Check the weather city by city, starting with Kinshasa.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is Africa's second-largest country, home to one of the world's richest rainforests and the legendary Congo River. It is the only place on Earth where you can observe both mountain gorillas and bonobos in their natural habitat. Despite the security challenges in the east of the country, the west and Kinshasa offer unique cultural and natural experiences.
Virunga National Park is Africa's oldest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is home to endangered mountain gorillas as well as Mount Nyiragongo, famed for its molten lava lake. It is one of the most spectacular natural experiences on the African continent.
Highlights : Mount Nyiragongo — crater with a molten lava lake, Mountain gorilla trek — Bukima forest, Lake Edward — sweeping views and aquatic wildlife.
Lola ya Bonobo is the world's only bonobo sanctuary, located on the outskirts of Kinshasa. This refuge cares for orphaned and injured bonobos in a 30-hectare natural forest setting. It is an essential visit to observe these fascinating great apes, humanity's closest relatives alongside chimpanzees.
Highlights : Watching bonobos roam freely in the forest, Young bonobo rehabilitation centre, Guided tour and time with the caretakers, Walk along the rainforest trails.
Kinshasa is one of Africa's largest metropolises, with more than 15 million inhabitants and a constant buzz of energy and culture. The Congolese music scene, birthplace of soukous and African rumba, comes alive in the city's many bars and live venues. Facing Brazzaville, it offers a unique view of the world's two closest capitals, separated by the Congo River.
Highlights : Marché de la Liberté — crafts and local life, Kinshasa Academy of Fine Arts, Congo riverfront — dugout canoe crossing, Live music and soukous bars.
The Congo River is the second most powerful river in the world after the Amazon, forming a spectacular natural border with the Republic of the Congo. Pool Malebo is a widening of the river that creates a natural lake 30 km across, with breathtaking scenery. The Livingstone Falls downstream from Kinshasa are among the most powerful rapids on the planet.
Highlights : Pool Malebo — views over the river's widest expansion, Livingstone Falls — spectacular hydraulic power, Kinshasa–Brazzaville boat crossing, River islands — traditional fishing and village life.
The DRC is an affordable destination for Western travellers, but costs can vary significantly from one region to another. Kinshasa is more expensive than the rest of the country. Domestic transport is costly because of the distances involved and the poor state of the roads.