Popular Tourist Attractions in Congo

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Popular Tourist Attractions in Congo
Travel tips for your trip to Congo Hotel Maps Famous Places in Congo helps you to make your trip to Congo in the holiday a Splendid One


When you come to the exotic destination of Democratic Republic of Congo, make sure to go for Excursions in Democratic Republic of Congo. The excursions are one of the most popular activities in this country of natural abundance. To explore the whole country, the tourists are advised to go for various Excursions in Democratic Republic of Congo.

There are a number of tour operators in this country that arrange for a number of Democratic Republic of Congo Tours for the visitors. You can go for excursions to see the various Tourist Attractions in Democratic Republic of Congo.

During your Democratic Republic of Congo Excursions, you can go to see various tourist hot spots, which include the following:

Congo River: This River being the largest one in the Western Central Africa, is a popular attraction. The river and its surroundings largely attract the people coming to this exotic country.

Lake Kivu: This stunning lake that is located in Goma is another popular spot, where you can go for excursions.

Mount Nyiragongo: You can site this mountain in Goma, which is located in the extreme eastern part of Congo. The Nyiragongo volcano with a red lava lake is another popular place for excursion.

Musee National de Kinshasa: Large number of visitors from all over the world visits this art gallery to see some beautiful pieces of art and craft. You can site this art gallery at the center of the capital city. The Musee National de Kinshasa highlights the chief collection of Zairian art.

Parc National des Virunga: This Park covers a total area of about 8,000 square kilometers. It is a World Heritage site that is renowned all over the world for mountain gorillas in the Mikeno Sector.

Coming to this country, you can go for Excursions at Democratic Republic of Congo to other places as well. Some other places for excursions are Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Sanctuary, Mount Stanley, Ma Vallee, Kinshasa University and others.

You can have a great time exploring the country and beautiful places. Excursions in Democratic Republic of Congo will add fun and enjoyment to the life of the visitors to the country.

Authentic online information on Excursions in Democratic Republic of Congo are offered on travel.mapsofworld. Feel free to browse through the site.


Sightseeing in Democratic Republic of Congo

Sightseeing in Democratic Republic of Congo is one of the favored tourist activities. Located at the center of the west-central portion of sub-Saharan Africa, Democratic Republic of Congo is the third largest country by area on the African continent. The charming country of Democratic Republic of Congo features abundant tourist attractions and travelers can easily go for Sightseeing in Democratic Republic of Congo.

The tourists looking for Sightseeing at Democratic Republic of Congo can go to visit the following attractions:

Congo River The Congo River, also known as Zaire River, is the largest river in Western Central Africa.
Kinshasa University Located in Kinshasa, the University of Kinshasa was one of three universities, along with University of Kisangani and University of Lubumbashi.
Lake Kivu The charming lake is located in Goma.
Mount Nyiragongo Situated in Goma in the extreme east of Congo DRC near the border of Rwanda, the Nyiragongo volcano with a lake of red lava is one of the popular Attractions in Democratic Republic of Congo.
Ma Vallee Located in Kinshasa, it is one of the popular places for Sightseeing at Democratic Republic of Congo.
Mount Stanley Situated in the Ruwenzori Range, it is the highest mountain of both the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.
Musee National de Kinshasa Located in the center of the capital, the Musee National de Kinshasa features the country’s primary collection of Zairian art.
Parc National des Virunga Covering an area of approximately 8,000 square kilometers, this World Heritage site is famous for mountain gorillas in the Mikeno Sector.
Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Sanctuary

Getting to Democratic Republic of Congo Getting to Democratic Republic of Congo is convenient and comfortable. The country of Democratic Republic of Congo has a large and well-developed transportation network that includes a variety of road, rail, air, water, public transit and pedestrian infrastructure. Three routes in the Trans-African Highway network pass through DR Congo:

Tripoli-Cape Town Highway
Lagos-Mombasa Highway
Beira-Lobito Highway

Apart from those, there are plenty of other attractions in the country. Come to Democratic Republic of Congo and enjoy memorable Democratic Republic of Congo Tours!

Wildlife in Democratic Republic of Congo

The Wildlife in Democratic Republic of Congo is diverse and wide ranging. Democratic Republic of Congo’s natural gift as a wildlife remains unmatched in the entire world. There are numerous national parks in the whole country that thrives in wide array of wild animals. At the Democratic Republic of Congo rainforests, you can find a great biodiversity that comprise a large number of rare and endemic species. But the best thing about the Wildlife in Democratic Republic of Congo and the natural reserves are that it remains unharmed and unspoiled in their natural habitat.

There are various rare species but both the species of chimpanzees, the common chimpanzee and the bonobo are the most important. It is only in this country that you will find the bonobos or the Pygmy chimpanzees in the wild. Here, you will get to see a large number of other animals like okapi, mountain gorilla and white rhino. Democratic Republic of Congo Wildlife is sheltered in protected national parks.

The Democratic Republic of Congo has a number of national parks that are listed in the World Heritage Sites. Five major national parks in the country that are recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage In Danger are the Kahuzi-Biega National Park, Garumba National Park, Salonga and Virunga National Parks and the Okapi Wildlife Reserve. These national parks can also be the places for Sightseeing in Democratic Republic of Congo. Some other major Wildlife of Democratic Republic of Congo are the following:

African Forest Elephant
African Buffalo
African Civet
African Striped Weasel
Bili Ape
Black collared love bird
Banded mongoose
Bongo
Bushback
Bwindi Gorilla
Cheetah
Giant Eland
Golden Jackal
Ground pangolin
Leopard
Lion
Zebra
Okapi
Antelope
Jackal
Rhinoceros

But in recent years, there has been cases of poaching and hunting of wild animals. The bush meats are obtained by trapping the animals with wire snares or killed with shot guns. This has been a major environmental and social economic issue and is seriously taken care of. This bush meat crisis is a problem in Congo because of the poor living conditions of the people.

The long terrain of the jungle has swamp regions and flooded grasslands. These regions are ideal for the growth of wide range of floras as well. The Raphia palm and the species of Manilkara and the Garcinia are also found in these grasslands. During your Democratic Republic of Congo Tours, you can explore more of these regions as well as the Wildlife in Democratic Republic of Congo.

Shopping in Democratic Republic of Congo

Shopping in Democratic Republic of Congo can be full of excitement and enjoyment. During your trip to this beautiful country, you can go on a shopping spree and spend a great deal on diverse range of interesting items both for yourself and your loved ones. For all the shopping enthusiasts, Democratic Republic of Congo is the ideal place to visit. It is a wonderful country that is dotted with large number of shops and stores. When you come to this exotic destination, make sure to indulge in wide-ranging Shopping in Democratic Republic of Congo and spend a great time out here.

There are large number of shopping streets in this country that have numerous shops and stores. You can take a leisurely stroll along these streets and buy various interesting items. Other than the shopping streets, the visitors can visit various other shopping options. This ranges from huge shopping malls, shopping stores, galleries and boutiques to small stores. Interesting local goods can be a great buy form the various shops of the country. Do not forget to bargain a bit from these shops just for the fun of it. Bargaining is a part of Shopping in Democratic Republic of Congo.

Looking for Democratic Republic of Congo Shopping? There are large numbers of Things to shop in Christ Church. The best buys in this city include local craft wares and handicrafts. You can visit the handicraft shops and pick up some interesting stuffs. For a great shopping experience, you can visit the shops and buy various interesting items.

The local craft wares, which you can buy from Democratic Republic of Congo are ebony carvings, bracelets and paintings. Almost all the towns of the country have a number of shopping centers and markets. These shops sell anything and everything, which ranges from fresh ginger to baskets and African carvings as well. Coming here, you can also spend on cameras, beverages, perfumes, souvenirs and many others.

Here, you will find various other things for Shopping in Democratic Republic of Congo. During your Democratic Republic of Congo Tours, do not forget to indulge in other Things to do in Democratic Republic of Congo, which will make your trip a worthwhile experience.

Sightseeing in Democratic Republic of Congo

There are a number of places of interest in the Democratic Republic of Congo. To enjoy yourself, you can visit the various national parks in the country. Once you visit these national parks, you will get a distinct idea about the diverse flora and fauna of the country. The Kinshasa National Museum, situated in the capital city is of great interest. The Inkisi Falls and the Mbanza-Ngungu caves draw large number of travelers from all over.

Shopping in Democratic Republic of Congo

Among the various Things to do at Democratic Republic of Congo shopping can be very important. The local craft wares and handicrafts are really very impressive. You can visit the handicraft shops and pick up some interesting stuffs. The local craft wares, which you can buy, include ebony carvings, bracelets and paintings. Various other interesting items range from fresh ginger to baskets and African carvings. Cameras, beverages, perfumes, souvenirs are other good buys.

Dining in Democratic Republic of Congo

The Nganda restaurants in Democratic Republic of Congo are quite popular. The Nganda restaurants are the traditional restaurants that cater delicacies from particular parts of the country. Western imports like beer and bread are also available here. The Riverside Nganda specializes in baked fish that are served with cooked plantains. The Kongo Nganda rustles up fish dishes with vegetable sauce. Some of these restaurants include Lolo La Crevette, Dusty Dishes, La Savane and many others.

Nightlife in Democratic Republic of Congo

Among various other Democratic Republic of Congo Things to do, nightlife is very happening. There are a number of night clubs, bars, discos and pubs that adds spice to the life of the people. Once the sun is down, the life becomes very happening and lively.

Excursions in Democratic Republic of Congo

You can go to various interesting places for excursions in the country. You can explore the country and enjoy your trip to the fullest. Democratic Republic of Congo Tours will take you to various beautiful places.

All these various Things to do in Democratic Republic of Congo will make your tour to this place a memorable experience which you will cherish for life.

Congo Cities Bandundu , Kinshasa

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Congo Cities Bandundu , Kinshasa
Travel tips for your trip to Congo Hotel Maps Famous Places in Congo helps you to make your trip to Congo in the holiday a Splendid One

Bandundu

Many bridges in Bandundu are locally maintained and are used primarily by travelers on foot or on bicycle.  Here the community has gotten together to gather forest vines and logs to repair the bridge.   For the villagers of Manga this spot on the Gobari river is a popular bathing spot.
Two friends on a bridge      On small rivers and streams, it is not rare to see a one or two log bridge such as this one.
Hanging vine bridge      In more densely forested valleys one can find hanging bridges.  This one was made by weaving vines and sticks together.
Crossing a plank bridge    

 Traveling in the rural areas can be a challenge.   Here, Kayiba lines up his motorcycle on a wooden plank and balances his way across the bridge.   Bridges like this one often require some work before crossing.

Using a dug out canoe to get the motorbike to the other side    

On the Kwilu river, there are many areas where crossing must be done by ferry or by dugout canoe.  Here a  Peace Corps Volunteer is on his way to visit the farmers he works with, on the other side of the Kwilu river.
Bicycle transport     The bicycle remains a popular means of transport.  As can be seen in this photo, this bicycle is being used to it's maximum capacity.    This man is transporting manioc roots to market.
Loading barrels of diesel fuel     The fuel situation in Bandundu has been difficult for many years.  Fuel must be stored and transported in barrels.  Here barrels are being prepared for delivery to the interior of the province.
Truck crash on Kinshasa Kikwit road       The main road between Kinshasa and Kikwit has seriously deteriorated and accidents such as this one result from the bad state of the road.  This road is a major conduit for food to the capital and its continued degradation is aggravating  serious food supply problems for the city.

Kinshasa

Kinshasa is the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Kinshasa is the 3rd biggest city in Africa with a population of almost 8 million people. The people here are called Kinois and are known for their love of music, dancing, and how friendly they are. This city is very vibrant, with extreme poverty and commercial wealth found directly beside each other. French and Lingala are the two main languages that the inhabitants speak here. Kinshasa is situated on the Congo River's south bank, facing Brazzaville, which is the capital of the Republic of the Congo. Both of these cities are the only capitals worldwide that directly face each other.

Kinshasa's infrastructure is largely dysfunctional; electricity is reliable only in Gombe (the city center where most expats live) with other parts of the city experiencing power outages several times weekly. Running water can be found in many parts of the city, although Gombe is again the only area that enjoys a fairly consistent level of service. While certain central roads are paved, most neighborhood roads are dirt only. None of the roads are well maintained.

Congo Culture, and Congo History

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Congo Culture, and Congo History
Travel tips for your trip to Congo Hotel Maps Famous Places in Congo helps you to make your trip to Congo in the holiday a Splendid One

The Belgian Congo was created in 1885; this huge region of southern-central Africa was the personal property of the Belgian monarch, King Leopold II.

The Belgians provided only the minimum infrastructure necessary to support the extraction of the country's vast mineral wealth, setting a pattern which has dominated this benighted country ever since.

In 1925, under a mandate from the League of Nations, the territories of Rwanda and Urundi (now Burundi) were incorporated into the Belgian Congo.

After the end of WWII, the Belgian Congo was another African colony whose occupiers were concerned simply to dispose of it with minimum fuss and maximum commercial advantage.

The Belgian Congo was duly granted independence, with minimal preparation, in 1960.

With the support of the Americans and Belgians, and exploiting the country's myriad factional, tribal and regional disputes, the government was deposed after six months in an army coup led by Colonel Joseph Mobutu.

In 1961, a civilian administration backed by Mobutu was installed under Cyrille Adoula.

Four years later, Mobutu, now army Chief of Staff, took control for himself and established the regime which ruled Zaire - as the country had been renamed - for the next three decades.

In the 30 years before his demise, Mobutu Sese Seko (his adopted title) had reduced the country to the point where it barely functioned as a nation state.

The military campaign which finally brought down the Mobutu regime was triggered by the genocide in neighbouring Rwanda, where militias from the majority ethnic group, the Hutu, were engaged in a campaign of genocide against the minority Tutsi.

The genocide had been brought to an end by the intervention of the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), a Tutsi-led force based in Uganda.

The Hutu militia had mostly fled into northeastern Zaire. The RPF pursued them, but their incursion took on a different aspect and a momentum of its own as other groups, including many long-term exiled opponents of Mobutu, coalesced around the RPF.

Laurent Kabila was adopted as leader of this newly-formed anti-Mobutu coalition. By the autumn of 1996, the Alliance des Forces Démocratiques pour la Liberation du Congo-Zaire (AFDL) had completed their takeover.

Once in power, however, Kabila proved incapable of ruling the country, which was renamed the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Laurent Kabila was assassinated in 2001 by one of his bodyguards; his son Joseph took over the presidency.
Religion:

Roman Catholic 50%, Islam 10%, Protestant 20%, indigenous beliefs 10% and Kimbanguist 10%.
Social conventions:

Casual clothes are widely suitable, although scanty beachwear should be confined to the beach or poolside.

Photography: A permit is required. Even then, local authorities are likely to be sensitive. Avoid official areas, airports and riverbanks.

Congo Tours, Sightseeing & Things to do Travel info

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Congo Tours, Sightseeing & Things to do Travel info
Travel tips for your trip to Congo Hotel Maps Famous Places in Congo helps you to make your trip to Congo in the holiday a Splendid One

Congo - Sightseeing
Boma

The woods, caves and waterfalls of Boma and equatorial Mayumbe and the Tombs of Tshela can be visited on the way to the ocean beach of Moanda.

Congo - Shopping

Local craftware includes bracelets, ebony carvings and paintings. The large towns all have markets and shopping centres, selling everything from fresh ginger to baskets and African carvings.

Shopping hours: 

Mon-Sat 0800-1200 and 1500-1800.

Bunia

Bunia is the point of departure for numerous excursions into the forests and mountains, native villages, the Caves of Mount Hoyo and the Escaliers de Venus Falls.
Inkisi Falls

In the southwest, the Inkisi Falls (60m/197ft high) at Zongo, and the caves in the region of Mbanza-Ngungu may be visited in one day, but it is preferable to stay for two or three days, for Mbanza-Ngungu is a pleasant resort with a good climate.
Kalemie

Enjoy the Democratic Republic of Congo's areas of watery beauty: Kalemie and the banks of Lake Tanganyika are reminiscent of the French Riviera; the whole of the south is dotted with freshwater lakes such as Munkamba, Fwa and Kasai, with Lake Albert containing more fish than any other lake in Africa and Lake Edward being home to birds of all sizes and colours; and there are numerous impressive waterfalls, such as Kiobo, on the River Lufira, and Lofol, 384m (1,259ft) high, north of Lubumbashi.
Kinshasa

Kinshasa, the capital, does not have many sights of historic interest, but visitors should not miss the prehistoric and ethnological museums at Kinshasa University. A brightly coloured chapel crowns the top of the hill. Nearby is a corner of the equatorial forest surrounding a beautiful lake called Ma Vallée with a tavern on its banks. Other attractions include the fishing port of Kinkole, the Gardens of the Presidential Farm of Nsele made of pagodas, and the extensive pools where angling and swimming may be enjoyed. In both the markets and the suburbs of Kinshasa, there are craftspeople who produce wood and metal items. The National Museum includes some unique pieces of national art.
Kisantu

While in the Mbanza-Ngungu area, stop at Kisantu to visit the Frère Gillet Botanic Gardens with their world-famous rare orchids.
Ruwenzori range

See the highest peak in the Ruwenzori range, the Pic Marguerite, at an altitude of 5119m (15,795ft). The snowline is at 533m (1,776ft). This region is also inhabited by gorillas and by the extremely rare okapi. The mountain scenery between Goma and Beni was regarded as some of the most spectacular in Africa, although the volcanic eruption of Nyiragongo (3,470m/11,385ft) in 2002 damaged the surrounding area to some extent.
Upemba National Park

Upemba National Park straddles the River Lualaba, northeast of Bukama, and includes several lakes inhabited by hippos, crocodiles and numerous aquatic birds. Here too are fishermen, cattle farmers and peasants, as well as a number of mining communities. In the north is the Garamba National Park, covering 400,000 hectares (990,000 acres) and featuring lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and giraffes. Virunga National Park comprises two jagged mountain ranges and game that includes lions, elephants, warthogs, buffaloes, hippos and antelopes. Best of all, this park is also renowned for its mountain gorillas.

Health and Medical Information for Congo

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Health and Medical Information for Congo
Travel tips for your trip to Congo Hotel Maps Famous Places in Congo helps you to make your trip to Congo in the holiday a Splendid One

Government expenditure on health is low and the quality of hospitals is poor. It is advisable to take specific personal medicines as well as supplies such as syringes and drip needles, as medical facilities are available only in larger centres. Doctors and hospitals expect cash payment in full for health services. Health insurance is essential and it is advisable to include cover for emergency air evacuation.

Food and drink: 

All water should be regarded as being a potential health risk. Water
used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been
boiled or otherwise sterilised. Milk is unpasteurised and should be
boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised. Avoid dairy products
that are likely to have been made from unboiled milk. Only eat
well-cooked meat and fish. Vegetables should be cooked and
fruit peeled.

Other risks: 

Bilharzia (schistosomiasis) is present; avoid swimming and paddling in fresh water. Hepatitis B and E are present and meningococcal meningitis may occur. There is a very high risk of diarrhoeal diseases, the dysenteries and various parasitic worm infections. Ebola outbreaks
have occurred. Avoid tick bites which spread African tick typhus. Wear shoes to avoid soil-borne parasites. Rabies is
present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be
considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay.

Congo Visa and Passport entry requirements

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Congo Visa and Passport entry requirements
Travel tips for your trip to Congo Hotel Maps Famous Places in Congo helps you to make your trip to Congo in the holiday a Splendid One

Passports:

To enter Congo, a passport valid for at least six months is required by all nationals referred to in the chart above, plus proof of sufficient funds and a return ticket.
Visas:

A visa is required by all nationals referred to in the chart above to enter Congo.

Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements for Congo.
Types and cost:

Visa prices are subject to change. Check with the embassy for the latest fees.
Application to:

Consulate (or consular section at embassy).
Working days:

Applications in person will take three to five days, but visa applications by post can take much longer.

Congo Currency Exchange Money Services

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Congo Currency Exchange Money Services
Travel tips for your trip to Congo Hotel Maps Famous Places in Congo helps you to make your trip to Congo in the holiday a Splendid One

Currency information: 

Franc Congolais (CDF) = 100 centimes. Owing to the precarious nature of the economy, the denominations of the currency are subject to rapid change.

Credit cards: 

The use of MasterCard and Visa is limited to Kinshasa's major hotels. Credit cards cannot be used to obtain cash advances at banks.

Travellers cheques: 

Not recommended. Commission fees are very high, and traveller's cheques are not accepted outside Kinshasa.

Banking hours: 

Mon-Fri 0800-1130.

Currency restriction: 

The import and export of local currency is prohibited. The import of foreign currency is limited to US$10,000 and the export of foreign currency is unlimited.

Currency exchange: 

Because of the parlous state of the economy, the only true repository of value is the US Dollar. Free circulation of foreign currencies is now allowed within the country. Note that purchase of airline tickets within the country can be made only with money exchanged officially.

Travel Company in Congo

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Travel Company in Congo
Travel tips for your trip to Congo Hotel Maps Famous Places in Congo helps you to make your trip to Congo in the holiday a Splendid One

Boîte Postale 456

Brazzaville

Republic of Congo

Tel: (+242) 813449

Fax: (+242) 815549

E-Mail: tourismecongo@yahoo.fr

Internet: http://dgtourisme.brazza.info 

 

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Hotel M'Bou-M'Vomvou

Boîte Postale 790

Brazzaville

Republic of Congo

Tel: (+242) 835130, 831688, 835223

Fax: (+242) 834336, 835159

E-Mail: mcatcongo@yahoo.fr