The Democratic Republic of Congo is situated in Central Africa and has a population of just over 60 million people. The country was formerly known as Belgian Congo, then
Zaire, and was a Belgian colony until it gained independence in 1960. The capital city of Kinshasa is home to about 6.5 million residents.
French is the official language, however, there are quite a few local languages spoken, such as Swahili, Lingala, Kikongo, and Tshiluba. Some of the other popular centers are Kinkole,
Zongo, Mbanza-Ngungu, Kisantu, Matoi, Boma, Lubumbashi, Mayumbe, Tshela, Bukama, Kalemie, Bunia, and Matadi.
The landscapes are quite beautiful as the country is filled with wonderful forests, lakes, volcanoes, tropical rainforests, mountain ranges, plains, waterfalls, and interesting
wildlife. It’s the third-largest nation in Africa and is landlocked by several other countries, but there’s 17 miles of coast at the Congo River. It has a hot and humid climate as it
sits on the equator. It rains quite a bit south of the equator from October to May, and from April to November above the equator.
The capital of Kinshasa has a couple of interesting ethnological and prehistoric museums at Kinshasa University. Close by you’ll find an equatorial forest that surrounds the
picturesque Lake Ma Vallee. The charming fishing port at Kinkole is a nice attraction and there are various bustling markets for local crafts. If you’re into African art there’s a
wonderful collection in the National Museum.
Some of the other attractions in the Congo are Inkisi Falls, the caves and resort in Mbanza-Ngungu, the Frere Gillet botanic gardens in Kisantu, the River Kwilu, the caves, waterfalls,
and woods of Boma, the Tombs of Tshela, equatorial Mayumbe, Tembo Falls, Garamba National Park, Virunga National Park, Upemba National Park, and Lake Albert, which has the most fish of
any lake in Africa.
The small town of Bunia features hotels, restaurants, and villas and the wildlife is amazing if you head out to the lakes, parks and reserves. The variety of animals and birds found in
the Congo is breathtaking as you’ll find gorillas, the rare okapi, and just about every other African species you can think of. The mountains between Beni and Goma conjure up some of
the most beautiful scenery on the continent.
The main airport is in Kinshasa and you can get buses and taxis to the city. There’s a port on the Congo River at Matadi and ferries down the Oubangui River over to the Central African
Republic. However, you’ll need to check and see if they’re running. There are rail routes to Tanzania, Angola, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Mozambique. Again, you’ll need to
check and see what’s operating. Driving isn’t really an option as the roads aren’t in the best of conditions, especially in the rainy seasons. But there are roadways to Uganda, Sudan,
and Zambia.
Once you’re in the Congo, you can travel around by air as there are about 40 airports and close to 150 landing strips. Travelling down the Congo River is a great way to explore the
magnificent countryside and there are several services to the ports of Ilebo and Kisangani. You can also view the scenery from the local train and bus network. Kinshasa has buses,
minibuses, taxis, and truck-buses called fula fulas to help you get around the city.
When you’re feeling a bit hungry there are several fine restaurants in Lubumbashi and Kinshasa and the tourist restaurants and hotels have both national and international dishes.
You’ll also find small snack bars and restaurants that serve French, Belgian, and Chinese food. Some of the best local dishes are chicken with spinach and rice, fried yams, and beans
and corn. The most popular drinks are Pineapple buguda, paupau paradise, and coconut, milk, and rum.
If you’re looking for some nightlife you’ll need to head to Kinshasa. The best area is Cité as it has a great thriving music. There are dozens of dance clubs there where you can enjoy
some rhythmic Congolese music.
The Democratic Republic of Congo may be a little hard to get around, but if you’re adventurous, the reward is well worth the effort if you want to witness some spectacular scenery and
wildlife.
About Congo