Democratic Republic of the Congo flag vs map

Democratic Republic of the Congo Attractions, Shopping, Culinary, and Accommodation

Africa

Attractions

The plateau extends east to the vicinity of Lakes Tanganyika, Kivu, Idi-Amin-Dada, Mobutu-Sésé – Séko and Bukavu. Goma and Bunia are small picturesque towns with villas, restaurants and hotels.

To the north lies the 400,000 hectare Garamba National Park, which is home to lions, elephants, leopards, the rare white rhino and giraffe. In the Kaluzi Biéga National Park you can see lowland gorillas. At 618 m above sea level i.e. M. Mobutu-Sésé-Séko Lake there are more fish than any other African lake. Bunia is an ideal base for exploring this body of water, the forests and mountains, the pygmy villages, the caves of Mount Hoyo and the Escaliers de Venus waterfalls. Lake Idi Amin Dada is a habitat for numerous species of birds. The highest peak of the Ruwenzori mountain range is Pic Marguerite (5119 m); gorillas and the rare okapis live here. Between Goma and Beni lies what is said to be the most beautiful mountain landscape in Africa, but the condition of the roads is extremely poor.

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Kinshasa

The selection of historical sights in the capital is not very large, but those interested in history should definitely visit the prehistoric and ethnological museums of the university. The university buildings are in a rectangular complex on a slope, on which a colorful chapel stands. Not far away among the hills is a beautiful lake, the Ma Valée, surrounded by tropical rainforest.

Other sights include the fishing port of Kinkole, the gardens of the Nsele presidential residence with their pagodas and the large water reservoirs where you can swim and fish. In the capital’s markets and suburbs, artisans make traditional wooden sculptures and jewelry. In the National Museum you can admire unique works of traditional local art.

Shopping

Overview

Nice souvenirs include handmade bracelets, ebony carvings and native paintings. Markets and shopping malls sell everything from fresh ginger to wickerwork to beautiful African carvings. Shop opening times: i. A. Mon-Sat 08.00-18.00.

Nightlife

Introduction

Kinshasa offers the most interesting nightlife, which mainly takes place in the Cité district. There are many open-air discos and live music clubs.

Culinary

Overview

Kinshasa and Lubumbashi have some good restaurants but prices are high. The offer in hotels and restaurants is tailored to European guests, with international and local dishes on the menu. A specialty is Moambe chicken cooked in fresh palm oil with rice and spinach. The French, Belgian and Congolese restaurants in Kinshasa are also primarily geared towards business people. Chinese, Tunisian and Greek cuisine is also available in smaller restaurants and snack bars.

Culture

Religion

50% Catholic, 20% Protestant and 10% other Christian denominations (mainly Kimbangists). 10% adherents of native religions and 10% Muslims.

Social Rules of Conduct

Casual attire is acceptable everywhere, bathing suits are for the beach or pool. Photography: Permission is required to take photographs, and even then there can be difficulties. Public buildings and facilities should not be photographed. Tipping: 10% service charge will be added to all hotel and restaurant bills, extra tipping is unnecessary.

Climate

Best travel time

The climate depends on the distance from the equator. Dry season north of the equator from December to February, rainy season April to October, south of the equator dry season April to October, rainy season November to March. Temperatures are high almost everywhere all year round with high humidity. Pleasant mountain climate in the Kivu region, at high altitudes (1500-4000 m) temperatures are between 6°C and 20°C.

Country data

Phone prefix

+243

Area (sq km)

2345410

Population

89,561,403 (Source: homosociety)

Population density (per square km)

34

Population statistics year

2020

Democratic Republic of the Congo flag vs map