibouti, Hotels in Algeria

Congo DRC Flag

The Democratic Republic of Congo is situated at the heart of the west-central portion of sub-Saharan Africa. It is the third largest country (2,345,408 sq km) and the fourth most populous nation in Africa with a population more than 68 million people. Congo drc shares borders with the Central African Republic and Sudan to the north; Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi in the east; Angola and Zambia in the south; the Congo Republic in the west; and is separated from Tanzania by Lake Tanganyika in the east.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo has unique qualities over many other African destinations. It is the most bio-diverse African country. Its rain forests alone contain great biodiversity, including many rare and endemic species, such as the common chimpanzee and the bonobo (Pygmy Chimpanzee), the forest elephant, mountain gorilla, okapi and white rhino.

Five of the country’s national parks are listed as World Heritage Sites including the Garumba, Virunga National Parks, Salonga, Kahuzi-Biega and the Okapi Wildlife Reserve. Congo is also the only country in the world in which bonobo are found in the wild.
There is a multitude of safari excursions designed to give the country’s visitors to a good feel of the country. There are land-based safaris, river trips, trekking tours and expert-guided excursions. Many of the Congo drc safaris are conducted in the forested areas especially in the Northeastern lowland forests which are one of the richest concentrations of primates in the world; others take place in the highlands such as Mount Nyamulagira.

Congo Mountain Gorilla

There are safari style tours up country mostly along the Congo River  or on many of its tributaries- you can take a ride down the River. One cruise boat makes a voyage of 1750 km down the Congo River to eastern Kinshasa; visiting the country’s historical sites is also  a rewarding experience. Congo drc Tourists needn’t worry about where to stay.
The accommodation infrastructure such as hotel, camps lodges and inns have greatly improved especially in the tourist destinations; Congo drc Hotels in particular provide good, basic accommodation and an excellent base to explore the country. For instance popular Orchids Safari Club Hotel on the banks of Lake Kivu has some of the best gorilla watching in The Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Weather in Congo
The rainy season starts from October to May with a brief dry spell around the end of December. The northern part is equatorial with an average annual rainfall of 1100mm
Congo drc welcomes you to a place where any adventurous traveller would wish to have best opportunity to see nature’s richness in one destination.

Best Time to Travel

The finest time to visit the Democratic Republic of Congo is during the dry spell from June – August. July is more pleasant. The weather is much cooler and dry. It is the best time for Congo tours and adventures because the safari animals are more visible as they congregate near and around the water logged areas. The wet season makes travel all the much tougher, because the roads are inaccessible in most regions in the nation.

The Democratic Republic of Congo is a nation located in Central Africa. It is bordered by 7 countries; Central African Republic, Sudan, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Zambia and Angola. The Democratic Republic of Congo is an African Country that provides a array of thrilling holiday possibilities to any type of tourist-fun seekers. There’s loads of biodiversity within the nation more particularly the Mountain Gorillas in the Virunga National Park. Guideforafrica below offers a few travel tips to the country.

Capital: Kinshasa

Weather in Congo

The Democratic Rep of Congo is dominantly warm and humid. The Equator divides the Democratic Republic from the Congo into two climatic zones. Each area have two short wet seasons and two brief dry seasons whilst the central region has an equatorial local weather with an average annual precipitation of 1,700 mm. South of the equator, it is wet from November to March and dry from April to October. North of the equator, it is wet from April to October followed by a dry spell in between December and February. In general, average temperature varies between 18°C and 32° C, with substantial humidity levels throughout the rainy months. In the dry season, late evening temperatures fall low particularly in the Lubumbashi areas.

Best time to Travel

The most appropriate time to go to Congo is during the dry spell from June to August. July is especially nice; the weather is pleasantly cool and dry. This is the time when most animals are more visible as they come to the water holes. The wet season can make travel all of the a lot more difficult, because the roads are inaccessible in some regions with the nation.

What to Wear

Lightweight clothing is preferred, along with raincoat if visiting during the wet season. We advised against wearing expensive jewellery which will keep you insecure. Protective gear is recommended especially for the extreme weather conditions (December and February period).

Health Safety

Visitors are recommended to take pre-arrival precautions against malaria (risk exists throughout the year in the whole country). Yellow fever vaccination is also a must for every entry into the country. Similarly vaccinations for cholera, typhoid, meningitis and polio are extremely recommended. Prevalence of HIV/AIDS is also high in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Travellers need to take caution.

Security Warning

We advise against all travel to north western DRC around the areas Mbandaka and Gemena. Another major concern for travellers to Congo DR would be the street robberies that have seemingly increased over the years. Violence is still a rarity. There have been violent and well planned attacks on foreign nationals, including aid workers, in Goma. Be security cautious. Avoid walking on streets alone at any time. Safeguard and avoid displaying valuables and cash. Deposit them in a hotel safe, where practical. Keep copies of documents, including your passport, separately. We advise against all travel to eastern and north eastern DRC.

Public Holidays

• New Year’s Day,1 January
• Day of the Martyrs, 4 January
• Labour Day,1 May
• Liberation Day, 17 May
• Independence Day, 16 Jul
• Parents’ Day, 1 August
• Army Day, 17 November

Accommodation

Finding a good, comfortable and affordable stay in hotels is equally important. If you are travelling to Congo, especially the first timers, it’s recommended that you always book your hotel accommodation in Congo well in advance. Similarly those planning for DR Congo holidays, it’s plausible to make prior arrangements for your lodging and accommodation. Availability of safari lodges in Congo is very hard to find even during the off seasons especially in major tourist places in Congo.

Your pocket budget is a very important thing to plan your Congo DR Vacation. The Hotel where you will be staying needs to fit into your budget. It is sensible that you find out the room rates beforehand by either calling up at the hotel or by simply searching online hotels in Congo DR. All hotels in the country match the world class categories. Visitors are encouraged to make their reservations in advance.

Kinshasa is the beautiful capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo. and the biggest city. There are many cheap hotels in Kinshasa offering elegant accommodation at pocket-friendly rates. Some of the most sought after Kinshasa hotels include Grand Hotel Kinshasa, Hotel Memling, Faden House, Hotel Ixoras and Hotel Invest.

The city is served by Kinshasa International Airport and has 11 Airlines operating 10 flights departing per week for short haul destinations but with over 19 long haul flights per week. There are 17 non-stop flights per week from Kinshasa. 5,424 passengers can travel out of Kinshasa every week.

Airlines to Kinshasa

• Ethiopian Airlines: Flies from Addis Ababa.
• Wimbi Dira Airways: Flies from Brazzaville, Brussels, Johannesburg, Lusaka, Nairobi and Pointe-Noire.
• SN Brussels Airlines: Flies to Brussels.
• Kenya Airways: Flies from Nairobi.
• South African Airways: Flies from Johannesburg.
• Air France: Offers regular connecting flights to the capital Kinshasa from Paris.
• Hewa Bora Airways: This is a Kinshasa-based airline and offers the most attractive prices on the Brussels – Kinshasa flight. It also flies from Johannesburg, Douala, Lagos, Lomé and Paris.
• Bravo airlines: This is a Spanish Airline and has just recently started offering flights from Europe to Kinshasa.

Airports with direct flights to Kinshasa

From Africa you can fly to Kinshasa from Abidjan (Ivory Coast), Bujumbura (Burundi), Douala (Cameroon), Johannesburg (South Africa), Lagos (Nigeria), Luanda (Angola), Libreville (Gabon) and Nairobi (Kenya). Carriers include Kenya airways.

Congo Domestic Flights

There are numerous daily flights between Kinshasa, Kindu, Kisangani, Lubumbashi and other centres around DR Congo. Lignes Aeriennes Congolaises operates several local flights between Bunia and Lubumbashi.

Other domestic Flights

• Lubumbashi to Kinshasa

• Kindu to Kinshasa

• Garamba to Kinshasa

Although there is an extensive network of domestic flights within the Democratic Republic of Congo, services do not tend to operate at particularly high frequencies. Connecting flights to Lubumbashi in the southern reaches of Congo can also be taken via the South African hub Johannesburg.

Flights to Kinshasa are available from most UK airports, including London Gatwick, Heathrow, Stansted, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Competitive International Flights to Kinshasa

There are over 36 international flights per week from Kinshasa including

• Flights from Nairobi to Kinshasa

• Flights from Brussels to Kinshasa

• Flights from Johannesburg to Kinshasa

• Flights from Paris to Kinshasa

• Flights from Douala to Kinshasa

• Flights from Luanda to Kinshasa

• Flights from Addis Ababa to Kinshasa

• Flights from Tokyo to Kinshasa

• Flights from Beijing to Kinshasa

• Flights from New York to Kinshasa

• Flights from Frankfurt to Kinshasa

DR Congo Flag

Congo Basic Facts – Time zone, Location, Topography, Neighbours, government, Weather in Congo, National Colours, Commercial banks in Congo, Provinces, Tourist Attractions, Languages and Religions; Congo National Parks
Location: The Democratic Republic of Congo is a nation located in Central Africa.
Size: 2,344,858 sq km (Land: 2,267,048 sq km / water: 77,810 sq km)
Neighbours: It shares international borders with Burundi, Uganda and Rwanda in the east; Central African Republic and Sudan in the north; Angola and Zambia in the south; the Atlantic Ocean in the west; and is separated from Tanzania by Lake Tanganyika in the east.
Capital City: Kinshasa
Weather in Congo: Congo has a tropical climate; it is hot and humid in equatorial river basin; it is wet north of Equator from April to October and dry season from December to February; it is wet south of Equator from November to March and dry season from April to October. Congo experiences the highest frequency of thunderstorms in the world.
Government: Constitutional republic headed by a democratically elected President. Current Head of State is H.E. President Joseph Kabila.
Independence: 30 June, 1960
Provinces: Kasai-Oriental, Bandundu, Équateur, Kasai-Occidental, Katanga, Nord-Kivu, Orientale, Maniema, Bas-Congo and Sud-Kivu
National Colours: Sky Blue, Red and Yellow
Population: 70,916,439 residents
Languages: Over 240 languages are spoken in the country. French is the official. Other more popular local languages include Kikongo, Tshiluba, Lingala and Kingwana
Religions: Roman Catholic, Protestant, Kimbanguist, Islam and several indigenous beliefs
Economy: Congo is endowed with a lot of natural resources including cobalt, gold, silver, copper, niobium, diamonds, zinc, tantalum, petroleum, manganese, tin, uranium, coal, hydropower, timber
Congo National Parks: Virunga National Park, Kahuzi-Biéga National Park, Maiko National Park, Salonga National Park, Okapi National Park, Garamba National Park, Upemba National Park,
Banking: Banque Commerciale du Congo, Fransabank, Banque Continentale Africaine (Zaire), Banque de Kinshasa, Stanbic Bank Congo, Banque du Credit Agricole (BCA), Banque Internationale d’Afrique, Caisse Centrale de Cooperation Economique, Banque Internationale pour l’Afrique au Zaire, Banque Mondiale, Banque Zairose du Commerce Exterieur, Barclays Bank, Citibank, Credit Agricole, Banque du Zaire, Grindlays Bank, Nouvelle Bank of Kinshasa, Union des Banques Congolaise, and Union Zairose de Banques
Some Tourist Attractions: Boyoma Falls, Virunga Mountain Gorillas, Mount Nyamulagira and Mount Nyiragongo
Currency: Franco Congolese
Time Zone: Congo is 1 hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)
Dialing code: +242