7-Day Itinerary for Travelling in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

Day 1: Arrival in Kinshasa

• Place to Go: Kinshasa, the capital city of DRC
• Activities: Visit the Monument de la Renaissance Africaine (Monument of African Renaissance), explore the local markets such as Marche Central and Marche Couvert des Pêcheurs, and enjoy the lively nightlife at Avenue du 30 Juin.

Things to Know: Kinshasa operates on West Africa Time (WAT) GMT+1. The official language is French, but Lingala is widely spoken.

Visa Requirements: Tourist visa is required for most nationalities. Apply well in advance as processing times can be lengthy.

Transportation: Taxis are readily available, but negotiate the price beforehand to avoid overcharging.

Day 2: Explore Kinshasa

• Activities: Visit the Musée National du Congo (National Museum of Congo), take a boat trip on the Congo River, and visit the Basilique Sainte-Anne-Kinshasa, a beautiful cathedral.

Day 3: Transfer to Kisangani

• Transportation: Flight from Kinshasa to Kisangani. It’s recommended to book in advance due to limited flight schedules.

Place to Go: Kisangani, gateway to the vast rainforest of DRC.

Day 4-5: Visit Virunga National Park

• Activities: Gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park, one of the oldest national parks in Africa and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Remember to dress appropriately for the rainforest environment.

Things to Know: Gorilla trekking can be strenuous and requires a good level of fitness. It’s best to book your gorilla permit well in advance as they sell out quickly.

Day 6: Transfer back to Kisangani and return to Kinshasa

• Transportation: Flight from Kisangani back to Kinshasa.

Day 7: Departure

• Place to Go: Spend your last day in DRC exploring any remaining sights in Kinshasa or relaxing at a local café before heading to the airport for your departure.