Democratic Republic Of Congo 3 Day Itinerary

Three-Day Itinerary for Touring the Democratic Republic of Congo

Day 1: Exploring Kinshasa

Morning:

  • Arrival at N’djili International Airport, Kinshasa.
  • Check-in at a hotel (e.g., Pullman Grand Kabila or Okapi Hotel) and freshen up.
  • Breakfast at the hotel or nearby café.

Afternoon:

  • Visit Musee Sainte Anne, home to artifacts, paintings, and sculptures from Congolese history.
  • Discover the vibrant Marche Hewa Bora, where you can shop for local crafts, textiles, and food.
  • Explore the colonial architecture of Quartier du Commissariat and learn about Kinshasa’s past.

Evening:

  • Dinner at a local restaurant, such as La Source or La Marguerite, to sample Congolese dishes like kisira, saka saka, or grilled tilapia.
  • Enjoy the nightlife at Le Trou Du Bocal, a popular bar in the heart of Kinshasa.

Day 2: Visit Goma and Virunga National Park

Morning:

  • Early departure for Goma by scheduled flight or road trip (approx. 1 hour flight, 8-9 hours drive).
  • Check-in at a hotel in Goma (e.g., Hotel Ihubiro).

Afternoon:

  • Travel to Virunga National Park, home to half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.
  • Take part in a guided gorilla trekking experience, which may last 2-6 hours. Remember to wear sturdy shoes and carry water!

Evening:

  • Return to Goma for dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 3: Exploring Goma and Departure

Morning:

  • Visit the Seno Mutambo Orphanage, where you can learn about the efforts to help vulnerable children in the region.
  • Take a tour of Lake Kivu, enjoy the scenic beauty, and discover the local fishing communities.

Afternoon:

  • Departure from Goma by flight or road trip back to Kinshasa.
  • Relax at your hotel or explore more of Kinshasa before departure.

Things to Know:

  1. The Democratic Republic of Congo requires a visa for tourists, which can be obtained online or through the embassy.
  2. It is recommended to have yellow fever vaccination certificate.
  3. The official language is French, but Lingala and Tshiluba are widely spoken.
  4. The local currency is the Congolese franc (CDF), although US dollars are often accepted in tourist areas.
  5. Be aware of petty theft, especially in crowded areas, and be cautious with your belongings.
  6. Mobile coverage can be limited, so consider purchasing a local SIM card or renting a mobile hotspot.

Transportation:

  • Domestic flights are operated by companies like Kabo Air, SNAC, and Compagnie Africaine d’Aviation.
  • Car rental services are available in Kinshasa and Goma, but driving can be challenging due to the roads conditions.
  • Taxis and shared taxis (trotros) are widely available in both cities. Bargain before getting into a vehicle!