Sharing its name with the countries it traverses, the Congo River is more than just a body of water. As the world’s deepest river, it supports millions of lives, defines international borders, and helps shape the nascent national identity of the former colonies along its banks.

Kinshasa may not be a coastal city, but the vastness of the Congo River, which can reach up to a whopping five kilometers in width around the city, gives it a sea-like appearance. One way to appreciate the river’s immensity is by strolling along the waterfront (albeit some areas are currently inaccessible for various reasons).

If you prefer a more urban experience, Gombe offers plenty of walkable esplanades and a pleasant grassy riverfront. The district’s most notable dining option is the Majestic River, a floating restaurant on a docked ship, serving a plethora of international and local dishes against the scenic backdrop of the Congo River.

Ultimately, the most memorable way to experience this mighty river is by taking a cruise, with options ranging from one-day trips to more than 20-day journeys. These can be booked through many local travel agencies, both online and across the downtown.

The Congo River also marks the international border between the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Republic of Congo. Brazzaville, the capital of the Republic of Congo, lies directly across the river from Kinshasa, making it easily visible. In fact, the two capitals are connected by a short ferry service that runs multiple times daily.

Laurent-Désiré Kabila, who served as the third president of post-independence DRC until his assassination in 2001 by one of his own bodyguards, is a polarizing figure in Congo’s history.

While some revere him as the liberator who freed the nation from Mobutu Sese Seko’s dictatorship, others scorn him as a warmongering autocrat. The debate over Kabila’s legacy—whether virtuous or atrocious—continues. However, it is undisputed that he has been the country’s most influential political ruler, with his policies still affecting the nation today.

After his death, Kabila was succeeded by his son, Joseph, who commissioned the construction of a mausoleum to commemorate his father’s legacy and provide him with an eternal resting place. The monumental complex honoring the late president was built in front of the Presidential Palace in Gombe, on the banks of the Congo River.

Interestingly, as part of the project, a bronze sculpture depicting Kabila was erected by a group of North Korean propaganda artists. They assembled Kabila’s sculpted head onto a replica of Kim Jong-il’s body, bearing an uncanny resemblance to the original sculpture in Pyongyang.

North of the statue, Kabila’s body is interred beneath a pentagon-shaped roof adorned with a large, three-dimensional star. Each side of the tent-like structure is supported by sculpted handcuffed hands, reflecting his image as a liberator.

Akin to most African cities, Kinshasa is a hectic metropolis, often leaving visitors feeling overwhelmed after a few days or so. To detox oneself from the woes of the big city, a short respite from the hustle and bustle seems to be the ideal remedy.

About 30 km, or an hour’s drive, from central Kinshasa, Mount Mangengenge offers just that. Its verdant environment and fresh air are light years apart from the bustling streets of the capital.

The 718-meter-high mountain is deemed sacred by the local parish, as evidenced by the copious crucifixes strewn along the main uphill trail. Most of these were placed as part of a religious campaign led by the Bishop of Kinshasa, during which a massive cross was installed atop the summit.

In recent years, the mountain has become a pilgrimage site, attracting devout believers from across the region, most of whom ascend to the top in search of divine inspiration. Climbing alongside pilgrims offers an intriguing opportunity to connect with locals while gazing upon the sweeping views of the Malebo Pool and nearby towns.

Boulevard Du 30 Juin is to Kinshasa what the Champs-Élysées is to Paris—an essential artery that connects multiple districts and defines the city’s character far beyond its physical expanse. Spanning 5 kilometers from the historic heart of Kintambo, eastward through Gombe, and ending at the monumental June 30th Square in front of Kinshasa’s central station, this thoroughfare is among the continent’s longest avenues.

Originally christened Boulevard Albert I in honor of the Belgian King, it was later renamed 30th of June to mark the DRC’s independence from Belgium, highlighting the street’s nationwide significance. Up until a decade ago, the avenue sported a dusty, unpaved road—a somewhat surreal scene, given that some of the nation’s most important and impressive buildings lined this bare sandy stretch.

Following its recent face lift, the street now boasts 8 traffic lanes and spacious sidewalks, giving pedestrians ample space to amble, free of obstacles to worry about. Amidst a cityscape still dominated by low-rise housing, Boulevard Du 30 Juin is home to a medley of architecturally-intriguing buildings, chief among them is the former Sozacom Building. Throughout the street one can find numerous Western-style cafes and restaurants, frequented by an ever-growing middle class.

Markets, irrespective of their location, are often seen as authentic places to explore due to their bustling and sometimes, non-sterile environments. This sentiment holds particularly true in Kinshasa, where a buzzy marketplace stands out for its authenticity, as rowdy as it might be.

Facing the botanical gardens, the central market, or Marché Central as it’s locally known, sprawls with a chaotic array of stalls, some makeshift, often leaving even the most seasoned foreigners in awe.
Constructed in the 1970s by order of former dictator Mobutu as part of his ambitious endeavor to modernize the capital, the market still features its iconic concrete umbrellas. Decades later, vendors overflow into the surrounding streets have formed a vibrant market district.

Throughout this expansive shopping complex, one can find just about everything, from staple fruits and vegetables to electronics, garments, and exotic animals from the nearby rainforest, including edible insects and caterpillars. For a more palatable taste of the Congolese cuisine, try Chikwangue: a savory bread made from cassava flour, wrapped and cooked in banana leaves.

While visiting the central market is highly recommended, it’s important to remain vigilant against pickpocketing attempts, as foreign visitors are often seen as easy targets.

The closest relatives of humans in the animal kingdom, bonobos are one of only two chimpanzee species worldwide and are endemic to the Congolese rainforest. Sadly, in recent decades, these animals have become critically endangered, with their wild population dwindling to just 10,000-20,000 individuals. This decline is primarily due to illegal poaching for bushmeat and the slaughter of Bonobo mothers to sell their infants as pets on the black market.

To address illicit activities and safeguard vulnerable bonobos, the world’s sole orphanage and sanctuary for bonobos, known as “Lola ya Bonobo” (Bonobo Paradise in the local language), was established outside Kinshasa. This shelter nurtures and protects rescued bonobo infants who were illegally bought.
Upon arrival, each orphaned bonobo is paired with a dedicated human foster mother, providing essential support to alleviate the psychological trauma of losing their mothers and enduring mistreatment.

Open to visitors every day except Mondays, the sanctuary provides exceptional opportunities to interact with these charming pygmy apes and to learn about their lives and conservation efforts.

A minimum donation of 10 USD is required as an admission fee, and guests are assigned an English or French-speaking guide for their entire visit.

The easiest way to reach the sanctuary from central Kinshasa is by booking a personal driver through your hotel or a local travel agency. This typically includes a round trip (approximately one hour each way) and 2-3 hours of waiting time, with rates ranging from 50-100 USD, depending on your bargaining skills.
For those who want to spend more time at the sanctuary, there is on-site accommodation available. Staying overnight is an exclusive experience, as guests lodge in the former holiday villa of dictator Mobutu Sese Seko.

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, as in much of Sub-Saharan Africa, skyscrapers and tall monuments are still a rare sight. As a result, each high-rise that does exist becomes a striking landmark, something which provides orientation for both locals and visitors.

In one of his speeches, former president Mobutu introduced the policy of recourse to authenticity. This initiative sought to strengthen national identity by promoting local cultural elements.

Soon thereafter, street names of colonial rulers were replaced with local political figures across the country. The apogee of this policy, however, took place in 1970. It was during this year that the president officially launched the construction of a 210-meter-tall monumental spire known as Tour de l’Échangeur (The Interchange Tower). Located on a traffic island at the center of the Limete interchange, it serves as the gateway to Kinshasa’s downtown.

Featuring four concrete cylindrical columns and a three-level observation deck, the tower was never actually completed and stood as a white elephant for decades. In 2011, the site was refurbished and modernized, with the ground level converted into a museum that showcases the Congolese nation. However, as of 2020, the elevators remain out of order, depriving visitors of the chance to reach the observatory and enjoy panoramic views of Kinshasa.

Although the elevator issue persists, Tour de l’Échangeur remains a worthwhile visit as the structure is easily admired from the outside. Whoever come here can also visit the nearby Kinshasa International Fairground and the Lumumba Statue.