Democratic Republic of Congo
The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advise against all travel to the provinces of Kasaï, Kasaï Central, Kasaï Oriental, Haut-Uele, Haut Lomami, Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Maniema and Tanganyika, areas to the west and east of Kananga including Tshikapa and Mwene-Ditu, and within 50km of the border with the Central African Republic and South Sudan. The FCO also advice against all but essential travel to the rest of the country, including Kinshasa. Click here for more information.
Carpeted by huge swaths of rainforest and punctuated by gushing rivers and smoking volcanoes, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC, formerly Zaire) is the ultimate African adventure. As much a geographical concept as a fully fledged nation, DRC has experienced one of the saddest chapters in modern history, suffering a brutal 20th century of colonial exploitation, authoritarian madness and what has been dubbed Africa's first 'world war', which finally ended in 2003 with the rise of the Kabila political dynasty.
While real stability remains many years away, the presence of the world's largest UN peacekeeping force has bred some optimism among its tormented but resilient population. In the Northeast, this optimism and the small but fast-growing tourism industry centred on the incredible Parc National des Virunga were derailed by the kidnap of two British nationals in May 2018. With the park closed since, the future for one of Africa's most thrilling destinations is even more challenging.
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Top attractions
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Democratic Republic of Congo.
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Parc National des Virunga
DRC's magnificent calling card is Virunga, Africa's oldest national park and home to mountain gorillas, chimpanzees and the incredible, active Nyiragongo volcano (climbed on a thrilling two-day expedition). Having been the subject of the Oscar-nominated documentary Virunga in 2014, the park grew fast in popularity until May 2018 when the kidnapping of two British nationals led to it indefinitely suspending all tourism operations. The pair were released unharmed, but management have said they won't welcome more visitors until they can guarantee their safety. When the park reopens to visitors you'll either need to make arrangements directly with the park or book a tour with a travel agency to come to Virunga. Most tours begin and end in Goma, and due to the high cost of staying overnight in the park, many visitors base themselves in Goma and do day trips into the park. There is no public transport to the park and you'll need your own 4WD vehicle and driver to visit.
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Nyiragongo
Perhaps DRC's most magnificent single sight, active volcano Nyiragongo soars above the city of Goma and the surrounding Virunga National Park and sends plumes of smoke into the sky, before becoming a flaming beacon visible for miles around after sundown. The trek to the top is an absolutely unmissable experience (when the park is open to visitors), with those who undertake the five-hour climb being rewarded with views into the volcano's explosive lava lake below. When operations resume after the park's indefinite closure, access to the volcano is only via travel agencies in Goma who arrange the trip through the Virunga National Park.
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Musée National de Kinshasa
This amazing ethnographic archive comprising some 45,000 objects has been waiting patiently for its new home, a US$10 million prestige investment from South Korea currently under construction in the Lingwala area of the city. In the meantime it's possible to visit the small exhibit here, but also to be shown the warehouses where the rest of collection is currently stored. Ask one of the museum employees about doing this – a tip is expected.
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Parc National de Kahuzi-Biéga
South Kivu's star attraction is this national park, where you can track habituated eastern lowland gorillas (Grauer’s gorillas) for just US$400 per person, a relative bargain! The park also contains a chimp orphanage at Lwiro (US$30 per person), where between 40 and 50 chimps are kept in excellent conditions. It's often possible to get gorilla permits for same-day hiking, and never a problem to get them with a few days' notice. Lodge Co-Co is the best place to arrange a trip. The starting point is at Tshivanga, 30km northwest of town. Moto-taxis there and back cost about US$20 to US$30, while hiring a taxi costs US$80. It's also possible to arrange guides at the park to take you on some excellent hikes up the mountains (US$100 per day).
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Serpents du Congo
This excellent snake farm is located 28km from downtown Kinshasa and makes for a great day out. Owner Franck will gladly show you the poisonous and nonpoisonous snakes here, and you even have the opportunity to hold some of the less aggressive ones. It's important to call ahead to reserve an appointment, and also to ensure that Franck gives your driver instructions on how to reach the farm.
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Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage
Provided you make it back from your gorilla track in a timely fashion, it should be possible to visit the world’s only mountain gorilla orphanage, which is integrated into the grounds of the Mikeno Lodge. Named after the silverback who died defending the Rugendo group against gunmen in the infamous 2007 massacre, the orphanage is home to four gorillas, including Ndakasi and Ndeze, both massacre survivors. Access to the orphanage is normally reserved for guests at the expensive hotel here – for whom it is free – but it may be possible to request a visit even if you're not a guest here; simply ask your travel agency to contact the Virunga National Park, which is also headquartered here.
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Boyoma Falls
Formerly Stanley Falls, Boyoma Falls are a series of rapids (waterfalls is a bit of a stretch) on the Congo River spread out over 100km south from Kisangani. The last rapids are just to the east of town, which is where the Wagenia fishermen set up their innovative fishing traps. It's an interesting excursion, but sadly one where tourists are routinely fleeced and where each tour often has hidden costs. The best plan is to go with a local.
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Idjwi Island
Floating out in the middle of Lake Kivu, Idjwi Island is, at 340 sq km, the second-largest lake island in Africa. Isolated from Congo's decades of war, as well as missing out on what little development the mainland has seen, Idjwi is a wonderful place to escape the modern world, enjoy nature and the rich island culture. Lodging is available in small guesthouses and the speedboat between Bukavu and Goma stops here on request.
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Palais de la Nation
Built in 1956 as the official residence of the Belgian governor general in Kinshasa, the Palais de la Nation was where Congo's first president, Patrick Lumumba, denounced colonialism during a speech following his election to the presidency following the country's independence in 1960. It is today the home to the DRC president's administration and is closed to the public.