Congo
Democratic Republic
of Congo
Africa's beating green heart — ancient rainforests, mountain gorillas, volcanic landscapes, and the mighty Congo River await.
An Untamed African Epic
The DRC is one of Africa's last true wildernesses — vast, raw, and extraordinary. For the adventurous traveller, it offers experiences found nowhere else on earth.
Gorilla Trekking
Home to over half the world's remaining mountain gorillas. A face-to-face encounter in Virunga is life-changing.
Congo Rainforest
The world's second-largest tropical rainforest — 2 million km² of primeval jungle teeming with biodiversity.
Active Volcanoes
Nyiragongo's glowing lava lake is one of the planet's most dramatic spectacles. Trek to the summit for a surreal experience.
The Congo River
The world's deepest river and Africa's second longest. River journeys through jungle provide unmatched adventure.
Vibrant Culture
Over 220 ethnic groups, world-famous Congolese rumba, colourful markets, and legendary Kinshasa nightlife.
Extraordinary Wildlife
Bonobos, okapis, forest elephants, hippos, Congo peacocks, and 1,000+ bird species unique to this region.
Top Attractions
Beyond the parks, the DRC offers remarkable experiences for those willing to venture off the beaten path.
Mountain Gorilla Trekking — Virunga
Trek through dense forest to spend a permitted hour with a habituated gorilla family. With fewer than 1,000 mountain gorillas left in the wild, this is among the world's most precious wildlife encounters.
Nyiragongo Lava Lake Overnight Trek
Hike to the summit (3,470 m) and sleep in crater-rim huts. Watch the world's largest active lava lake glow fluorescent orange against the night sky — an experience unlike any other on earth.
Congo River Cruise & Malebo Pool
Drift along the world's deepest river past jungle-fringed banks, floating villages, and Congo Basin wilderness. The Malebo Pool between Kinshasa and Brazzaville offers spectacular river scenery.
Lola ya Bonobo Sanctuary
Meet rescued bonobos — our closest relatives alongside chimps — at this world-renowned sanctuary 30 km from Kinshasa. A conservation success story and an unforgettable primate encounter.
Okapi Wildlife Reserve
UNESCO World Heritage Site protecting the okapi in the Ituri Forest — one of Africa's oldest and most biodiverse rainforests. Also home to forest elephants and chimpanzees.
Kinshasa Markets & Music Scene
Explore the vibrant Marché de la Liberté and experience live Congolese rumba and soukous — listed on UNESCO's Intangible Heritage. One of Africa's most electric, creative urban cultures.
Lake Kivu & Lakeside Towns
One of Africa's Great Rift Valley lakes offering stunning scenery, island hopping, and relaxed lakeside towns like Bukavu and Goma — a beautiful scenic entry into eastern Congo.
Boyoma Falls & Congo Waterfalls
Boyoma Falls (formerly Stanley Falls) near Kisangani is among the world's largest by flow. The DRC is dotted with spectacular waterfalls including Chutes de la Lukaya near Kinshasa.
Planning Your Journey
Everything you need to know to visit the DRC confidently, safely, and memorably.
Language
Official language is French. National languages include Lingala (Kinshasa), Swahili (east), Tshiluba, and Kikongo. Basic French is very helpful outside tourist areas.
Time Zone
Kinshasa: UTC+1 (WAT). Eastern DRC (Goma, Bukavu): UTC+2 (CAT). DRC spans multiple time zones due to its vast size.
Electricity
220V, 50Hz. Plug types C and E (round European pins). Carry a universal adapter. Power outages are frequent outside major cities.
Connectivity
Mobile data (Airtel, Vodacom, Orange) works in cities. Wi-Fi in hotels in Kinshasa and Goma. Rural and park areas have very limited connectivity.
Getting Around
Domestic flights connect major cities. Roads are difficult in rainy season. Motos (motorcycle taxis) are common for short urban distances.
Accommodation
Luxury hotels in Kinshasa (Kempinski, Fleuve Congo). Eco-lodges at Virunga and Kahuzi-Biega. Mid-range guesthouses in Goma and Bukavu.
DRC has an equatorial climate. Most areas have two rainy and two dry seasons annually.
Best: June–August
Short dry season. Best for gorilla trekking and Nyiragongo. Cooler temperatures, clearer trails, and excellent wildlife viewing throughout the country.
Also Good: Dec–February
Dry season in parts of the north. Good for Virunga. Some areas still experience light rains but conditions are generally manageable for travel.
Avoid: April–May & Oct–Nov
Main rainy seasons make roads impassable and trails very slippery. Leeches are rampant. Flight delays more common. Not recommended for trekking.
Main Airport
N'Djili International Airport (FIH), Kinshasa. Served by Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, Brussels Airlines, Air France, and Turkish Airlines.
Eastern Entry (Goma)
Goma (GOM) is the gateway to Virunga. Many travellers enter via Rwanda and cross at the Goma–Gisenyi border. Connections available from Kigali.
From Brazzaville
A short ferry ride connects Kinshasa (DRC) with Brazzaville (Republic of Congo) across the Congo River — one of the world's shortest international crossings.
Domestic Flights
Domestic airlines (CAA Congo, Fly Congo, Korongo) connect Kinshasa with Goma, Lubumbashi, Kisangani, Mbandaka, and other regional cities.
Vaccinations Required
Yellow Fever certificate is mandatory for entry. Strongly recommended: Typhoid, Hepatitis A & B, Meningitis, Rabies, and Polio boosters. Consult a travel clinic 6–8 weeks before departure.
Malaria Prevention
Malaria is prevalent throughout the DRC. Take prescription anti-malarials (Malarone or Doxycycline recommended). Use DEET repellent and sleep under treated mosquito nets.
Medical Facilities
Kinshasa has private clinics (Clinique Ngaliema). HEAL Africa in Goma is well-regarded. Facilities outside cities are very limited. Comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation is essential.
Safety
Kinshasa and tourist areas in the east are generally safe with sensible precautions. Avoid border areas in parts of eastern DRC. Always travel with a reputable licensed guide. Check government advisories.
Water & Food
Drink only bottled or purified water. Avoid raw salads and unpeeled fruit. Street food is generally safe when freshly cooked and piping hot.
Physical Fitness
Gorilla treks and Nyiragongo climbs require good physical fitness. Altitude at Nyiragongo (3,470 m) can affect those with respiratory conditions. Consult your doctor beforehand.
Currency
Congolese Franc (CDF). US dollars are widely accepted and often preferred in hotels, lodges, and tourist services. Carry small USD denominations ($1, $5, $10, $20).
ATMs & Banks
ATMs in Kinshasa dispense USD. Very limited in other cities. Rawbank and Equity Bank BCDC are the most reliable. Always carry sufficient cash when travelling to remote areas or parks.
Card Payments
Major hotels in Kinshasa accept Visa/Mastercard. Very few places outside the capital accept cards. Plan your entire trip around cash — especially for park fees and guides.
Budget Guide
Budget: $80–150/day · Mid-range: $150–350/day · Luxury: $350–700+/day. Gorilla permits cost $400 USD at Virunga — book well in advance through Sankof Afrika Tours.
Visa Information
All visitors (except some African nationals) require a visa to enter the DRC. Here is a comprehensive guide to the visa application process.
Visa Requirements
- ✓Most nationalities require a visa — no visa-on-arrival for most visitors
- ✓Apply at a DRC Embassy or Consulate in your country
- ✓Tourist visa valid for 30–90 days (single or multiple entry)
- ✓Yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory at entry
- ✓Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond travel dates
- ✓Apply 4–8 weeks before your travel date
Documents Required
- ✓Completed visa application form
- ✓Valid passport (6+ months validity, 2 blank pages)
- ✓2 recent passport-size photographs
- ✓Yellow fever vaccination certificate
- ✓Hotel booking or invitation letter
- ✓Return or onward flight ticket
- ✓Proof of sufficient funds
- ✓Visa fee: USD 50–120 (varies by nationality)
Gorilla Permit Rules
- ✓Virunga NP mountain gorilla permit: USD 400/person
- ✓Kahuzi-Biega lowland gorilla permit: USD 300/person
- ✓Maximum 8 visitors per gorilla group per day
- ✓Minimum age for trekking: 15 years
- ✓Must be in good health — no active illness on trek day
- ✓Permits book out fast — reserve 6–12 months ahead
- ✓Sankof Afrika Tours arranges all permits for you
How to Apply — Step by Step
Find Your Nearest DRC Embassy
Locate the Democratic Republic of Congo Embassy or Consulate in your home country. If none exists nearby, you may need to apply to the nearest one or work with a visa agency.
Gather All Required Documents
Collect your passport, photos, flight bookings, hotel reservations (Sankof Afrika Tours provides an invitation letter), yellow fever certificate, and proof of sufficient funds.
Complete the Application Form
Fill out the DRC visa application form carefully and accurately. Double-check all details — errors cause delays. The form is typically available at the embassy website or in person.
Submit & Pay the Fee
Submit your application in person or by post (embassy-dependent). Pay the visa fee — typically USD 50–120. Standard processing takes 5–15 business days.
Collect Your Visa & Travel
Once approved, collect your passport with the visa stamp. Verify all details (dates, entry type) before travelling. Carry your yellow fever certificate to present at immigration on arrival.
Essential Travel Tips
Practical wisdom from experienced travellers and our local guides to help you make the most of your DRC adventure.
Book Through a Reputable Operator
The DRC is complex to navigate independently. Working with Sankof Afrika Tours ensures permits, logistics, guides, and accommodation are organised safely and efficiently.
Carry USD in Small Denominations
The US dollar is king. Carry plenty of $1, $5, $10, and $20 bills. Larger denominations ($50, $100) can be hard to change in markets and local shops.
Pack Light but Well-Prepared
For gorilla treks: long sleeves, long trousers, waterproof boots, gloves, and a raincoat. Porters are available at all parks to carry heavier bags on the trail.
Respect Wildlife Rules Strictly
Maintain 7 metres from gorillas at all times. Do not eat, drink, or touch vegetation near them. If you feel unwell, do not trek — gorillas are susceptible to human diseases.
Photography Etiquette
Always ask permission before photographing people, especially in markets and villages. A small tip is appreciated. No flash photography near gorillas or any wildlife.
Learn a Few Local Phrases
"Mbote!" (Hello — Lingala), "Habari" (How are you — Swahili), "Merci" (Thank you — French). Locals appreciate any effort to greet them in their language.
Build in Buffer Days
The DRC rewards flexible travellers. Flight delays, road changes, and permit adjustments can happen. Build extra days into your itinerary for a stress-free adventure.
Travel Insurance is Essential
Ensure your policy covers medical evacuation, trip cancellation, and adventure activities (gorilla trekking, volcano hiking). Carry your insurer's emergency number at all times.
Cultural Sensitivity
Dress modestly outside tourist areas. Greet warmly and always ask before entering villages. Congolese hospitality is legendary — a respectful visitor will be welcomed everywhere.
DRC Quick Facts
| Official Name | République Démocratique du Congo |
| Capital | Kinshasa |
| Population | ~110 million |
| Area | 2,344,858 km² |
| Official Language | French |
| Currency | Congolese Franc (CDF) / USD |
| Religion | Christianity (95%), Islam, Indigenous |
| Government | Presidential Republic |
| Calling Code | +243 |
| Driving Side | Right-hand traffic |
| UNESCO Sites | 5 — Virunga, Kahuzi-Biega, Garamba, Okapi, Salonga |
| Emergency Numbers | 112 (Police) · 118 (Ambulance) |
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