Things to see and do Kinshasa And Its Surroundings

The world's only sanctuary dedicated to bonobos, one of the DRC's four endangered great apes and man's closest cousin. This 35-hectare sanctuary, located 25 km from Kin, was founded by Claudine André, who has been taking in orphaned bonobos since 1994. Today, the site is home to some sixty specimens, which can be observed throughout the hour-long tour of this magnificent setting, depending on the time of day and their activities. Unique in the world, since the bonobo is endemic to the DRC! And a must-see in Kin.

Seli Safari Zongo is located along the Inkisi River, not far from the famous Zongo Falls, 135 km from Kinshasa. The facilities and rooms are modern. An excellent place to relax. The waterfalls that fall with a thundering sound from a height of 67 meters impress the visitor and refresh from head to toe. The visit can be completed with a walk in the surrounding forest and swimming in the pool or in the lnkisi river. A short walk to the place where the Inkisi River flows into the river is picturesque and wild.

Also known as "Chez le Conseiller". A lovely place to relax, overlooking the river and its bubbling rapids. Enjoy the large stones lining the beach. Given the dangerous nature of the rapids, swimming is prohibited. Small children's playground, basketball court, straw huts, barbecue, picnic areas, open-air museum... With different rates between the plain and the hill: between $1 and $5. 6 small bungalows for lodging ($50 for 2 pers.). Popular on weekends and holidays.

Area 9 000 hectares to 135 km east of Kin. The Choroni project promotes integrated rural development on three fronts: environment, economic and social. The environmental objective is implemented through the principle of forest carbon sinks, of which Aerosmith is the only beneficiary recognized in DRC by the United Nations. This concept consists of "storing" the Co ₂ by reboisant the grassy savane while ensuring sustainable soil management. The economic component is to improve the production and marketing of agricultural (cassava) and forestry (charcoal) products, operated by local populations according to the principles of agroforestry, while providing them with jobs and income, and the construction of schools and clinics. The site is that all year round. Accommodation in dormitories or in individual room (from $ 15 to $ 75) with local meals. Upon reservation. At the end of the stay, each visitor plant a tree and symbolically brings his stone to the building. As of 2017, new ecotourism trips will be offered in South Kwamouth.

A little Eden thirty kilometers to the west. You can go pedal-boating, fishing or hiking around the man-made lake (complete tour: six kilometers), or in the small forest that borders it. No swimming, however. Paillotes where you can have lunch with local classics, but remember to order before your visit... Picnics available (for a few dollars). The site is very touristy and crowded at weekends. Possibility of combining with a visit to the bonobos next door.

The establishment of the French Cultural Centre in Kinshasa dates back to October 1967. Originally hosted in the premises of the French Embassy, the CCF subsequently settled on the location of the former premises of the French School René Descartes located on the commune of La Gombe. Its new location was inaugurated by the Minister of French Cooperation on 14 October 1999. Since that date, it has developed to become an essential element of Franco-Congolese cultural cooperation. It occupies a surface area of nearly 2 000 m 2. The central building includes administrative services, cafeteria, library and library. The Centre also includes several rooms including a large hall for the most important shows, as well as a small room and an exhibition room. The CCF library allows, in particular, to consult on site or in loan of numerous books and magazines and also French newspapers that it is very difficult to find in Kinshasa. The Centre cafeteria is a very popular place where you can dine (barbecue in particular) for a low price, or simply take a drink in a pleasant setting enhanced by beautiful gardens and a cultural atmosphere.

In a green setting, the Elaeis circle is a relaxing family. Several sports activities are planned: swimming, tennis, squash, musculation, gym. For children, rides, an inflatable castle, and company games. There is also a bowling alley, a bowls… two restaurants operate in the same complex.

Seaside declination of the same name in town (Lingwala). Although one looks like the other looks like a little slower, it is reported. Private concession along the river, with green space, terrace, parasols and a scene to host concerts (Werrason…). The young kinoise is found there on the weekend to decompress and give itself a typical show MTV and Miss T-shirt wet… It is necessary for all tastes.

A green, airy site with straw huts, terraces on stilts, shimmering decor, a small stage for concerts (Koffi) and house bands. But above all in this case: swimming, walks on the Nsele River, and hikes on the adjacent 16-hectare island. Literally enchanting! Accommodation (twelve rooms and two apartments) and on-site catering (garden). Special package for departing travelers, for one night and a free river hike ($45) before resuming their flight to Ndjili. A real treat!

This centre belongs to the Bishopric of Kinshasa but the possibilities for use are wide: religious retirement, but also conferences, seminars and opportunities to recover. The corner is quite bucolic.

Handicraft exhibition room, conference room of about 650 places and library. Cultural area which also offers theater, dance, music and literature programming.

A popular district of Ngaliema, originally rural. It is mostly crowded on weekends for its proximity to the river and the panorama on the Kinsuka rapids and Mimosa Island. In the dry season, the river is transformed into an open-air quarry, where people come to collect rubble and sand. The best thing to do is to watch the sunset from the restaurants facing the river, including Chez Tintin, La Voix du Fleuve, Delikate, Mbudi Nature, and many others. It combines the sounds of the city with the impressive sound of the river flow.

A wonderful place to relax, 80 km from Kin. Nestled on the banks of the river, which forms a narrower channel at this point, you can see the banks of the neighboring Congo 5 kilometers away. The green hills in the distance are reminiscent of Lake Kivu! Catering (fresh fish) on site. River canoeing and swimming. Busy at weekends. You can get there by river from Kin or via the Maluku road along the river.

A few metres from the Garden of Eden. Nothing new under the sun is the usual formula: barns, swimming pool, barbecue, children's games, volleyball, jet-skiing, swimming in the river Nsele, boat ride… Possibility of accommodation and restaurant. Wooden pontoon overlooking the river and géants of giant bamboo on the banks. One alternative to a Sunday break, or a fiesta in green on Saturday evening. More popular than other addresses in the corner, hoping that it will continue with time…

A beach located in the commune of Ngaliema, about thirty kilometers from the center, not far from Mbudi. It offers a peaceful view of the river, with the two banks barely 1 km apart. The natural beauty of the landscape and the fine sandy beach make this a magnificent location. This is one of the narrowest stretches of the river, dotted here and there with large stones that emerge in the dry season. Watch out for the current! The site is roughly equipped, so bring your camping kit. Bushwalking possible in the surrounding green hills.

With its 200 hectares of forest and ponds, the estate - classified as a protected area - is one of the last vestiges of primary forest. On the menu: walks (on foot or by bike), fishing or visits to the few caves and surrounding villages. Meals and picnics available on site. Located just a few minutes' walk from the Kintambo Magasin square, this spot not far from the bustling city is ideal for relaxing and enjoying the silence of nature. You can also buy arts and crafts.

A green lung in the heart of the city, it presents a sample of Congolese biodiversity, with about a hundred species of trees on seven hectares. Created in 1933, the garden has become a place for environmental education and nature conservation in DRC. It is a place for strolling, discovery and relaxation in a pleasant setting. Young Congolese come to walk, flirt and even study, in the shade of the treetops or around the palaver tree... The large hall and the central garden host cultural events.

Located 130 km from Kin, this former hunting area (1968) covers 350 000 hectares on the border with Kwango province. It takes its name from rivers that delineate the protected reserve (savanes and forests). Originally, the site was very rich in wildlife, but there isn't much left today apart from some birds or antelopes. However, this is a magical place to recharge, in a picturesque setting. An arrow hiking hike (between two and four hours) and swimming in the Lumene River, which spans a bridge to liane. But beware, the rapids are close… and cases of drowning have already been reported. Cottage accommodation ($ 25/double room), guest house ($ 20/double room), tent of 8 persons ($ 30/tent), or with its own tent ($ 10). No electricity, attention to mosquitoes and cool nights in dry season! Provide for his food. Pending the rehabilitation announced… On return, a passage advised by the village of Dumi, known for its féticheurs and market.

Another of these leisure and leisure sites along the Nsele River. Probably not the best, but history to change a little, in a "arty" and "roots" register. Quite basic despite the announcement effects ("luxury VIP pools"). A few basins where to dip and tables and chairs where to take their beer or sweet with family or friends, in a green setting that saves the bet. One good point: it is probably less frequented than the addresses more well known and known in the area.

Less well known and frequented than the nearby lake Mon Valley, and yet it's an equally charming spot for a Sunday green. The lake lies in the middle of an impressive valley of a plateau. Restaurant where to order some local dishes. And while waiting to be served, a small boat tour or walk in the surroundings, or even to the beautiful church Sainte-Marie de Kimwenza located at the top of the plateau (Catholic Jesuit mission). A few animals in cages… All sprinkled with handcrafted palm wine to finish in beauty.