Kinshasa

Kinshasa has a tropical climate with rainy and dry seasons. It has a long rainy season that lasts from October to May, followed by a brief dry season that lasts from June to September.

Because Kinshasa is south of the equator, the dry season starts in June, around the “winter” solstice. In contrast, in African towns farther north with this climate, the dry season usually starts around January.

The dry season in Kinshasa is somewhat colder than the rainy season, although temperatures are rather consistent throughout the year.

Kinshasa is a city of extremes, with upscale residential and business sectors, as well as three colleges, coexisting with huge slums. It is situated on the south bank of the Congo River, immediately across from Brazzaville, the Republic of Congo’s capital.

After the Nile, the Congo River is Africa’s second longest river, with the continent’s highest flow. It serves as a waterway for most of the Congo basin; huge river barges may travel between Kinshasa and Kisangani on it, and several of its tributaries are also navigable. The river is a major source of hydroelectric power, with the capacity to create enough electricity to power about half of Africa’s population downstream from Kinshasa.

South African Airways, Kenyan Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, and Royal Air Maroc all offer a number of weekly flights from their respective hubs in Johannesburg, Nairobi, Addis Ababa, and Casablanca. Air France from Paris, Brussels Airlines from Brussels, and Royal Air Maroc from Casablanca in Morocco all provide connections to Europe.

The Kinshasa airport has a bad reputation in the past for crooked authorities demanding bribes. They’ve improved things considerably, and it’s now pretty tolerable. Simply follow the crowd and avoid seeming like a tourist. A certificate of yellow fever immunization is required. Once outside the airport, be prepared to be swarmed by volunteer ‘assistants’ who will offer to carry your baggage in exchange for gratuities. Bear in mind that if you return to the airport to depart, you cannot drive your vehicle or hail a taxi into airport premises without paying a $5 or $10 parking / entrance fee.

A cab into town will likely cost between $30 and $50, and is unlikely to have air conditioning. Kinshasa’s central business district is around an hour away. The most convenient alternative is to take a shuttle provided by one of the transport firms located just outside the arrivals entrance.

While there is a train connecting N’Djili airport to the central station, service is restricted to twice daily and is of little value to the average visitor.

During colonial times, the railroad of Congo traversed the whole nation, but has since fallen into disrepair. There are, however, glimmers of promise; the primary railway station in Kinshasa was recently refurbished, and in August 2015, a new long-distance passenger service from Matadi, the country’s principal seaport on the Congo river and gateway to Angola, was started. It operates three times a week and covers the 300 kilometers in about seven hours, making it one of central Africa’s fastest passenger trains. Apart from the Matadi service, the only other passenger trains are commuter trains that provide little benefit to the typical visitor.

Tickets are often only available on the day of travel, just before the train arrives, and might be difficult to get.

Aside from the route connecting Matadi and Kinshasa, there are no other options for overland travel. The upper northern area (Bangassou – Nia Nia – Isiro) and maybe the Kinshasa – Lumumbashi axis are good places to try your 4×4 skills, but the rest of the country is not. All other settlements can only be reached by air or by boat, which is the only mode of transportation available.

If you have a visa, you may come by boat from Brazzaville. There are speed boats that go rapidly for a restricted number of passengers, or if you have time, you may take the barge with local merchants. Inquire for directions to “the Beach,” which is the ferry station.

Officially, there is a city bus, which has lately been boosted by the donation to Kinshasa of several older Belgian vehicles to enhance the routes. This system pales in contrast to Kinshasa’s “taxi” system, which arose spontaneously to meet the city’s demands.

These taxis are essentially minibuses. They follow pre-determined itineraries between the “stops,” which are embarkation places. The cost of traveling between these locations is normally approximately 350 Francs. If one’s destination requires many stops, various cabs must be boarded to finish the journey, which might take a long time during peak traffic hours.

People waiting at the stops will use a variety of hand signals to indicate which way they are traveling. If they are traveling in the same direction and there is room in the cab, a taxi will stop and pick them up.

For the natives, this approach works wonderfully. It may be challenging for tourists and foreigners since they must know the hand signals, be familiar with the routes, be prepared to sit in tight, hot cars with a large number of other people, and cope with the possible risks of these vehicles, as many are barely road-worthy. For individuals unfamiliar with the system, traveling in this way need local assistance. Because the drivers do not understand English, it will be necessary to speak French or Lingala.

Traditional cabs are also available for hiring. They may be hired for a single run or for the whole day. This is a risky profession that should be approached with caution (particularly at airports), since there are individuals who will transport passengers to distant regions and loot them. Again, getting aid from a local or employing drivers who have been recommended by others in the region is the best option. The rates for these cabs vary greatly, and if the driver does not seem to be of African heritage, an automatic surcharge will be imposed.

MARKET / SUPERMARKET

RESTAURANTS

ENTERTAINMENT

PERSONAL CARE

CLOTHES / SHOES

TRANSPORTATION

Kinshasa’s ville-province is split into four districts, each of which is subdivided into 24 communes (municipalities):

• National Museum of Kinshasa, +243 12 61494. The museum, which opened in 1970, has a huge collection of anthropological artifacts.
• Lola ya Bonobo,  +243 818 141492. The only orphaned bonobo shelter in the world. The sanctuary has existed in Les Petites Chutes de la Lukaya, just outside of Kinshasa, since 2002.
• Bombo-Lumene Game Reserve (130 km towards Kikwit).
• Don’t forget to pick up some artworks at Le marché des valeurs, affectionately known asmarché des voleurs… the first term refers to the market of values, while the second, by altering one letter, refers to the market of thieves. Prepare to bargain and avoid paying the first asking price, which is likely to be at least 60% to 75% more than the final amount, if not more. For more upscale art, visit the Academie des Beaux Arts on Avenue Pierre Mulele (formerly Avenue 24 Novembre) or Symphonie des Arts: on the Boulevard du 30 Juin, heading towards Kintambo, turn right after the elephant when you see the barrier on your right… it’s on your left hand across from the large colonial villa. A more time-consuming but far more intriguing and intimate approach to meet the country’s artists would be to visit their private studios. Even then, prices for paintings like Lema Kusa, Henri Kalama, or Nshole are costly, but well worth it given the quality of their work and worldwide reputation.
• A more comfortable and enjoyable method to purchase street art is to have a drink at Surcouf, which is located off the avenue 30 Juin, just across from the INSS building. Sit at a table and get a drink (Primus is advised), and the artists will constantly arrive and exhibit a variety of artworks. The same bargaining rules apply as they do at Marché des valeurs.
• Kinkole is a tiny town located in the city’s rural area’s eastern section. It is located on the RN1 (Boulevard Lumumba), a short distance from the airport. It features a wonderful restaurant area with a patio where you can eat all the local delicacies. Because so many people come here to unwind, there are several individuals attempting to entice you into their company. Closer to the river, there is a fishermen market where river cuisine is sold. Take caution if you want to photograph; you will almost certainly be required to pay someone first since this is considered the international boundary.
• Jardin d’Eden is a restaurant and music bar located on the banks of the Nsele river in the city’s rural eastern section. After the airport, it is farther than Kinkole. There is a very peaceful vibe at the establishment. You may dine, listen to a live band perform Congolese favorites, or even enjoy a river cruise on the Nsele. The meals and beverages are reasonably priced for the middle class.
• If you want to go out of town, the Chutes de Zongo waterfalls in Bas Congo are magnificent, but they are 130 kilometers from Kinshasa, making them unsuitable for a day excursion. You may stay near the falls at the Seli Safari Resort.

• Musee National de Kinshasa (National Museum) – Address: Avenue du 24 Novembre, Kinshasa. The Musée National de Kinshasa, located in the capital, has the country’s principal collection of Zairian art.
• Academie des Beaux-Arts – Address: Avenue de 24 Novembre | À proximité de l’Ecole belge, quartier de la Gombe, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Phone Number: 2438941010
• Texaf Bilembo, Art gallery Address: Utexafrica, 372 av. Colonel Mondjiba | Gombe, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo Phone Number: +243 818 785 072

• A barbecue on a sandbank beside the Congo River is a must. At the Yacht Club Kinshasa, renting a boat for the day includes a driver and all necessary equipment (tables, seats, a sunbed, and a BBQ). The yacht can accommodate eight people, making it relatively reasonable if you split the cost. A genuinely wonderful event if the pork and Primus are not forgotten!
• Take a stroll or jog along the riverfront in front of the British/German embassies.
• Attend church on Sunday mornings, as the majority of residents do.

There are several eateries catering to ‘expats’ where you can pay in dollars but it is prohibitively pricey. Expect to spend up to $20 for a pizza (and $40 at the hotel).

• Al Dar, near the Memling hotel. A Lebanese restaurant located in the town center. A shwarma sandwich costs around $3, and they also serve taboule, hummus, and desserts.

Numerous inexpensive roadside booths may be found largely outside of downtown’s Gombe.

• Bandalungwa’s La Bloque. One of the most well-known types are roadside booths.
• Mama Colonel, Bandal. A superb restaurant. There are just four dishes on the menu – chicken, fish, fries, and plantain – yet they are all perfectly grilled.

The Congo river freshwater shrimp are excellent; they are referred to on menus as Cossa Cossa (as opposed to imported saltwater prawns, which are called Gambas) and are often served with a garlic and chile (pili-pili) butter sauce. A platter of them will cost between $25 and $40, depending on where you dine.

• 3615, on the main Boulevard (next door to the Peloustore supermarket). Has both an outdoor and an inside air-conditioned space; and superb meals ranging from pizza to steaks and seafood. A full meal with a drink costs around US$20 on average. Dozens of prostitutes, pretty entertaining to watch, however you will be hassled if you are a male alone.
• Association Belgo-Congolaise (ABC). Serves lunches for about $10 on a pleasant outdoor patio, albeit the quality of the food is sometimes suspect and the kitchen closes early. Traditional meal such as river fish and fried plantains is available, as is cosmopolitan fare such as cheeseburgers and spaghetti. Food takes an extended period of time to arrive. You may also use espresso coffee for the Nescafe.
• Marie Kabuang – A little difficult to locate on the first floor of the Sultani Hotel (Avenue de la Justice), but this restaurant has been completely renovated. Very fashionable and contemporary. Breakfast and lunch (world cuisine) are available for just 15 USD, ensuring quick service and outstanding taste.
• Cercle Elaeis/ La Paillotte. Cuisines both traditional and foreign. Dining al fresco with a view of the pool. Expensive, but excellent country club environment. On weekends, the pool area is packed with visiting expats and Lebanese families.
• Chez Gaby. Portuguese-style. At the top end of the mid-range – the cuisine is variety and delicious, and if you’re feeling flush, you can even request imported products such as foie gras and European wines.
• Chez Philo. Serves a variety of Congolese meals in addition to regular Belgian food. Excellent prawns (Cossa)
• La Piscine. Outdoor tables positioned around a swimming pool—awesome surroundings and mediocre cuisine for roughly $20-$30 if you select wisely. Greek specialties and pizza are available in addition to the standard fare.
• Girassol (off the Boulevard), across from Sonas, on the intersection where Icare travel is situated; take the most right street; it is on the right.
• Le Roi du Cossa 220 Ave Mpolo (just off the Boulevard), Gombe. A Portuguese restaurant is usually a solid pick for seafood. According to some, this is the finest Cossa Cossa in town.
• Green Garden is the town’s greatest Indian restaurant, nestled in a beautiful garden setting. North and South Indian dishes are served in a beautiful outdoor environment. Every day, dosas are served at all hours of the day. Parallel to Boulevard, opposite Chez Delice, behind La Piscine.
• Pizerria Extreme: pizzas and other delicacies at a reasonable price. Exit the road at the corner of the Express supermarket.
• Pizerria Opoeta and Greg’s bar: On the way to the golf course, Pizerria Opoeta and Greg’s bar are the closest approach to an international pub. Additionally, the pizzas are excellent. Due to the Portuguese owners, the seafood is excellent.
• Mangoustan restaurant at the Memling Hotel: Mangoustan restaurant in the Memling Hotel features a $40 lunch buffet Monday through Friday with a wide range of Belgian and foreign foods, and a $40 cheese and charcuterie buffet Wednesday evening featuring a rotating wine-by-the-glass selection. Excellent bargain. Parking amenities that are secure. It is prudent to make bookings.

Gombe has the most costly eateries.

• Café Conc (Le Caf Conc), Av. de la Nation. Supposedly the most expensive restaurant in the DRC!
• Ciboulette. Second most expensive. It’s on the right side of the Elais complex.
• Chez Nicolas, Avenue de la Justice. Italian restaurant that has been in operation for over 25 years.
• Le Cercle Gourmand, Av. Du Cercle, +243 999 901 001. The restaurant is a high-end establishment that is part of the golf club.
• La Brasserie, 5, Avenue Rep Du Tchad (In Memling Hotel). Excellent cuisine. With Belgian and French influences, as well as a few Congolese recipes. It’s a little pricey, but it’s worth it because of the huge quantities and excellent service. On-site parking is secure.

The following are some of the best supermarkets:

• Peloustore can be found on the boulevard (large orange/yellow building with green lettering). Excellent veggies and other dry items available in Belgium.
• Expresse is situated on the boulevard, a bit farther away from Peloustore. Good veggies and the finest “charcuterie,” or cold cut meat, may be found here.
• City Market. This enormous supermarket will be on your left hand if you turn on the corner of Expresse. It serves the greatest bread in town. Alternatively, across the street at Patisserie Nouvelle, you’ll find wonderful bread (and more) as well as lunch options.
• Hasson et Freres is situated right off the roundabout near the central station, on the street immediately before going into the boulevard: this is without a doubt the greatest location to acquire your meat: the “filet pur” is superb.

The US Dollar (USD) is the most often used currency for most large-scale transactions. Payment in USD for a purchase will most likely result in you receiving change in USD for quantities more than $5-$10. Lesser sums, as well as any remaining balance, will be paid in Congolese Francs (approx 900 CF per 1 USD – as of 22 MARCH 2010). Credit cards are not frequently recognized; you should not rely on them to keep you afloat. Only prominent hotels (such as The Memling) and a few stores accept them (if there are no connectivity issues). With a valid international VISA ATM card, cash may be withdrawn from the PRO CREDIT Bank. The denominations are in USD and/or CF. Make sure you’ve informed your bank of your plans to travel so that you may use international ATMs without difficulty.

Most evenings, Kinshasa comes alive as inhabitants go to Matonge, a district full with dance bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. Bandal and Bonmarche have recently been the most popular “quartiers” for visiting the local bars and “discotheques.” Learn how to dance Congolese rhythms at a local nightclub. Prepare to shake your booty! For those who wish to remain in Gombe, the following options are available:

• Chez Ntemba, Av. Douane. After midnight, it becomes a hive of activity.
• Ibiza Bar. Jazz club with live music. Dancing begins about 12 a.m. A true old-fashioned jazz pub with a small, smoky ambiance.
• Mambo.
• Standing Club,  +243 818 143550. 9PM-5AM. A small western-style tavern with a disco.
• VIP Bar. Larger western-style disco with a ceiling mirror and disco-ball. Close to 3615 on the major boulevard
• 3615. Vibrant yet filthy boulevard nightclub. Because it is purportedly a center for prostitution, UN workers are barred from entering.
• Savanana. 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.

Expats frequent hotel bars, which generally have live music several evenings a week.

• Bar of Sultani Hotel. The Sultani Hotel’s style bar has been updated and now offers a more pleasant atmosphere as well as (jazz) parties every Friday with live music and no admission price. Cocktails begin about $8 USD.
• Cockpit Bar, 5 Avenue Rep Du Tchad (In Hotel Memling). The main bar of the Memling. The setting is lovely. During the day, drink their wild Congolese tea laced with lemongrass, which is a must. In the evening, a cozy club with jazz, blues, and soul music in the background. Happy hour is from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., and they have BOGO evenings for draught beers, kwilu rhum cocktails, and world music.
• Bar La Piscine, 5 Avenue Rep Du Tchad (In Hotel Memling),  0815557700.12.00pm-10.30pm. The pool bar of the Memling Hotel serves good meals and has an upper terrace with a tiny oasis overlooking the pool and semi-private little gazebos – a fantastic little romantic hangout. The pool bar and charcoal grill unquestionably delivers the greatest burgers and barbecue in town. Safari BBQ during the dry season. From 5 to 7 p.m., they provide BOGO nights/Happy Hour for draft beers and kwilu rhum drinks. On-site parking that is enclosed and secured.

It is very advised that you always have a local with you at all times (besides while being in your hotel). Cab drivers will frequently accompany you to local businesses and make brief stops, and if you find a good one, they will also function as your interpreter. Take care of whatever equipment you have with you, such as digital cameras and video cameras. Take caution with what you photograph as well. Even though they state no pictures at the airport or in government buildings, the police and UN personnel will often get agitated if you take recordings in other areas where it is theoretically permissible. Just make sure you have a good number of locals with you who know what they’re doing and can give protection and a route out if you get stranded or in difficulty. Take their advise and pay attention while you’re out and about. If you have any doubts about photographing anything, don’t do it unless you have received very specific orders to do so. Keep cameras out of sight unless you’ve been given permission to photograph anything (which is just like taking a photo to them it seems). When shooting images, be prepared for both hostile and good responses.

When traveling by automobile, always lock all of the doors before you leave, since opportunist criminals are known to attempt to open them and steal your valuables. Bags and valuables should also be kept out of reach and sight for the same reason.

Be careful if you are contacted by anyone pretending to be police. If they are not wearing a uniform, they are most likely not police and are aiming to steal your money and goods. A popular ploy is for a group of guys in a vehicle to offer you a false police identification card and request that you accompany them to the police station. Do not get in your automobile; instead, walk away. Prepare to flee. Never lose your cool, but keep bargaining in a nice manner; eventually, they will give up.

Recent road scams have featured a gang of phony police officers in an unmarked 4×4 truck pulling up unsuspecting persons travelling alone in automobiles, then forcefully taking them into their vehicle, driving them out to the country, robbing them of everything, and abandoning them stranded. While the primary targets have been UN personnel in apparent white UN cars, all foreign drivers should be aware of this gang or any working in a similar manner. People should never drive alone in automobiles, particularly after dark, for their own safety.

Drinking the local water is not a good idea. Bottled water seems to be reasonably priced, however it might be difficult to get at a reasonable price. The best way is to tip the housekeeping staff to get extra bottles put in your room if you are staying in an upscale hotel that provides it with the room (usually if you tell them while giving them the money that works the best, and after the first two days of asking for the water you usually don’t have to worry about telling them anymore, just give them the $5 a day).

Make sure you have all of the necessary vaccines, such as yellow fever, typhoid, and so on.