Kinshasa

Understand

Called Leopoldville after King Leopold II of Belgium during colonial rule, and was re-named to its current name in 1966. Kinshasa has the largest population of any city proper in Africa with a population of almost 15 million (2020), and ranks as its third largest metropolitan area after Cairo and Lagos. It also declares itself as the largest French-speaking city in the world, although you will find that most people's French is far less than fluent (by any other measure, it still ranks second behind the Paris urban area). After decades of armed conflicts imposed by neighboring countries, the infrastructure of this once-leading modern African city is now being remarkably restored. Chinese companies are involved in numerous projects of reconstruction throughout the city.

Climate

Like other cities close to the Equator, Kinshasa's climate is defined by a dry and a wet season. The dry season stretches from June to September, and in these months the temperature is also a few degrees lower than throughout the rain season.

Getting there

By plane 1 N'djili International Airport (FIH IATA). South African Airways, Kenyan Airways, Ethiopian Airlines and Royal Air Maroc each operate a number of flights per week from their hubs in Johannesburg, Nairobi, Addis Ababa and Casablanca. Air France (Paris), Brussels Airlines (Brussels), and Turkish Airlines (Istanbul) fly from Europe. Kinshasa's N'djili International Airport has a terrible reputation for corrupt officials and police officers asking for bribes. Things are not as bad as they used to be but corruption is still endemic. Just follow everyone else and try not to look like a tourist. You'll notice even the locals give small bribes. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is essential. When flying into Kinshasa, be careful not to lose your luggage tag stub, which you need to show to prove that your luggage is yours. Watch out for being mobbed by volunteer 'helpers' once you are outside the airport, who will want to carry your bags in return for tips. When you return to the airport to leave, you can not drive your car or take a cab onto the airport property without paying for parking or access US$5-10. When departing from the airport, a fee of US$55 must be paid (called gopass, a receipt is issued) before entering the terminal. Visitors are allowed to go with you into the terminal if they pay a US$10 fee. Many travel companies offer, what locals call, protocol, providing assistance in navigating the arrival process and assisting you in collecting luggage and passing the contrôle des douanes. When leaving, after passing through a security check, you enter the departures area at the airport which has duty free and an Eric Kayser as well as a Brussels Airlines lounge and a VIP and diplomatic lounge - each has their own access policy. When boarding the flight the final time, your departure tax receipts will be verified by the authorities, your passport checked, and you will pass a final security check before boarding the bus to the plane waiting. It should be noted that you cannot bring water past this final security check towards the aircraft as your bags and person will be checked once more. A taxi into town will probably cost you US$30-50, and will probably not have air conditioning. It is at least 2 hours' drive into the centre of Kinshasa. Another option is to get a shuttle offered by one of the travel companies on the right outside the arrivals door. However, the best option is facilitating transportation from local contacts and arranging a chauffeur/private driver to pick you up at the airport. Expect the trip to last up to 6 hours due

Getting around

Kinshasa is notorious for its huge traffic jams. It can take up to 2 hours to travel 500m. Avoid commuting time to go around the city. The local official bus service, Transco, runs large buses that provide Urban, interurban, and scholarly transportation across the city-province with a network of 33 lines, frequently used by commuting locals. However, the city bus system pales in comparison to the "taxi" system that has risen organically to serve the needs of the people of Kinshasa. Essentially, these taxis are small buses. They run set routes between embarkation points that are the "stops". The cost between these various points is usually around 350 francs. If one's destination is through multiple points, different taxis will need to be boarded to complete the route, making the system take a good deal of time during busy traffic hours. People waiting at the stops will move their hands in a variety of gestures to signal which direction they are going. A taxi will then stop and pick up someone if they are going in the same direction and have space in the taxi. This system works well for the locals. For visitors and foreigners, it can be quite difficult as one needs to know the hand signs, have knowledge of the routes, be ready to sit in cramped, hot vehicles with many other people, and deal with the potential dangers of these vehicles as many are barely road-worthy. Traveling through this manner absolutely requires local help for those unfamiliar with the system. One will also have to speak French or Lingala as the drivers do not speak English. There are also traditional taxis for hire. They are available for single runs or can be hired by the day. This can be a tricky business and should be handled with care (especially at the airport) as there are those will take people to remote locations and rob them. Again, help from a local is best or using drivers that others in the area have past experience with and trust. Rates for these taxis vary widely and if one does not appear to be of African descent, there will also be an automatic premium added. Hiring a private chauffeur is a common practice for many foreigners in Kinshasa during their stay. Private taxi service can also be arranged by local travel agencies.

See

1 National Museum of the Democratic Republic of Congo (Musée national de la République Démocratique du Congo), ☏ +243 12 61494. First opened in 1970, this museum moved to new premises in June 2019. Hosts a large selection of ethnographic objects. (updated Nov 2019) 2 Lola ya Bonobo, ☏ +243 818 141492. The world's only sanctuary for orphaned bonobos. Since 2002, the sanctuary has been located at Les Petites Chutes de la Lukaya, just outside of Kinshasa. (updated Oct 2018) 3 Kinkole. A small village in the eastern part of the city's rural area. It's on the RN1 (Boulevard Lumumba), further than the airport. It has a nice restaurant area where you can enjoy all the local food on a terrace. A lot of people come here to relax so there's a lot of people trying to get you into their business. If you go closer to the river there's a fisherman market where food from the river is brought. Be careful if you want to take pictures, you'll probably have to pay someone first as this is considered the international border. (updated Oct 2018) 4 Jardin d'Eden, ☏ +243 998 138 197. A small village in the eastern part of the city's rural area. It's on the RN1 (Boulevard Lumumba), further than the airport. It has a nice restaurant area where you can enjoy all the local food on a terrace. A lot of people come here to relax so there's a lot of people trying to get you into their business. If you go closer to the river there's a fisherman market where food from the river is brought. Be careful if you want to take pictures, you'll probably have to pay someone first as this is considered the international border. (updated Oct 2018) 5 Parc de la Vallée de la N'Sele, ☏ +243 812 316 882. It might seem a little out of place in Africa, but it's a commercialized drive-thru wildlife safari hosting lions, giraffes, etc, plus it also has a restaurant, pool, and pedestrian suspension bridge across the Nsele River. 6 Mbudi Nature. A private park and relaxation area with superior views of the mighty Congo River. 7 Limete Tower (Tour de l'Échangeur de Limete). One of the tallest buildings in Africa. Planned as a monument to Patrice Lumumba in 1966, the tower remained unfinished for decades until finally completed in 2011. As of 2022 it's possible to visit the surrounding garden, but the tower itself is not open. (updated May 2022) 8 Our Lady of the Congo Cathedral. Catholic Church built in 1947. (updated May 2022)

Do

A barbecue on a sandbank on the Congo River is a must. Renting a boat for a day with a driver and all the gear (tables, chairs, a suntent and a barbecue) costs around US$150 at the Yacht Club Kinshasa. Go for a walk/jog along the river in front of the British and German embassies. Go to church on a Sunday morning like most of the locals do. Go out to eat at one of the many restaurants, cafes, bars, and night clubs, live it up like a local.

Buy

Don't forget to get some arts in 1 Le marché des valeurs (market of value), sometimes called marché des voleurs (thieves' market). Be prepared to haggle and don't pay the initial asking price that will be at least 60-75% over the final price if not more. For some more upscale art you can go to the Academie des Beaux Arts on Avenue Pierre Mulele (formerly Avenue 24 Novembre) or to Symphonie des Arts: towards Kintambo on the Boulevard du 30 Juin, turn right after the elephant when you see the barrier on your right, then it's on your left hand across from the big colonial villa. A more time consuming but far more interesting and personal way to get to know the artists of the country would be to visit their private studios. Prices are high even there for paintings of Lema Kusa, Henri Kalama or Nshole, but worth every penny considering the quality of their works and their international prestige. A more relaxed and fun way to buy street art is to have a beer at 2 Le Surcouf. It is on the street off the boulevard 30 Juin towards Justice off the INSS building. Sit at a table and have a drink (Primus is recommended) and the artists will come and show all kinds of artworks. The same rule on negotiating applies as at Marché des valeurs. The good supermarkets are the following:

3 Peloustore (located on the boulevard, big orange/yellow building with green letters). . Good vegetables and all dry goods that you can find in Belgium. Expresse located on the boulevard, a little off from Peloustore. Here you can find good vegetables and the best "charcuterie", cold cut meat. 4 City Market. (updated Feb 2026) If you turn on the corner of Expresse, you will see this large supermarket on your left hand. It has the best bread in the city. Alternatively across from it you will find excellent bread (and more) in Patisserie Nouvelle, which also has good possibilities of lunch. Kin Marché. Supermarket chain. Stores are in many parts of town. (updated Oct 2024) GG Mart. Larger supermarket chain available in several parts of town (updated Oct 2024)

Money While local street vendors operate almost exclusively in Congolese francs, the US dollar (USD) is the most common currency for larger transactions. Payment in USD for a purchase will likely return change to you in USD for denominations greater than $5-10. Lesser amounts, and any remainder, will be paid in Congolese francs. Though the Central Bank sets an official conversion rate from the Congolese Franc to the USD , each business can set their own rate as well during inflation, referred to as the taux or taux du jour. This can

Eat

There are lots of restaurants for expatriates, where you can pay in dollars but they are very expensive. Don't be surprised to pay up to US$20 for a pizza (and $40 at the hotel for one).

Budget Al Dar, near the hotel Memling. A Lebanese restaurant in the city centre. A shwarma sandwich runs about US$3, and they have taboule, hummus and desserts as well. There are many cheap roadside stalls, primarily outside Gombe.

La Bloque, Bandalungwa. One of the better known roadside stalls. Mama Colonel, Bandal. An excellent restaurant. The menu has only 4 items - chicken, fish, fries and plantain - but they are barbecued to perfection.

Mid-range The freshwater prawns from the Congo River are incredible - called Cossa Cossa on menus (as distinct from imported saltwater prawns which are Gambas) - generally served with a garlic and chili (pili-pili) butter sauce. A plate of these costs around US$25-40, depending where you eat.

Marie Kabuang – A bit difficult to find on the first floor of the Sultani Hotel (Avenue de la Justice), but totally renewed restaurant. Very stylish and modern. Breakfast and lunch (international food) for only US$15, guarantee for a fast service, excellent taste. Cercle Elaeis/La Paillotte. Traditional and international food. Outdoor dining with view on the pool. Expensive but great country-club type setting. Packed with visiting expats and Lebanese families hanging by the pool on weekends. La Piscine. Outdoor tables arranged around a swimming pool-great settings and mediocre food for US$40-50 if you restrained yourself. Greek items and pizza as well as the usual dishes. Pizerria Opoeta and Greg's bar: on the road towards the golf course: closest thing to an international pub. Good pizzas. Excellent seafood thanks to the Portuguese proprietors. Mangoustan restaurant at the Memling Hotel: M-F it serves lunch buffet for US$40 with a large variety of Belgian and international dishes, and on Wednesday evening offers a lavish cheese and charcuterie buffet for $40 with a varying wine-by-the glass selection. Good value. Safe parking facilities. Reservations advisable.

Splurge The more expensive restaurants are in Gombe.

1 Café Conc (Le Caf Conc), Av. de la Nation. The most expensive restaurant in the DRC, allegedly! 2 Le Cercle Gourmand, Av. Du Cercle, ☏ +243 999 901 001. High class restaurant, belongs to the golf club. La Brasserie, 5, Avenue Rep Du Tchad (in Memling Hotel). Great food. Belgian-French influences with a few Congolese dishes. Rather pricy but worth it, generous portions and great service. Safe parking on hotel premises

Drink & nightlife

Local beer: Turbo King is a darker beer, regular lagers are Primus (which some consider is the best local beer, brewed by the local Heineken brewery) and Skol. European Mutzig comes in smaller bottles. A bit more expensive, and slightly harder to find as it is brewed in Lubumbashi by Simba Breweries, is Tembo, a tasty amber ale. Tembo garners the highest ranking for a DRC beer on ratebeer.com. Lots of expensive French and South African wine available in restaurants and supermarkets. Portuguese wine can be found quite cheaply at grocery stores catering to expats (Peloustore, Express, etc.). Kinshasa becomes alive most nights when residents head to Matonge, a place filled with dancing bars, restaurants and night clubs. Lately Bandal and Bonmarche are the more popular "quartiers" to visit the local bars and "discotheques". Go to a local nightclub and learn how to dance Congolese rhythms. Get ready to shake your booty! For those that prefer to stay in Gombe, the following offer good possibilities:

1 Chacha Bar, 4 Avenue du Port (top of Immeuble Forescom building), ☏ +243 973 860 001. A terrace patio bar overlooking the city with tiki torches. 2 Village of Chez Ntemba, Ave du Port, ☏ +243 904 819 772. A hopping place after midnight. 3 Spirit Club & Bar B Q, Ave Kauka, ☏ +243 813 000 630. Lots of soft neon lights, and a courtyard. 4 K Lounge, 124 Bd Du 30 Juin, ☏ +243 898 088 818. Cigars, tapas, champagne, little twinkly lights. 5 New Standing Club, Av du Syndicats 315, ☏ +243 999 996 720. 21:00-17:00. Small western-style bar and disco. 6 Coco Jambo Lounge & Lounge, 11 Av. De La Presse, ☏ +243 992 943 911. Upscale club/lounge. 7 Millionaire Club, 95 Bd Du 30 Juin, ☏ +243 894 799 886. Strobe lights on dance and party floor. 8 New Savanana, ☏ +243 999 938 098. On the boulevard in the Gecamines/Sozacom building, the highest building in Kinshasa, close to the central station. Definitely an interesting experience for those that dare confront the local girls. Hotel bars are popular with expats and usually have live music several nights a week.

Bar of Sultani Hotel. The style bar of the Sultani Hotel has been changed and is now providing a comfortable feeling and (jazz) partys every Friday, live music, no ticket to pay. Prices for drinks start at about 8 USD for cocktails. Cockpit Bar, 5 Avenue Rep Du Tchad (In Hotel Memling). The Memling's main bar. Classy setting. Business during the day, try their wild Congolese tea infused with lemongrass, a must. Cozy lounge in the evening with jazz, blues, soul music in the background. Happy hour from 18:00-20:00,

Sleep

Accommodation in Kinshasa can be very expensive. A consequence of the past problems mean that many organisations only recognise two hotels as having international standards. So the Memling and the Grand have a virtual monopoly. Prices of these two can be in excess of $300 per night plus breakfast. Now a new luxury Hotel called Hotel Royal has opened. Modern boutique hotel with all amenities inclusive.

Budget Hotel Pour Vous, 22 Av. Rep Du Tchad, ☏ +243 891 008 786. Outdoor pool and patio. 59 USD. Léon Hôtel Kinshasa, 41 Av. Luambo Makiadi, ☏ +243 813 209 121. Hotel featuring breakfast and other dining. US$60 (Mar 2022).

Mid-range Hotel Platinum, Avenue Du Commerce 32, ☏ +243 999 936 553. Pink structure US$99. 1 Residence Marika. A simple 3-star hotel just off the main boulevard, with swimming pool.

Splurge 2 Hotel Memling, 5, Avenue Rep Du Tchad, ☏ +243 817 001111, [email protected]. Probably the best and second most expensive hotel in town. Has been around since 1937, and has since then maintained its place as the city's Number One venue on this side of the river. Wireless Internet throughout, nice but small pool, bar and restaurants, good Belgium food. Expect to pay US$300/night plus $28 for breakfast and $30 for 24 hour access to Internet ($75 for week). Hertz car rental are at the hotel, along with mobile phone companies, gift shops and the usual souvenirs. Excellent conference facilities, the hotel is located within 5 to 10 minutes of the city's main business and political ventures. (updated Oct 2018) 3 Pullman Kinshasa Grand Hotel, 4 Av. des Batetela, ☏ +243 85 800 0111, [email protected]. The Grand Hotel is the other fancy hotel in the city, and well located near the river, embassies and luxury homes; it is frequented by locals as well as internationals. Located near the Congo River and near new developments including the Financial Centre and new shopping centres. 4 Hotel Royal, ☏ +243 81 555666, [email protected]. 4-star. Expect to pay US$270/night Bed &Breakfast, with Wifi, tea coffee and water complimentary. Restaurant, cafe, cigar lounge, conference centre, in the city centre next to Brussels Airlines office. 5 Sultani Hotel, 30, Avenue de la Justice, ☏ +243 89 816 6000, +243 81 885 3318, [email protected]. In the city centre, close to the River Congo. There is wireless Internet included in the price and provided throughout the hotel. Prices start at US$175 for a room. The price/quality ratio is attractive compared to the other hotels. The hotel offers a business lunch for $15 which is quite rare to get

Go next

1 Bombo-Lumene Game Reserve (130 km (81 mi) towards Kikwit). The Chutes de Zongo waterfalls in Bas Congo are impressive There are boats to Brazzaville across the river.