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Democratic Republic of Congo

Carpeted by huge swaths of rainforest and punctuated by gushing rivers and smoking volcanoes, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC, formerly Zaire) is the ultimate African adventure. As much a geographical concept as a fully fledged nation, DRC has experienced one of the saddest chapters in modern history, suffering a brutal 20th century of colonial exploitation, authoritarian madness and what has been dubbed Africa's first 'world war', which finally ended in 2003 with the rise of the Kabila political dynasty.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Captive Bonobos (Pan paniscus) in water to cool off .They are not scared of water and will readily enter the water for food. They are not able to swim so wade in bipedal Sanctuary Lola Ya Bonobo Chimpanzee, Democratic Republic of the Congo

    Lola Ya Bonobo Sanctuary

    Democratic Republic of Congo

    Ninety minutes west of Kinshasa, just beyond the city's sprawl, this excellent project provides a home for orphaned bonobos. Long thought to be…

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    Musée National de Kinshasa

    Kinshasa

    This amazing ethnographic archive comprising some 45,000 objects has been waiting patiently for its new home, a US$10 million prestige investment from…

  • Chutes du Zongo

    Chutes du Zongo

    Democratic Republic of Congo

    A popular day trip from Kinshasa despite the expensive 4WD hire (US$200) necessary to get here, the gorgeous 65m-high Zongo Falls are one of DRC's most…

  • Serpents du Congo

    Serpents du Congo

    Kinshasa

    This excellent snake farm is located 28km from downtown Kinshasa and makes for a great day out. Owner Franck will gladly show you the poisonous and…

  • Palais de la Nation

    Palais de la Nation

    Kinshasa

    Built in 1956 as the official residence of the Belgian governor general in Kinshasa, the Palais de la Nation was where Congo's first president, Patrick…

  • Laurent Kabila's Tomb

    Laurent Kabila's Tomb

    Kinshasa

    This tomb of former president Laurent Kabila (1939-2001) is worth seeing, although reaching it involves passing through several layers of security in the…

  • Chutes de Lukaya

    Chutes de Lukaya

    Democratic Republic of Congo

    A great day trip from Kinshasa, the Chutes de Lukaya have a wonderful natural setting, a decent restaurant (open at the weekend only), natural lakes to…

  • Kinkole Fish Market

    Kinkole Fish Market

    Democratic Republic of Congo

    The fish market at Kinkole was constructed by Mobutu to honour the country's fishermen as part of his 'authenticity' campaign. You can hire a priogue for…

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Articles

Latest stories from Democratic Republic of Congo

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History

I fled civil war. Now I travel the world

Jun 4, 2020 • 10 min read

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Go Beyond

Democratic Republic of Congo and beyond

Beyond Democratic Republic of Congo
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