Things to see and do Kinshasa

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

Less popular than Chez or Mbudi Nature, but to visit! The attraction? Old limousines, remnants of the Ali-Foreman battle in 1974, which failed there. But the other attraction is the Kiudi Island accessible on foot, more or less easily depending on the level of the river… Hiking, enough roots, to enjoy a fresh beer in the island bar (prevention at Tatem before). Swimming possible (fast!). And the classic barbecue or picnic by staying on the main site, with beautiful sunset. She's not beautiful life?