Democratic Republic of the Congo：A Nation Covered by Expansive Rainforests and Lined by Gushing Rivers

Democratic Republic of the Congo is a huge country in central Africa. Democratic Republic of the Congo is also sometimes known as Zaire or simply the Congo. Democratic Republic of the Congo is renowned for its pristine national parks, beautiful nature, interesting history and friendly local people. Democratic Republic of the Congo is highly recommended for a sightseeing holiday. In this article we will advise you on Democratic Republic of the Congo’s top 10 sightseeing destinations.

1. Mount Nyiragongo (Goma)

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Mount Nyiragongo is an active stratovolcano located near Goma in Democratic Republic of the Congo. Mount Nyiragongo is over 3400 meters high. The hike up is intense but very worth it for the spectacular lava flows that can be sightseen at the lava lakes in the volcano’s crater. It takes about 6 hours to climb up the volcano and 3 hours to return to the bottom. Due to the height of the volcano the temperature during the hike up drops relatively low. It is therefore recommended that sightseeing tourists are prepared and take warm clothes with them. A walking stick might also be helpful. Do not forget your camera as views from the top of the volcano are breath-taking.

2. Virunga National Park (Goma)

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Virunga National Park is Democratic Republic of the Congo and Africa’s oldest national park. One quarter of the world’s mountain gorillas live in Virunga National Park. Recommended sightseeing activities in Virunga National Park include gorilla-tracking trekking tours and wildlife safaris. On safaris visitors can sightsee elephants, hyenas, pelicans, crocodiles, hippos and many other wild animals. Virunga National Park is surrounded by some of Democratic Republic of the Congo’s most striking mountains. Many sightseeing tourists choose to combine a trip to the Virunga National Park with a hike up aforementioned Mount Nyiragongo.

3. Lola ya Bonobo (Kinshasa)

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Lola ya Bonobo is a bonobo sanctuary and rehabilitation center in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Bonobo is an endangered great ape specie. Bonobos are native to The Democratic Republic of the Congo and live exclusively in this country. Lola ya Bonobo works towards conservation and protection of bonobos. The Lola ya Bonobo staff rescue, rehabilitate and release bonobos back to the wild. Sightseeing tourists are welcome at Lola ya Bonobo and can learn a lot about these magnificent creatures during their visit. Due to extremely limited space Lola ya Bonobo can only accept limited numbers of sightseeing visitors. To avoid disappointment, when arranging your sightseeing trip to The Democratic Republic of the Congo, it is advisable to contact Lola ya Bonobo to book your visit in advance.

4. Zongo Falls (Zongo)

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Zongo Falls is a grand waterfall on the Inkisi River, a tributary of Congo River, located in the of western part of The Democratic Republic of the Congo. Zongo falls are 65 meters high and incredible amount of water passes them every second. Zongo Falls are hidden amidst Democratic Republic of the Congo’s rain-forest. Sightseeing visitors can enjoy a nature walk or a longer hike while visiting Zongo Falls, The Democratic Republic of the Congo. Close to Zongo Falls are many luxurious resorts and restaurants serving exquisite local cuisine. Make sure not to miss Zongo Falls while sightseeing Democratic Republic of the Congo.

5. Lake Kivu (Goma)

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Lake Kivu is a huge and very picturesque lake on the border between Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda. The lake is an impressive 90 kilometers long, 50 kilometers wide and 480 meters deep. There is plenty to do around Lake Kivu for sightseeing tourists. It is possible to swim in the pristine waters of Lake Kivu or to take out kayaks. Restaurants around Lake Kivu specialize in dishes made from fresh fish caught in the lake. While sightseeing many tourists chose to visit the Idjwi island in the middle of the lake. This island is the tenth biggest island on a lake in the world.

6. Ma Vallee (Kinshasa)

Ma Vallee, also called Africa Park Adventure, is a fantastic natural sightseeing destination near Kinshasa in Democratic Republic of the Congo. There is vast and beautiful lake called Ma here. Sightseeing tourists can take out pedal boats to explore the lake at their own pace. Guests can also rent out kayaks on the lake or for more adrenaline take a zip-wire above the lake. The entrance to Ma Valley costs $5, but includes a complimentary soft drink. There are cafes and restaurants inside Ma Vallee and grilled chicken is a specialty.

7. Musée National de Kinshasa (Kinshasa)

Musée National de Kinshasa is a place well-worth including in a sightseeing tour of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. The museum is educational and explains the long and intriguing history of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The museum also holds and extensive collection of Zairian art. The museum offers informative guided tours to the sightseeing visitors. Due to limited space the Museum keeps many of its exhibits in storage, but if a sightseeing visitor asks to be shown a piece from the collection the staff will bring it out from storage.

8. Serpents du Congo (Kinshasa)

Serpents du Congo is a reptile center specializing in education about local snakes, in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Serpents du Congo organizes educational experiences for sightseeing visitors. Tourists learn about Congo’s indigenous snakes and other reptiles. During the experience sightseeing visitors get a chance to touch and hold life snakes. The experiences cost $10 per person and need to be arranged with Franck, the owner of Serpents du Congo. The experiences are run in French. Many tourists who visit Serpents du Congo choose to also sightsee the nearby Lola ya Bonobo.

9. Cathedral of Lubumbashi (Lubumbashi)

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Cathedral of Lubumbashi is a much-photographed Roman Catholic cathedral in Lubumbashi in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is a worthy stop on a sightseeing trip of Democratic Republic of the Congo. Cathedral of Lubumbashi was constructed in 1920. The cathedral is a brick building, with attractive architectural style and a tall bell tower. Masses are held each Sunday and sightseeing visitors to Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo are welcome to join. Once you finish sightseeing the cathedral, why not go for a stroll around the pretty streets of Lubumbashi.

10. Texaf Bilembo (Kinshasa)

Texaf Bilembo Cultural Center is a community initiative run by volunteers in Kinshasa, the capital and the biggest city of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Texaf Bilembo promotes sustainable development in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and runs workshops on Congo’s culture and history. Texaf Bilembo has an art gallery which is great for sightseeing. It exhibits art pieces made by local artists and the exhibitions are regularly changed. Tourists can also purchase local products at the gift shop. The gifts sold include locally made foods, such as jams and preserves and handmade art pieces.

◎ Closing

Democratic Republic of the Congo impresses with stunning waterfalls, informative museums, great architecture and unique animals. As you can see Democratic Republic of the Congo has so much to offer to a sightseeing tourist. Do not hesitate and book a sightseeing holiday to Democratic Republic of the Congo today.

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