Democratic Republic of the Congo Travel Guide

The Democratic Republic of Congo (Congo-Kinshasa) is a massive and sprawling country in the heart of Africa. It is known in Joseph Conrad’s novel of the same name as Africa's, "Heart of Darkness."  European colonial atrocities were particularly vicious in the heart of Africa and set in motion a cycle of continued violence and instability that still plague the country. There are very few visitors, but the very fearless and adventurous may find much worth discovering in this largely unexplored (by tourists) and undeveloped country. 

The capital of Kinshasa contrasts with much of the rest of the country. It is a sprawling and chaotic city with over 7 million inhabitants. It is vibrant but also tiring, with vendors, beggars galore and likely many bribes needed just to get around. Around Kinshasa are the Chutes de Lukia with its lakes and Bonobo orphanage, both popular with foreigners.

Travel up the Congo River into the jungle is possible but difficult and lengthy. The roads into the interior of the Congo are in extremely poor condition or non-existent, so traveling by boat is the only real option. The tribes in the interior do not see many foreigners, and it is advisable to be careful of which tribes are hostile. It is certainly a unique adventure though, to explore the jungle and river.