Places to visit in Kinshasa

As Kinshasa is a vibrant sprawling town, the main thing to do in Kinshasa is to simply sniff up the atmosphere; enjoy the Congolese food like 'foufou' and 'chikwange', listen to the famous ndombolo music, dance and dive into the Congolese way of life.

Things to see in Kinshasa include:

1. The Grand Marché (big marketplace)

2. The tomb of former President Laurent Kabila

3. The "Academie des Beaux Arts".

4. The area of Kinsuka for those who like african art.

5. The zoo.

6. The marketplace of the train station.

7. The Boboto center.

8. The art symphony.

Around Kinshasa:

Chutes de Lukia

A must-see while in Kinshasa, the Chutes de Lukia have a decent restaurant, natural lakes to swim in and a Bonobo (pygmy chimp) orphanage, where you can play with the younger chimps.

A.A.C. Bonobo sanctuary

This organization confiscates bonobos that are offered for sale in the streets of Kinshasa as bush meet or pets for children. It is possible to have a guided visit. More information on their website: http://bonoboducongo.free.fr/

Kisantu Botanical Gardens

The botanical gardens in Kisantu are worth a visit. With a collection of 100-year-old trees from all over the world, and gentle rivers in which to swim, Kisantu makes a pleasant break for travel (and world) weary souls.

Lac de ma Vallé

Fish, walk, rent a waterbike or simply relax at beautiful lac de ma Vallé. Aproximately 1.5 hour from Kinshasa by car. There is a restaurant at the lake.

Kinkole Fish Market

The fish market at Kinkole was constructed by Mobutu to honour the country's fishermen as part of his 'authenticity' campaign. You can hire a priogue for 10.00 an hour and be paddled down the Congo River, drink intoxicating palm wine on the riverbank and try some of the country's best liboke (fish stewed in manioc leaves).