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Capital

Kinshasa

Currency

Congolese Franc (CDF)

Language

French

Best Time

Jun–Sep and Dec–Feb

Time Zone

WAT (UTC+1), CAT (UTC+2)

Sustainability Politics
Flag of Democratic Republic of the Congo
Welcome to Democratic Republic of the Congo

Africa's Rainforest Giant

Welcome to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a vast Central African nation home to the second-largest rainforest on Earth. The mighty Congo River winds through the country, powering both daily life and extraordinary biodiversity along its banks. Virunga National Park, Africa's oldest, protects endangered mountain gorillas amid volcanic peaks and dense forest. Kinshasa, the capital, pulses with music, art, and energy along the riverbanks facing neighboring Brazzaville. The country's rainforests shelter rare wildlife, including bonobos found nowhere else in the world. Traditional music, particularly Congolese rumba, has influenced sounds across the African continent and beyond. Remote, roadless regions offer some of the most authentic and untouched wilderness experiences remaining anywhere. The Democratic Republic of the Congo invites the most adventurous travelers to discover extraordinary scale and biodiversity.

Popular City

Kinshasa

Kinshasa, the DRC’s sprawling capital, faces Brazzaville across the Congo River, the two capitals forming one of the closest pairs of national capitals in the world. The Congo River itself, one of the deepest in the world, dominates the city’s geography and economy, with rapids just upstream making it unnavigable to the sea from this point. The National Museum showcases masks and artifacts from the DRC’s extraordinary diversity of ethnic groups and artistic traditions. Kinshasa’s music scene, particularly Congolese rumba, has had an outsized influence across the African continent for decades. The city’s vast, chaotic energy reflects its status as one of the largest urban areas in Africa. Kinshasa’s music, river setting, and sheer scale make it one of the continent’s most compelling, if challenging, cities to explore.

Travel News

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Popular City

Lubumbashi

Lubumbashi, in the DRC’s mineral-rich Katanga region, developed around copper and cobalt mining, giving the city a more orderly, planned layout than the capital. The Lubumbashi National Museum traces the region’s history and its central role in the country’s mining economy. The city’s colonial-era architecture reflects its founding as a Belgian mining town in the early twentieth century. Lubumbashi’s markets trade goods connected to the surrounding Copperbelt, one of the richest mineral deposits in the world. The city serves as a practical gateway for the small number of visitors exploring the DRC’s southeastern region. Lubumbashi offers a different, more industrial side of the country from the capital further west.

Travel Tips

Helpful information to consider before and during your visit.

Before You Go

  • Confirm passport validity and entry requirements.
  • Check whether a tourist visa is required.
  • Keep digital copies of important documents.
  • Consider purchasing travel insurance.

Money & Payments

  • Review the local currency and exchange rate.
  • Carry some cash for small businesses and markets.
  • Check for international bank transaction fees.
  • Learn the country's customary tipping practices.

Stay Connected

  • Review your mobile carrier's international plan.
  • Consider purchasing a local SIM or eSIM.
  • Download maps for offline use before traveling.
  • Avoid sensitive transactions on unsecured Wi-Fi.

Transportation

  • Research public transportation before arrival.
  • Use licensed taxis or reputable rideshare services.
  • Check which side of the road vehicles use.
  • Confirm whether an international permit is needed.

Electricity

  • Check the country's voltage and outlet type.
  • Bring the correct plug adapter for your devices.
  • Use a voltage converter when required.
  • Pack a portable charger for longer excursions.

Weather & Clothing

  • Review the seasonal weather before packing.
  • Bring layers for changing temperatures.
  • Pack rain protection when appropriate.
  • Use sunscreen even on cool or cloudy days.

Food & Water

  • Research whether tap water is safe to drink.
  • Communicate food allergies clearly.
  • Try traditional dishes from reputable vendors.
  • Observe local dining customs and meal times.

Safety

  • Secure valuables in crowded tourist areas.
  • Avoid displaying large amounts of cash.
  • Share your itinerary with someone you trust.
  • Review current government travel advisories.

Language & Etiquette

  • Learn a few polite words in the local language.
  • Respect dress requirements at religious sites.
  • Ask permission before photographing people.
  • Follow local traditions, laws and social customs.

Emergency Planning

  • Save the country's emergency telephone number.
  • Locate your nearest embassy or consulate.
  • Keep medication in its original packaging.
  • Store emergency contacts offline and on paper.

Smart Packing

  • Pack comfortable shoes for walking and tours.
  • Keep essential medication in your carry-on.
  • Bring a reusable bottle where appropriate.
  • Leave room for locally purchased items.

Local Research

  • Check attraction hours and reservation policies.
  • Review national holidays and local closures.
  • Download important addresses before departure.
  • Leave flexibility for unexpected discoveries.
Important: Entry requirements, transportation rules, weather conditions and safety guidance can change. Verify important information with official sources before traveling.

Popular City

Goma

Goma, in the DRC’s volatile but strikingly beautiful east, sits on the shores of Lake Kivu at the foot of Mount Nyiragongo, an active volcano whose lava lake is one of the largest in the world. Virunga National Park, Africa’s oldest national park and home to endangered mountain gorillas, is reachable from the city for those able to arrange the journey. The town’s position along the lake offers dramatic views, with the volcano’s glow sometimes visible at night from the shoreline. Goma’s markets reflect the resilience of a community that has endured significant regional instability. Given ongoing security concerns in the region, travel requires careful planning and current information. Goma’s proximity to Virunga’s gorillas and Nyiragongo’s volcano make it one of the most naturally extraordinary, if challenging, destinations in Africa.

Local Food to Try

Discover some of Democratic Republic of the Congo's most popular flavors, traditional dishes and memorable local treats during your visit.

Moambe Chicken

Moambe Chicken is a signature Democratic Republic of the Congo specialty known for its distinctive local ingredients, seasoning and traditional preparation.

Fumbwa

This popular Democratic Republic of the Congo dish brings together familiar regional flavors and is commonly enjoyed in homes, markets or local restaurants.

Pondu

A well-loved part of Democratic Republic of the Congo cuisine, Pondu reflects the country's culinary traditions and locally available ingredients.

Liboke

Liboke is a comforting regional favorite, prepared in styles that may vary between families, cities and different parts of Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Chikwangue

Visitors often seek out Chikwangue for an authentic taste of Democratic Republic of the Congo's everyday cooking and food culture.

Makayabu

This traditional favorite highlights the bold, savory or gently spiced flavors associated with cooking in Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Ntaba

Ntaba is widely recognized in Democratic Republic of the Congo and is often served at casual meals, celebrations or community gatherings.

Mikate

A memorable choice for travelers, Mikate offers a flavorful introduction to the ingredients and techniques used across Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Palm Nut Stew

This classic food is an important part of Democratic Republic of the Congo's culinary identity and is best sampled freshly prepared.

Dining tip: Regional specialties and preparation styles vary throughout Democratic Republic of the Congo. Explore local markets, independent cafés and family-owned restaurants for an authentic taste of the destination.

Little-Known Facts

Democratic Republic of the Congo

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is Africa's second-largest country and contains the majority of the Congo Basin Rainforest, the world's second-largest tropical rainforest after the Amazon. This immense forest plays a crucial role in regulating Earth's climate by storing vast amounts of carbon while providing habitat for thousands of plant and animal species. The Congo River, which flows through the country, is the deepest river in the world, reaching depths of more than 700 feet in some locations and carrying more water than any river except the Amazon.

The country's wildlife is among the most remarkable on Earth. The Democratic Republic of the Congo is one of the few places where visitors may find the endangered mountain gorilla, as well as the rare okapi, often described as the "forest giraffe" because of its zebra-like stripes and giraffe ancestry. Bonobos, humanity's closest living relatives alongside chimpanzees, are found only within the Democratic Republic of the Congo, making the nation uniquely important for scientific research and wildlife conservation.

The country is also extraordinarily rich in natural resources, including cobalt, copper, diamonds, gold, and coltan—minerals essential to modern electronics and rechargeable batteries. Virunga National Park, Africa's oldest national park, protects volcanoes, lava lakes, glaciers, rainforests, and incredible biodiversity. Despite facing many challenges throughout its history, the Democratic Republic of the Congo remains one of the world's most ecologically significant countries, with landscapes and wildlife found nowhere else on Earth.
Another little-known fact is that Albanians have a unique cultural tradition called "Besa," meaning "to keep one's promise." This centuries-old code of honor became internationally recognized during World War II when Albania was one of the few European countries where the Jewish population actually increased because local families risked their lives to shelter refugees. Albania also boasts the stunning Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër), a natural spring with crystal-clear turquoise water whose exact depth remains unknown despite multiple explorations.

Finally, Albania enjoys more than 300 sunny days each year, rivaling many Mediterranean destinations. The country is also famous for its "sworn virgins"—a centuries-old tradition in remote mountain villages where women could legally assume male social roles by taking a lifelong vow of celibacy, preserving family inheritance and leadership in the absence of male heirs.