Virunga National Park
Region: North Kivu Province
Nature
Africa's oldest national park, famous for mountain gorillas and the active Nyiragongo volcano
Tourism in DR Congo
Explore notable sights and destinations in this country
Tourist attractions
Kahuzi-Biega National Park
Region: South Kivu Province
Nature
World Heritage Site recognized as Grauer's gorilla habitat
Garamba National Park
Region: Haut-Uélé Province
Nature
Important sanctuary for northern white rhinos and giraffes
Salonga National Park
Region: Central Congo Basin
Nature
The world's largest tropical wetland forest and largest bonobo habitat
Okapi Wildlife Reserve
Region: Ituri Province
Nature
World Heritage Site protecting okapis and tropical rainforest ecosystem
Kinshasa Arts Market
Region: Kinshasa
Culture
Vibrant market featuring wood carvings, malachite crafts and folk art
Stade des Martyrs
Region: Kinshasa
Modern architecture
National stadium with 80,000 capacity hosting major international football matches
Matadi Bridge
Region: Kongo Central Province
Modern architecture
A 722-meter suspension bridge built with Japanese technical cooperation
Lubumbashi Cathedral
Region: Haut-Katanga Province
Culture
Massive Catholic cathedral built in the 1920s
Nyiragongo Volcano Climb
Region: North Kivu Province
Nature
Spectacular trekking experience to view a glowing red lava lake up close
Suggested itineraries
Kinshasa and Cultural Experience 3 Days
Duration (days): 3
Highlights: Kinshasa city tour, Congo River sunset cruise, Arts market, Linafoot match
A compact plan to experience history, music, and cuisine while staying in the capital
Eastern World Heritage and Volcano Trekking 7 Days
Duration (days): 7
Highlights: Virunga National Park, Nyiragongo volcano, Kahuzi-Biega National Park, Gorilla trekking
A nature-focused route visiting two World Heritage Sites and the lava lake from Goma base
Travel tips
- Obtain visa before travel and yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory
- Avoid nighttime outings and entry to eastern conflict zones
- Prepare plenty of small US dollar bills for convenience
- Carry mobile battery as power outages are frequent even in cities
- Always request permission before taking photographs
- Rainy season (Oct-May) worsens road conditions and delays travel
- Prepare antimalarial medication and insect repellent against malaria and yellow fever
- Arrange reliable driver-accompanied vehicles for safety
- 10% gratuity is common at upscale restaurants and hotels
- Basic French or Lingala greetings facilitate communication