Located on the edge of the equatorial forest on the south shore of the Congo River, in the west of the Republic of which it is the proud capital, it is the third most populous African city after Cairo and Lagos, and the first Francophone city in the world, with a population estimated at between and million. A small fee where fishermen once lived Teke under the authority of Chief Ngaliema, this position, founded in December 1881 by Stanley, is now over thirty kilometres east and over kilometres from north to south. Kinshasa is the economic, political and cultural heart of the country and the headquarters of important international institutions. A capital with multiple faces, a globalized village, it is undeniably a city of contrasts, multicultural in essence, with representatives of the 450 Congolese ethnic groups, but also a historic host land for many foreign communities.From "Kin-la-belle" as it once was called, it would now have become "Kin-la-poubelle" according to the formula dedicated… The worst of these is indeed the best, with chic residential neighbourhoods and anonymous slums, commercial areas of a high standard next to piles of immondices, a completely saturated downtown housing colourful markets and vegetable areas… This duality between planned city and spontaneous city is particularly pronounced in Kinshasa. But it is in this so singular crucible that we also find this cultural vitality, which makes Kin a "creative city", according to the label that has recently been given to UNESCO, especially through the music that conveys the lingala, the language of the Kinois and the people of the river, and which is exported throughout the continent. Without forgetting the sape, this unique socio-dress phenomenon, born of this recycling and fusion process at Kin and À, its twin on the other side of Pool Kin, the neighbouring Congo capital…Whatever we say, and in spite of all the grievances that have been held in it, Kinshasa remains a fascinating city, which at all times resists objectification, colonization, synthesis and summary. A city that is ruthless sometimes, with double face, which can fascinate and sorrow at the same time, a disproportionate city throughout the country it represents… In the image of these Facetious Kinois, the kings of the party, and to overcome it, in constant search for a good plan to ensure their daily survival, and whose strength, speaking by the passion of life, is a long history inscribed in the métissage of a crossroads city, a mutant city, today more than ever, and at the time of the des. many challenges facing her.

What to visit Kinshasa?

When to go to Kinshasa?

Kinshasa and its equatorial climate present subtle variations throughout the year. They are bound to influence your decision to visit. When to visit Kinshasa depends on a number of factors:

January to March: these months represent the rainy season in Kinshasa. If you love lush greenery, this is the time to enjoy revitalized landscapes. However, humidity remains somewhat high.

April to June: this is the best time to visit Kinshasa, with drier weather and pleasant temperatures. In May, Kinshasa is particularly beautiful, with its flora and fauna in full bloom.

July to September: although this is the dry season, temperatures are a little cooler and ideal for exploring the city without the stifling heat. September, however, sees the beginning of a rise in temperatures.

October to December: the rains return, so make the most of it, as this is also the time when the city is decked out in festivities for the end-of-year vacations.

In terms of pricing, high season is from April to September, when the climate is milder.

For more affordable rates, consider visiting Kinshasa during the low season, particularly between January and March.

And for the best possible experience, consider April to June as the ideal months for your trip to Kinshasa.

Use the map to see the lowest prices at a glance:
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Weather at the moment

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Weather all year round

Kinshasa has a humid tropical climate. The city has two main seasons:

The rainy season, from October to May, with heavier rainfall between January and March. During this period, temperatures in Kinshasa remain high, with high humidity. This is generally considered the low season for Kinshasa, due to the frequent rains.

The dry season runs from June to September. During these months, the weather in Kinshasa is milder, with slightly cooler temperatures, especially in July and August. This is the high season for Kinshasa, with an ideal climate for exploring the city and its surroundings.

Temperatures in Kinshasa are relatively stable, generally varying between 22°C and 30°C.

Jan.
22° / 31°
Feb.
22° / 31°
Mar.
22° / 32°
Apr.
22° / 31°
May
22° / 31°
June
19° / 28°
Jul.
17° / 27°
Aug.
18° / 29°
Sept.
20° / 30°
Oct.
21° / 31°
Nov.
21° / 31°
Dec.
22° / 30°
Budget

Kinshasa offers a range of options to suit all budgets. The official currency is the Congolese franc. Always carry cash, especially if you plan to visit local markets or less touristy areas. Credit cards are accepted in high-end hotels and some restaurants, but it's always a good idea to check in advance. If you're discovering the metropolis in eco mode, inns and small hotels offer rooms from as little as $20 a night. For more comfort, mid-range hotels offer rooms from $50 to $100, and high-end establishments generally start at $150.

To sample local specialties, you'll find street stalls and small local restaurants serving meals from $3, then mid-range restaurants offer dishes for $10-$20 and in posh restaurants, expect to pay $40 or more.

Our tips: currency exchange is done at banks or official exchange offices. Tipping is not compulsory in Kinshasa, but it is appreciated, especially in restaurants and for the services of a guide and to negotiate prices in markets and with cabs.

Procedures

To travel to Kinshasa, capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, you'll need to complete a number of administrative formalities. First and foremost, make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond the date of your return. A visa is required for all travellers wishing to enter Kinshasa. There are various types of visa, including tourist, business and transit visas. Times and fees vary according to the type of visa chosen. We strongly recommend that you apply for a visa well in advance of your departure date at the embassy or consulate of the Democratic Republic of Congo in your country of residence.

Please note that yellow fever is endemic in the DRC. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is therefore required to enter Kinshasa. It is also advisable to be up to date with other vaccinations such as cholera, typhoid and hepatitis A. Finally, depending on the nature of your trip, other documents may be required, such as a letter of invitation, a hotel reservation, or proof of sufficient funds for the duration of your stay. Check the embassy or consulate website regularly for the most up-to-date information on entry formalities in Kinshasa.

Health

Here are the health precautions you should take to ensure your well-being during your stay in Kinshasa:

Kinshasa vaccine: vaccination against yellow fever is compulsory for all travellers entering Kinshasa. You must present a vaccination certificate on arrival. In addition, although not compulsory, it is strongly recommended to be up to date with other vaccines such as typhoid, hepatitis A and B, and meningitis. Consult your doctor or an international vaccination center for personalized advice before you leave.

Drinking water in Kinshasa: Tap water in Kinshasa is not potable. Avoid drinking it or using it to brush your teeth. Opt for sealed bottled water, and make sure the ice cubes in your drinks come from a purified water source.

Other precautions : malaria is present in Kinshasa, so it's essential to take prophylactic measures and always use a mosquito net at night. Avoid eating uncooked food, especially meat and fish, to reduce the risk of food poisoning.

How to go to Kinshasa? Our advice & tips

Opt for an organized trip to Kinshasa and forget the hassle of planning! Here's how:

Look for agencies specializing in travel to Africa, or specifically to the Congo. They offer turnkey tours covering Kinshasa's main attractions, such as the Nsele Valley Park or Lola ya Bonobo ;

Define your type of trip: discover museums, historic districts, local markets or excursions along the Congo River, visits to nature reserves or tours combining trekking, sailing or safaris;

Target your budget according to duration, included activities and desired level of comfort. For example, an all-inclusive 10-day stay can cost between $1,500 and $3,500;

Consult the reviews on the platforms and plan for expenses and exclusions such as visas, tips or certain optional activities;

And don't forget the formalities: visa for Kinshasa, recommended vaccinations and other administrative formalities.

Discover our selection of travel agencies for this destination

Here are a few steps and tips for a successful solo trip to Kinshasa:

Before flying to Kinshasa, make sure you're well-informed about the city. Read guidebooks, blogs and forums;

Opt for youth hostels or local guesthouses to save money;

In Kinshasa, the fula fula are the colorful minibuses that criss-cross the city. They're economical, but often overcrowded. For greater comfort, cabs are an option;

Always be vigilant, especially at night. Avoid showing signs of affluence and keep your valuables in a safe place;

Don't miss out on a fumbwa (leaf-based sauce) or makayabu (dried fish) in a malewa (local restaurant);

The people of Kinshasa are warm and welcoming, so visit Nganda (local bars) for live Congolese rumba, and the Zando market.


Our advice: always keep a copy of your important documents, inform someone of your plans every day, take out travel insurance, and carry a flashlight, as power cuts are frequent.

To get around Kinshasa, you need to know the local means of transport. Here's a guide to help you:

City cabs : these official cabs, often yellow, are everywhere. Before you get in, always negotiate the price: between US$5 and US$20, depending on the distance;

Motorcycle cabs : fast to avoid heavy traffic, they're ideal for short trips. Be careful, though, as this is a more risky option;

Esprit de vie or Fula Fula : these colorful minibuses wind their way through the city. They are economical, often costing less than US$1 a ride, but are often overcrowded;

Pirogues: handy for crossing the Congo River or exploring riverside areas. Be sure to check security measures;

Renting a car is possible, but Kinshasa's traffic is notoriously chaotic. If you're not used to it, consider renting with a driver;

Our smart tips: always carry Congolese francs for transport, prefer daytime travel, and take a map or mobile map app with you to find your way around.

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Discover Kinshasa

When to travel?

Kinshasa and its equatorial climate present subtle variations throughout the year. They are bound to influence...
Read more about it

Weather forecast

Kinshasa has a humid tropical climate. The city has two main seasons:

The rainy season, fr...
Read more about it

Budget

Kinshasa offers a range of options to suit all budgets. The official currency is the Congolese franc. A...
Read more about it

Formalities

To travel to Kinshasa, capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, you'll need to complete a number of admini...
Read more about it

Health

Here are the health precautions you should take to ensure your well-being during your stay in Kinshasa:

...
Read more about it

How to travel by yourself?

Here are a few steps and tips for a successful solo trip to Kinshasa:

Before flying to Kinshasa, make s...
Read more about it

How to get organized?

Opt for an organized trip to Kinshasa and forget the hassle of planning! Here's how:

Look for agencies s...
Read more about it

Getting around

To get around Kinshasa, you need to know the local means of transport. Here's a guide to help you:

Ci...
Read more about it

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