Travel : Democratic Republic of Congo ( DRC) - Details of the country & sightseeing

 

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), located in Central Africa, is the second-largest country on the continent and one of the most resource-rich nations in the world. Known for its vast rainforests, extensive river systems, and rich biodiversity, the DRC is home to the Congo Basin, the world's second-largest rainforest after the Amazon. Despite its natural wealth, the country has faced significant challenges, including political instability and conflicts, but it remains a destination of incredible natural beauty and cultural diversity. The capital, Kinshasa, is one of Africa's largest cities, bustling with life and energy, located on the banks of the Congo River, directly across from Brazzaville, the capital of the Republic of the Congo.

Best Spots to Visit

1. **Virunga National Park**

   - **Description:** Africa's oldest national park, located in the eastern part of the DRC.

   - **Highlights:** Virunga is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most biodiverse areas on the planet. The park is home to endangered mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, and unique species such as the okapi. Visitors can embark on guided treks to see the gorillas in their natural habitat, explore the active Nyiragongo Volcano with its lava lake, and enjoy the stunning landscapes of mountains, forests, and lakes.

2. **Nyiragongo Volcano**

   - **Description:** An active stratovolcano located in Virunga National Park.

   - **Highlights:** Nyiragongo is famous for its large lava lake, one of the most active and accessible in the world. A challenging but rewarding trek to the summit allows visitors to witness the fiery spectacle of the lava lake, offering a truly unique and unforgettable experience. Overnight stays in shelters at the summit provide a closer view of the volcano’s activity.

3. **Kahuzi-Biega National Park**

   - **Description:** A UNESCO World Heritage site located near Bukavu in the eastern DRC, known for its population of eastern lowland gorillas.

   - **Highlights:** Kahuzi-Biega is one of the last refuges of the eastern lowland gorilla, the largest of the gorilla species. The park offers gorilla trekking experiences, where visitors can see these majestic animals up close. The park also features beautiful landscapes, including extinct volcanoes, dense forests, and rich biodiversity.

4. **Lola ya Bonobo**

   - **Description:** A sanctuary for orphaned bonobos located near Kinshasa.

   - **Highlights:** Lola ya Bonobo is the world's only sanctuary for bonobos, one of our closest relatives. The sanctuary rescues and rehabilitates orphaned bonobos, with the goal of eventually reintroducing them to the wild. Visitors can tour the sanctuary to learn about bonobo conservation and observe these intelligent primates in a naturalistic setting.

5. **Kinshasa**

   - **Description:** The capital and largest city of the DRC, located on the Congo River.

   - **Highlights:** Kinshasa is a dynamic city with a rich cultural scene, vibrant markets, and historical sites. Key attractions include the National Museum of the DRC, which houses important artifacts and exhibits on the country’s history and culture, and the lively Marché Central, where visitors can shop for local crafts and produce. The city is also known for its music, particularly Congolese rumba, and its energetic nightlife.

6. **Garamba National Park**

   - **Description:** A UNESCO World Heritage site located in northeastern DRC, known for its diverse wildlife.

   - **Highlights:** Garamba is one of Africa’s oldest national parks and is home to elephants, giraffes, hippos, and the critically endangered northern white rhinoceros. The park offers guided safaris, where visitors can experience the stunning savannah landscapes and see a variety of wildlife in their natural habitat.

7. **Salonga National Park**

   - **Description:** The largest tropical rainforest reserve in Africa, located in the heart of the Congo Basin.

   - **Highlights:** Salonga is a remote and largely unexplored wilderness, home to rare and endangered species such as the bonobo, forest elephants, and the Congo peacock. The park is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts and researchers, offering opportunities to explore its dense forests and discover its unique biodiversity.

8. **Upemba National Park**

   - **Description:** A national park located in southeastern DRC, known for its lakes and wetlands.

   - **Highlights:** Upemba National Park features a stunning landscape of lakes, rivers, and marshes, providing a haven for bird species and aquatic life. The park is also home to wildlife such as elephants, zebras, and buffalo. Visitors can enjoy boat trips on the lakes, bird watching, and exploring the park’s scenic beauty.

Best Seasons to Visit

The DRC has an equatorial climate with high temperatures and humidity year-round. The best time to visit depends on the region and your interests:

- **June to September (Dry Season):** This is the best time for wildlife viewing and trekking, particularly in the eastern DRC in parks like Virunga and Kahuzi-Biega. The dry season offers more comfortable conditions for outdoor activities and better accessibility to remote areas.

- **December to February (Short Dry Season):** Another favorable period for travel, especially for visiting the national parks and exploring the country’s diverse landscapes.

- **March to May and October to November (Rainy Seasons):** Travel is possible during these times, but some areas may be difficult to access due to heavy rains and muddy conditions. However, the rainy season brings lush greenery and is a good time for bird watching and experiencing the vibrancy of the Congo Basin.

 Best Cuisines

Congolese cuisine is diverse and reflects the country’s rich cultural heritage. Traditional dishes often use locally sourced ingredients like cassava, plantains, and fish. Some must-try dishes include:

- **Moambe Chicken:** The national dish of the DRC, made with chicken cooked in a rich palm nut sauce, often served with rice or fufu.

- **Fufu:** A starchy side dish made from cassava, yams, or plantains. Fufu is a staple food in the DRC, typically eaten with soups, stews, or grilled meats.

- **Pondu:** A popular dish made from cassava leaves, cooked with palm oil, onions, and sometimes peanuts. It’s often served with rice or fufu.

- **Liboke:** Fish or meat marinated in spices, wrapped in banana leaves, and grilled. This traditional method of cooking imparts a unique flavor to the dish.

- **Saka-Saka:** Another dish made from cassava leaves, similar to pondu, often accompanied by rice or fufu.

- **Ndakala:** Dried and salted fish, commonly used in Congolese cuisine, especially in stews and with fufu.

 Airlines Connectivity

The DRC is connected by air, with N'Djili International Airport (FIH) in Kinshasa serving as the main gateway for international and domestic flights. Several airlines provide connectivity to and from the DRC:

- **Brussels Airlines:** Offers direct flights between Kinshasa and Brussels, connecting the DRC to Europe.

- **Ethiopian Airlines:** Provides flights between Kinshasa and Addis Ababa, with onward connections to other international destinations.

- **Kenya Airways:** Offers flights between Kinshasa and Nairobi, providing connections to other African and international destinations.

- **Turkish Airlines:** Operates flights between Kinshasa and Istanbul, connecting the DRC to Europe, Asia, and beyond.

- **Air France:** Provides direct flights between Kinshasa and Paris, with connections to Europe and other regions.

- **Asky Airlines:** A regional airline offering flights to various West and Central African cities.

Kinshasa’s N'Djili International Airport is the primary entry point for most international travelers. From Kinshasa, domestic flights operated by airlines like CAA and Congo Airways connect visitors to major cities and tourist destinations within the country. The DRC’s air connectivity, combined with its unique natural attractions, makes it an intriguing destination for adventurous travelers seeking to explore its untamed wilderness and vibrant culture.