Day 1: Arrive in Kinshasa
Start your trip in Kinshasa, the buzzing capital of DR Congo, located on the banks of the Congo River. Spend your first day relaxing after your flight and getting settled in. Take a walk through the city center to get your bearings and explore local markets like the Marché Central.
In the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant like Chez Tintin and try local dishes, especially “pondu” (cassava leaves) or “moambe” (palm nut stew).
Day 2: Explore Kinshasa
Spend today diving into Kinshasa’s vibrant culture. Start with a visit to the National Museum to learn about Congolese history and culture. Then, see the art at the Academy of Fine Arts, where you can buy local crafts.
For an authentic experience, visit a local music club in the evening; Kinshasa is famous for “rumba” music, and local musicians often play live on weekends.
Day 3: Day Trip to Bonobo Sanctuary
In the morning, take a trip to the Lola Ya Bonobo Sanctuary just outside of Kinshasa. It’s a chance to see these peaceful primates up close and learn about conservation work in the region.
Head back to Kinshasa in the afternoon and enjoy some downtime by strolling along the river promenade or cafe-hopping at local spots like Boulangerie Melrose.
Day 4: Travel to Kisangani
Today, take a flight to Kisangani, a city in the northeastern part of the country with a rich colonial history. Once settled, explore Boyoma Falls and the Wagenia Fishing Sites, where locals have used an ancient method of fishing for generations.
End the day at Kisangani’s lively fish market and sample fresh seafood, local-style.
Day 5: Explore Kisangani
Dedicate today to cultural immersion. Visit the local bars and markets in Kisangani, chatting with locals to get a taste of everyday life. Spend a relaxed afternoon at the banks of the Congo River, maybe catching a view of the sunset.
For dinner, try “liboke” (meat or fish steamed in banana leaves) at one of the local food joints.
Day 6: Travel to Bukavu
Fly to Bukavu today, located on the shores of Lake Kivu. This city near the border of Rwanda is your gateway to the dense Itombwe Forest and some of Congo’s most incredible wildlife.
Spend the evening walking along the lake, or relax at a cafe by the water to soak in the serene vibes.
Day 7: Visit Kahuzi-Biéga National Park
Prepare for adventure as you visit Kahuzi-Biéga National Park, known for its critically endangered eastern lowland gorillas. Spend the day trekking through the forest to see these majestic animals in the wild.
After your trek, enjoy a peaceful evening back at Lake Kivu, reflecting on the beauty of the region.
Day 8: Lake Kivu Rest Day
It’s time to take a break and enjoy the beauty of Lake Kivu. Relax by the beach, take a swim or rent a boat for a leisurely trip on the lake. You can also explore nearby villages to see how locals live around the lake.
Finish the day with a barbecue on the beach or have a drink at a local bar to unwind.
Day 9: Travel to Goma
Today, catch a flight to Goma, located further up along Lake Kivu and right next to Volcanoes National Park. Goma is also known for its vibrant arts scene, so after arriving, consider visiting a gallery or workshops to see how Congolese artists express their creativity.
Grab dinner at one of the local hotspots like “Le Chalet” for great views across the lake.
Day 10: Hike Mount Nyiragongo
This is one of the highlights of the trip! Start early to hike Mount Nyiragongo, one of the most active volcanoes in Africa. It’s a challenging trek (around 5 hours) but worth it to see the world’s largest lava lake at the top.
Spend the night camping on the edge of the volcano’s crater, a truly unforgettable experience.
Day 11: Descend from Nyiragongo and Relax in Goma
After descending the volcano in the morning, head back to Goma to relax. Spend the afternoon enjoying the city’s laid-back cafes by the lakeside, or catch up on some much-needed rest after your adventure.
In the evening, grab a cold drink and chat with fellow travelers at a local bar to share stories of your hike.
Day 12: Virunga National Park
Today, take a trip to Virunga National Park, Africa’s oldest national park. It’s home to over 200 species of mammals. The highlight is visiting the habituated mountain gorillas, but keep your eyes peeled for other wildlife too, from okapis to elephants.
Return to Goma in the afternoon before grabbing a final dinner at a lovely lakeside spot.
Day 13: Fly back to Kinshasa
Fly back to Kinshasa today for your last night in DR Congo. Spend your final hours in the city visiting any missed sites, or enjoy shopping for souvenirs at the lively markets like “Marché de la Liberté.” It’s a great spot to find traditional crafts, art, and clothing to take home.
Enjoy a farewell dinner at one of Kinshasa’s fantastic restaurants, reflecting on your incredible journey through this unique country.
Day 14: Departure
Today, it’s time to say goodbye to DR Congo. Depending on your flight time, grab a final walk along the Congo River before heading to the airport. DR Congo will likely leave a deep impression on you, from its stunning wildlife to the resilient and friendly people you’ve met along the way.
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