Flight to Kinshasa (FIH)

Flying to Kinshasa: tips and information for your trip

Kinshasa (called Kin or Kin-la-belle by the locals) is the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (also known as Congo-Kinshasa or the DRC). It’s the third-largest city on the African continent and the second-largest French-speaking city in the world, topped only by Paris itself.

Kinshasa is truly a whirlwind of a city where everything is bigger, better, faster and more chaotic. Although it may be a daunting destination with a turbulent past, the city has a magnetic energy that makes it an intriguing place to visit.

While Kinshasa is the bustling urban centre, and there are many other interesting cities such as Lubumbashi, Goma and Kisangani to name a few, large parts of the country are still brimming with nature’s wildest sights. Here you will find a mysterious rainforest, a smouldering volcano, rare mountain gorillas and the magnificent Congo River. With nature still so untamed, the DRC is not for the fainthearted, only the most seasoned travellers will be able to fully experience its beauty.

So what are you waiting for? Book your flight to Kinshasa today with Brussels Airlines and get ready to explore Congo.

Things to do in Kinshasa and D.R. Congo

1. Virunga National Park: Africa’s oldest national park and a true wildlife gem. Virunga’s exceptional biodiversity makes it an absolute must-visit. Here, you will find forest elephants, chimpanzees, okapis, etc. But the top reason to visit Virunga is to observe the extremely rare and endangered mountain gorillas.
   
   
2. Mount Nyiragongo: This active volcano is located within Virunga National Park. It can be seen from the nearby city of Goma, but hikers can attempt to trek to the top. They will be rewarded with a magnificent view of the volcano’s lava lake.
   
   
3. Congo River: There are plenty of ways to enjoy the Congo River. From having drinks near the river, to hiring a boat for a day or going on a two-week boat tour across the country. One can even cross the river from Kinshasa to Brazzaville, the capital of the neighbouring country, the Republic of the Congo.
   
   
4. Académie des Beaux Arts: See contemporary African artists at work in Kinshasa’s highly regarded art school.
   
   
5. Lola ya Bonobo: Bonobos are an endangered great ape species only found in the DRC. Lola ya Bonobo rescues infant bonobos from the illegal bushmeat trade. This sanctuary is the only place in the world where one can see these gentle apes in their natural habitat.
   
   
6. National Museum of Kinshasa: Delve into the history of the Congo, African traditions and its colonial past.
   
   
7. Zongo Falls: Impressive waterfall located in the Congo Basin. Getting there is part of the adventure and involves a four-hour drive from Kinshasa and a hike through the Congolese rainforest.
   
   
8. Livingstone Falls: Named after the explorer David Livingstone, this series of enormous rapids on the Congo River are a stunning sight to see.

Practical information and travel advice for your trip

• Brussels Airlines flights arrive and depart from Kinshasa N’Djili International Airport, located 25 km from the city centre.
  
  
• Airport taxes: When departing from N'Djili International Airport, an additional fee (Go pass or IDF tax) plus a Statistics tax must be paid at the bank in the airport, for which a receipt is issued.
   
  
• Currency: The official currency is the Congolese franc. However, the US dollar (USD) is commonly used, especially for large amounts. Credit cards are not widely accepted so make sure to bring enough cash with you.
  
  
• Telephone calls and Wi-Fi: The country code for D.R. Congo is +243. Wi-Fi is not widely available although some hotels do offer password protected Wi-Fi connections.
  
  
• Electric sockets: Type C, D and E (two or three round pins). Standard voltage is 220 V.
  
  
• Travel information: A visa is required to enter the D.R. Congo. Also make sure to bring your yellow fever vaccination document.
  
  
• Vaccination: A Yellow Fever vaccination is mandatory; your travel documents will be checked at border control for a vaccination document. The following vaccinations are not mandatory but are recommended: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, rabies and routine vaccines such as Tetanus, Diphtheria, etc. Make sure to bring enough insect repellent or Mosquito Milk.

Dos and don’ts in Kinshasa and Congo

• Prior to travelling, it’s a good idea to check your country’s travel advice and to stay updated during your stay.
  
  
• Use your common sense when travelling in Kinshasa. Like in any large city, crime does exist and some neighbourhoods may be less suited for travellers than others. Always be vigilant and don’t travel alone at night.
  
  
• The best way to get around in Kinshasa is by taxi or to hire a driver. Keep in mind that in some regions, taxis will pick up multiple passengers on the same ride, so always make sure that the driver is still going in your desired direction. For long distances it’s best to hire a car and driver or to make use of an organised tour.
  
  
• Don’t forget to pack mosquito repellent and a strong sunscreen.
  
  
• The official language used by the government is French, although you’ll hear more Lingala on the streets. The locals will appreciate it if you can speak a word or two of Lingala.

A little basic Lingala vocabulary

• Good morning/Good evening: MBOTE
• Goodbye: BOTIKALA MALAMU
• Thank you: MATONDO MINGI
• Please: BOLIMBISI
• I don’t understand: NA WEBI TE / NA SO COMPRENDRE TE
• Can you help me?: BOKOKI KO SALISA NGAI
• Open: EFUNGWAMI
• Closed: EKANGAMI

When to travel to Kinshasa and D.R. Congo?

The Democratic Republic of the Congo has a tropical climate. Temperatures can reach highs of more than 30°C and the nights won’t get any cooler than 20°C. In general, there are four seasons in the DRC: a short dry season from January to February, a short rainy season from March to April, a long dry season from May to September and a long rainy season from October to December.

What to eat in Kinshasa and D.R. Congo?

The Congo River provides Kinshasa and the majority of the country with the best fresh fish. Markets often sell ready-to-eat peppered fish baked in banana leaves. Also try Fufu, a sticky dough-like dish made of cassava flour. This is a staple dish, much like rice or potatoes in other countries. A typical local ingredient is Moambe, a paste or sauce made from the flesh (not the seeds) of palm nuts. It’s the most important ingredient in many Congolese stews and other dishes. Aside from fish, the Congo River provides Congolese cuisine with incredible freshwater prawns called Cossa Cossa.

Tap water is not suited for consumption, drink bottled water instead.