Things to do in Democratic Republic of the Congo

25 things to do in Democratic Republic of the Congo

Listed in full below. The running order is set by votes and loads with the page.

• Trek to see the mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park

  Embark on a guided trek through dense rainforest to encounter one of the world's last remaining mountain gorilla families in their natural habitat. The experience combines breathtaking volcanic scenery with an unforgettable wildlife encounter.

  Virunga National Park, North Kivu

• Climb Mount Nyiragongo and camp beside the world's largest lava lake

  Hike up the steep slopes of an active volcano to spend the night on the crater rim, gazing into the churning red glow of the permanent lava lake far below. A raw, elemental adventure near Goma.

  Mount Nyiragongo, near Goma

• Visit eastern lowland gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega National Park

  Trek through montane forest to observe the critically endangered Grauer's gorilla, the largest gorilla subspecies, in the misty highlands west of Bukavu. A quieter, deeply moving alternative to the crowded mountain gorilla treks.

  Kahuzi-Biega National Park, near Bukavu

• Explore the Okapi Wildlife Reserve in the Ituri Forest

  Journey deep into one of Africa's most mysterious rainforests to spot the elusive okapi, forest elephants and chimpanzees. This UNESCO site protects a vast, pristine ecosystem along the Nepoko River near Epulu.

  Okapi Wildlife Reserve, Ituri

• Paddle a pirogue on the mighty Congo River from Kinshasa

  Board a traditional wooden canoe and glide across the powerful brown waters of the Congo River, passing fishermen's villages and watching the city skyline recede. A local guide navigates currents and rapids for a true riverine adventure.

  Congo River, Kinshasa

• Feel the spray of Zongo Falls near Kinshasa

  Hike through lush vegetation to a dramatic curtain of water where the Inkisi River plunges over a 65-metre drop. A refreshing day trip from the capital, ideal for swimming in natural pools and picnicking aloud the river.

  Zongo Falls, Kongo Central

• Take a slow boat across Lake Kivu from Goma to Bukavu

  Sail across one of Africa's Great Rift lakes, with mist-shrouded volcanic peaks on one side and terraced hills on the other. The journey offers floating markets, island stops and a tranquil escape from the region's bustle.

  Lake Kivu, between Goma and Bukavu

• Tour the National Museum of the DRC in Kinshasa

  Discover the country's rich cultural heritage through exhibits of masks, royal statues, musical instruments and pre-colonial artefacts housed in a modern building set in a former royal park. The museum provides essential context for any trip.

  Kinshasa

• Dance to live soukous at Chez Ntemba in Kinshasa

  Immerse yourself in the city's legendary nightlife at this iconic open-air club where rumba, soukous and ndombolo bands keep the crowd moving until dawn. Cold beer, grilled meat and an electrifying atmosphere make it a must.

  Chez Ntemba, Kinshasa

• Sample moambe chicken at a maquis like Chez Maman Colonel

  Sit down at a plastic table in a bustling open-air eatery to taste the national dish: tender chicken braised in a rich sauce of palm butter, served with fufu and fiery pili-pili. The lively vibe is as memorable as the food.

  Chez Maman Colonel, Kinshasa

• Admire Kuba kingdom artistry at the National Museum

  Focus on the extraordinary textiles, masks and royal regalia of the Kuba people, known for intricate geometric embroidery and carved wooden cups. This collection reveals a sophisticated court culture that thrived for centuries.

  National Museum, Kinshasa

• Witness a traditional Pende mask dance near Gungu

  Travel to the Kwilu province heartland to see a village performance where masked dancers animate spirits with acrobatic movements and hypnotic drumming. The minganji and mbapila masks are worn during initiation ceremonies.

  Gungu region, Kwilu

• Stand at the thundering Boyoma Falls in Kisangani

  Watch as the entire Congo River funnels through seven cataracts, creating a roaring spectacle. Local Wagenia fishermen still set their precarious wooden scaffolds from the rocks, hauling in fish with ancestral traps.

  Boyoma Falls, Kisangani

• Admire the power of Livingstone Falls (Inga Rapids)

  See the world's largest waterfall by volume, a 15-kilometre stretch of monstrous rapids where the Congo River squeezes through a narrow gorge. The sheer force of water is a humbling demonstration of nature's power.

  Inga, Kongo Central

• Navigate the Grand Marché central in Kinshasa

  Lose yourself in the capital's sprawling main market, a sensory overload of fabrics, spices, bushmeat, hardware and Congolese pop music. It's the perfect place to practice bargaining and observe daily urban life.

  Grand Marché, Kinshasa

• Retreat to Tchegera Island on Lake Kivu

  Escape to a tiny volcanic island where luxury tented camps offer tranquillity, kayaking and stunning views of the Virunga volcanoes. At night, the sky fills with stars while the calls of fruit bats echo over the water.

  Tchegera Island, Lake Kivu

• Meet orphaned bonobos at Lola ya Bonobo sanctuary

  Visit this forested haven south of Kinshasa where rescued bonobos, our closest great ape relatives, live in semi-wild families. See them play, feed and interact while learning about vital conservation work.

  Lola ya Bonobo, near Kinshasa

• Walk the historic slave port of Boma

  Discover the faded colonial architecture and the baobab trees that once shaded slave caravans. The old trading post on the Congo Estuary reveals a sombre chapter of transatlantic history, with the old cathedral and governor's house still standing.

  Boma, Kongo Central

• Discover ancient rock art in the Lovo Massif near Mbanza-Ngungu

  Hike to a vast complex of sandstone caves and overhangs covered with geometric engravings and red paintings, believed to be thousands of years old. This little-visited archaeological treasure is on the UNESCO tentative list.

  Lovo Massif, near Mbanza-Ngungu

• Enjoy a sunset cruise on the Congo River at Kinshasa

  Board a boat at the Yacht Club Kinshasa or with a local operator to drift along the river as the tropical sun sinks behind the jungle horizon. Drinks, music and the silhouette of the city's skyline make for a perfect evening.

  Kinshasa riverfront

• Stroll the musical streets of the Matonge district

  Explore the neighbourhood that has nurtured countless Congolese stars, where rehearsal studios, bars and vibrant street life pulse with the rhythms of rumba. Grab a beer at a terrace and watch impromptu dance battles.

  Matonge, Kinshasa

• Taste saka-saka at a local eatery in Lubumbashi

  Sample this hearty cassava leaf stew pounded with palm oil, peanuts and smoked fish, a staple of southern Congolese cuisine. Find it in simple restaurants around the city's bustling markets, served with a side of grilled meat.

  Lubumbashi, Haut-Katanga

• Explore abandoned colonial villas in Mbanza-Ngungu

  Wander through a once-thriving railway town to see crumbling Art Deco buildings and overgrown gardens from the Belgian colonial era, evoking a lost world. The cool hilltop setting offers a break from the lowland heat.

  Mbanza-Ngungu, Kongo Central

• Zip through Goma on the back of a moto-taxi

  Feel the pulse of a frontier city clinging to the edge of a lava plain by hailing a motorcycle taxi. Dodging potholes and market stalls, you'll see bustling neighbourhoods, volcano views and the vibrant daily life of eastern Congo.

  Goma, North Kivu

• Spot hippos and forest elephants along Lake Mai-Ndombe

  Take a boat safari on this vast, remote lake deep in the rainforested lowlands, where rare hippos laze in the shallows and elephant trails lead down to the water. A truly off-the-grid wildlife experience.

  Lac Mai-Ndombe, Mai-Ndombe Province