Democratic Republic of the Congo Travel Information

The Democratic Republic of the Congo, located in Central Africa, is a vast and diverse country with a wealth of cultural and natural attractions. From the lush rainforests to the stunning wildlife, and the vibrant cities to the historic sites, there is no shortage of things to see and do in the DRC. Here are the top 10 things to do in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

1. Visit Virunga National Park

Virunga National Park is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet and is home to some of the world's last remaining mountain gorillas. Visitors can take guided treks to see the gorillas, as well as other wildlife and stunning landscapes.

2. Explore Garamba National Park

Garamba National Park is known for its diverse range of wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, lions, and the last remaining wild population of northern white rhinos. Visitors can take guided safaris to see these incredible animals up close.

3. Hike Mount Nyiragongo

Mount Nyiragongo is an active volcano and one of the most awe-inspiring sights in the DRC. Visitors can hike to the top of the volcano to see the bubbling lava lake.

4. See the Bonobo Apes in Kokolopori

The Kokolopori Bonobo Reserve is home to one of the largest populations of bonobo apes in the world. Visitors can take guided tours to see these fascinating primates in their natural habitat.

5. Visit the Congo River Rapids

The Congo River is the second-longest river in Africa and is home to some of the most stunning rapids in the world. Visitors can take guided tours to see these rapids up close.

6. Explore Kinshasa

Kinshasa is the capital city of the DRC and is known for its vibrant nightlife, bustling markets, and historic sites such as the Kinshasa Cathedral and the National Museum of Congo.

7. Visit the Lola Ya Bonobo Sanctuary

The Lola Ya Bonobo Sanctuary is a sanctuary for orphaned bonobo apes, which are closely related to chimpanzees. Visitors can take guided tours to see these playful and intelligent animals up close.

8. Learn about the Culture in Lubumbashi

Lubumbashi is the second-largest city in the DRC and is known for its vibrant culture, including its music and art scenes. Visitors can explore local markets, museums, and galleries to learn about the city's history and culture.

9. See the Congo River Basin

The Congo River Basin is the second-largest rainforest in the world and is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including gorillas, chimpanzees, and okapis. Visitors can take guided tours to explore the rainforest and see the incredible biodiversity.

10. Visit the Tshilenge Waterfall

The Tshilenge Waterfall is a stunning natural wonder located in the Kasai region of the DRC. Visitors can take guided tours to see the waterfall and the surrounding natural beauty.

Climate of Democratic Republic of the Congo

The climate of the Democratic Republic of the Congo is tropical and humid, with high temperatures and heavy rainfall throughout the year. The country experiences two rainy seasons, from March to May and from October to November, with a short dry season in between. The humidity can make the heat feel even more intense, especially in the northern and equatorial regions of the country.

Best time to visit Democratic Republic of the Congo

The best time to visit the Democratic Republic of the Congo is during the dry season, from June to September, when the weather is more comfortable for outdoor activities and wildlife viewing. However, it's important to note that even during the dry season, there can be some rainfall in certain regions of the country.

It's also important to note that the Democratic Republic of the Congo can be challenging to travel to, and visitors should consult with a reputable tour company or local guides for the most up-to-date information on the country's safety and security situation.

Here are some general travel tips regarding entry requirements that apply across all countries:

Passport

Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in the country you are visiting. Some countries will not allow you to enter if your passport is set to expire within a certain period of time.

Visa

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if you need a visa. Some countries require a visa for entry, while others do not. Make sure to apply for a visa well in advance of your trip as the process can take several weeks. Check the latest Visa requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Health Requirements and COVID-19 Rules

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if there are any health requirements for entry. Some countries require vaccinations or proof of medical insurance. Check the latest health requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Travel Insurance

Consider purchasing travel insurance, especially if you are traveling internationally. Travel insurance can cover you in the event of trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and other unexpected events. Our travel insurance partner is SafetyWing. For dangerous activities and/or countries consider a rescue service like those offered by our partner, Global Rescue.

Customs

Be familiar with the customs and laws of the country you are visiting. Some countries have strict laws regarding drug possession, alcohol consumption, and dress codes.

Currency

Check the currency exchange rate and make sure you have enough local currency for your trip. Some countries may not accept credit cards or travelers cheques, so it is always good to have some cash on hand. At WhereNext we recommend use a Wise debit card, which provides low cost currency conversions and ATM withdrawals.

Research the country

Research about the culture, customs and laws of the country you are visiting. It will help you to understand the place more and also prepare you better for the trip.

Contact Information

Make a copy of your passport and keep it in a separate place from your passport. Also, leave a copy of your itinerary and contact information with a friend or family member at home.

Hotels and Lodges

Major cities like Kinshasa and Lubumbashi offer a range of hotels and lodges, from budget-friendly options to luxury accommodations. Some of the most high-end lodges can be found in national parks, offering visitors an immersive wildlife experience.

Guesthouses and Hostels

Guesthouses and hostels can be found in most cities and towns throughout the country, offering budget-friendly options for visitors. These accommodations are usually basic, but comfortable, and provide a great opportunity to meet other travelers.

Camping

Camping is also an option in many national parks, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in nature and experience the wildlife up close. However, it's important to note that camping facilities may be limited and visitors should bring their own camping gear.

Homestays

Homestays are becoming increasingly popular in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, offering visitors a chance to experience local culture and hospitality. Homestays can be arranged through local tour companies and provide a unique and authentic travel experience.

Domestic Flights

Domestic flights are available between major cities in the country, including Kinshasa, Lubumbashi, and Goma. These flights are operated by a few airlines, including Congo Airways and CAA.

Road Travel

Road travel is the most common form of transportation within the country, with buses and taxis available for hire. However, the roads can be in poor condition, and visitors should exercise caution when traveling by road, especially outside of major cities.

Rail Travel

There is a limited rail network in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with train services available between Kinshasa and Matadi, and Lubumbashi and Ilebo. The trains can be slow and uncomfortable, but they offer a unique travel experience.

River Transport

The Congo River is an important transportation route in the country, with boats and ferries available for hire. This is a popular option for traveling between Kinshasa and other riverine towns, and for exploring the country's remote interior.

Money Tips for Travel

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans to avoid any potential issues with international transactions.
• Bring a mix of cash, credit, and debit cards--and possibly a travel money card.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.
• Make sure to have a backup option for accessing money in case your primary method doesn't work.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• NEVER accept currency conversion at ATMs! Always get your home bank to convert at much better rates.
• Think about getting a Wise or other travel debit card; these can provide much better rates and some free ATM withdrawals.

ATM and Credit Cards

• Research the availability of ATMs and credit card acceptance at your destination before you depart.
• Keep your ATM card in a safe place and be mindful of your surroundings when using it.
• Try to stick to using ATMs that are affiliated with major banks.
• Keep your credit card information safe and secure, and be aware of potential scams.
• Make sure your cards have the necessary security features, such as chip and pin.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.

Exchange Rates

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• Be careful of places that may offer to exchange money at rates that seem too good to be true.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It covers a wide range of needs--even some you might not expect!

Medical Coverage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses if you become ill or injured while traveling. This can include coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency medical transportation. It's also a good idea to ensure that your travel insurance covers COVID-19 related illness and delays!

Trip Cancellation and Interruption

Travel insurance can provide coverage if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unexpected events such as illness, weather, or travel bans. It can also provide coverage if your trip is delayed or if your travel provider goes out of business.

Lost or Stolen Luggage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for lost or stolen luggage, as well as personal items such as passports and electronic devices.

Emergency Assistance and Evacuation

Many travel insurance plans offer emergency assistance services, such as providing information on local hospitals and doctors, assistance with replacing lost or stolen documents, and help with arranging transportation in the event of an emergency. At WhereNext we have partnered with Global Rescue for evacuation services, which are highly recommended if you are undertaking dangerous activities or are travelling to dangerous parts of the world.

Liability coverage

Travel insurance can also provide liability coverage in case you cause an accident or harm someone while you are traveling.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It can help cover the costs of medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. It's always a good idea to review the coverage and compare the different options available before making a decision. At WhereNext we both use and have partnered with Safety Wing for general travel insurance.

When traveling, getting mobile access is very important these days. If you are working remotely, wanting to update social media, or need to access your banks SMS authentication messages having a reliable service is a must. At WhereNext we recommend:

eSIM

Services such as those offered by our partner, Airalo, allow you to easily order and install an eSIM for different countries or regions that you are traveling in.

Dual SIM phone

If you have a phone that supports dual SIM's then you can get a SIM on arrival for each country, this is probably better done at a telco store rather than at the airport.

Extend your home plan

Depending on where you live and your mobile service provider you may be able to extend your plan to cover mobile roaming at reasonable rates.

Keep your primary SIM

With the amount of accounts we all have that require two factor authentication via SMS, keeping a constant number for these accounts is a must.

There are several online communities and platforms that you can use to meet people while traveling, both for making new friends or for networking professionally. Some popular options include:

Facebook groups

There are many Facebook groups dedicated to connecting people while traveling, from expat groups and travel communities to groups specific to certain cities or regions of the country. You can search for groups based on your interests or location and connect with others who share similar interests.

Meetup

Meetup is a platform that allows you to find groups of people that share your interests in your local area. There are Meetup groups all around the world, and they cover a wide range of topics, such as language exchange, sports, and cultural activities.

Internations

Internations is a social network for people who live or work abroad. It has a large community of expats and organizes regular events, activities and gatherings that allow members to connect and socialize.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a platform that connects travelers with local hosts, who offer free accommodation and a chance to experience the local culture. It's a great way to meet locals and make friends!

Reddit

Reddit has a large community, and there are several subreddits dedicated to connecting expats and travelers. You can use it to ask questions, get advice, and connect with others who are also living or traveling in the country.

Linkedin

LinkedIn is primarily a professional network, but you can also use it to connect with people who work in the same industry or have similar backgrounds. It can be useful to connect with people before you arrive and establish a few professional contacts to help you get started.

At WhereNext, we use Nomad List as a global community and then research more local ones for our destination. These are just a few examples of online communities you can use to meet people; please suggest any others that you think are appropriate for this destination.