Sightseeing spots in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Last updated: June 2024
The Democratic Republic of Congo, a country full of natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, has various sightseeing spots visited by tourists across the globe. The DRC offers diversity with its busy cities like Kinshasa and Lubumbashi, against the beauty of its natural landscapes found both in the national parks and on waterways. Key attractions include Virunga National Park with mountain gorillas and active volcanoes, the historic town of Boma, and scenic Lake Kivu. Be it wildlife, history, or adventure— diversity in DRC keeps lots to choose from.
Virunga National Park
Virunga National Park is the most biologically varied protected area in Africa and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has endangered mountain gorillas, active volcanoes, and a lot of other wildlife. Activities include gorilla treks, volcano hikes, and safaris. It hosts the world's largest lava lake in Nyiragongo Volcano.
Kinshasa
Kinshasa is a sprawling, populous capital city located on the Congo River. Notable features of the city include the National Museum of Kinshasa, which gives information on Congolese art and culture, and the Kinshasa Botanical Gardens. The city is also famous for its lively music, especially Congolese rumba, and its markets.
Lola ya Bonobo
Lola ya Bonobo, a sanctuary not far from Kinshasa, cares for orphaned bonobos, which are the closest relatives to humans. The project allows visitors to explore and be introduced to Bonobo behavior to get an understanding and appreciation for the conversation work of this endangered species.
Garamba National Park
Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Garamba National Park, lies in the northeastern part of the DRC. It hosts savannahs and woodlands, with elephants, giraffes, and the critically endangered northern white rhinoceros inhabiting inside. The park offers guided safaris and organized bird-watching tours.
Kahuzi-Biega National Park
Kahuzi-Biega National Park is home to the largest population of eastern lowland gorillas. The site is adjacent to Bukavu, with forests, mountainous areas, and plenty of wildlife. On top of this, it provides the opportunity for gorilla treks and beautiful scenery.
Boyoma Falls
The Boyoma Falls is a series of seven cataracts situated on the Lualaba River near Kisangani. The falls are not very high but quite wide, and they stand as an important geographical feature. They form a great location for fishing and local tourism.
Lake Kivu
Lake Kivu shares the border of DRC with Rwanda and is one of the African Great Lakes. Here, one can go boating or swimming, and alongside this lake one finds the lakeside towns of Goma and Bukavu and some of the methane gas extraction projects.
Zongo Falls
Zongo Falls is a beautiful waterfall located near the town of Zongo. The falls are visited by people from Kinshasa on day-long excursions and form a peaceful backdrop naturally for picnics and relaxation.
Idjwi Island
Situated in Lake Kivu, Idjwi Island is the second biggest inland island in Africa. It is full of peaceful ambience and old-fashioned towns with theirvoir, and rich heritage. You can go hiking, watch birds, or participate in the local customs here.
Lubumbashi
Lubumbashi is the second-largest city in the DRC and an important mining hub. Some of the main points of interest in the city include the Lubumbashi Zoo, the National Museum of Lubumbashi, and buildings inherited from the colonial period. The countryside is rich with natural resources, and scenes of fine landscapes can be found.