About Kinshasa

Kinshasa (previously known as Leopoldville) is the capital and the third-largest city of the Democratic Republic of Congo. It has a vast land area which includes both rural and urban habitats. The city is located along the banks of the River Congo, which is the second largest river in Africa. The Congo is an important source of hydroelectric power, and the downstream of Kinshasa has the potential to generate enough power to supply the whole continent of Africa. Historically, the city has suffered a fair amount, but the city is on the path of growth and urbanization.

Public Transport System

Urban railway network, Ferries, Buses, Minibuses, taxis

Cleanliness and Efficiency

Efficiency: Average. Cleanliness: Average

Mode & Cost of Transports

Local bus fare varies from 816.75 CDF  to 1633.50 CDF.

Local taxi fares start at 2776.95 CDF and increases depending on the distance.

It is advisable to use a private mode of transport to travel as public modes of transportation in the city are very crowded and irregular.

Basic Items & Cost

Name Price
Water Bottle CDF 2200.00
Cup of Coffee CDF 6030.00
Milk Carton Pack CDF 3372.00
Rice/Kg CDF 6313.00
White Bread CDF 2874.00
Eggs (12) CDF 4500.00
Combo Meal CDF 26300.00
Fine Dining CDF 66000.00
Bottle of Coke or Pepsi CDF 1760.00
Domestic Beer CDF 2230.00
Imported Beer CDF 5000.00
Bottle of Wine CDF 15800.00
Cigarettes (20 Pack) CDF 2180.00
Taxi ( 1 km ) CDF 2650.00
Ticket in local transport (Single way). CDF 825.00
Rent ( One Bed Room) CDF 2467452.00

Do:

  • English is hardly spoken by the people, so try to get the help of a local for advice on how to get around the city.
  • Negotiate well before paying for any deal or service.
  • Always travel by private transport as public transport is unavailable in the city.
  • Stay connected with the embassy or someone in your own community back home.
  • Gombe and Ngaliema are the safe places of the city and one must plan to stay in these areas.
  • Keep abreast of the local news.
  • Try to get souvenirs to remember your trip!

Don’t:

  • Do not take photographs of people without their explicit consent. 
  • Avoid moving in the city during the evenings or the night time as the city is not safe.
  • Don’t forget to use sunscreen, even if the weather is cloudy. This will help prevent sunburns.
  • Don’t book your hotel last minute.
  • To promote personal safety, try not to travel alone.

Night Life

Nightlife in Kinshasa is safe and can be experienced in areas like Gombe, Matonge, and Bon-Marche. These are at the heart of the city and can be explored as 'night out' options. At Gombe, one can enjoy cocktails and beers. It has a high market crowd and is a sophisticated venue where safety is rarely an issue. Matonge is a sight worth seeing as it is famous for its musical talent. Bon-Marche is a popular destination for dance lovers. These places are often packed with people and offer a variety of drink and food options. There are live music shows and dance floors available for guests. It is advised to go out in groups for safety.

Must See

  • One can explore the city's artwork.
  • Visit the national museums.
  • Enjoy the beauty of the rural regions surrounding the city.
  • Lively local markets of the city.
  • Local cuisines and restaurants to savor the local dishes.
  • One can de-stress at local nightclubs and restaurants.

Experiences

  • Kinshasa is home to Le Beach Ngobila Beach.
  • Take a cruise down the Congo River to get a glimpse of the local villages.
  • Enjoy the musical programs at Centre Wallonie-Bruxelles.
  • ​​​​​​Texaf Bilembo is an art and cultural center which hosts cultural events and can be enjoyed by tourists.

Activities

Shopping

Marche Nouveau DAIPN
Flea Markets and Bazaars
Place des evolues
Distance From City Center
18.8 Km
Mercato delle Stoffe Africane
Flea Markets and Bazaars
Avenue des Enterprises
Distance From City Center
23.8 Km
Bandombe Galerie
Flea Markets and Bazaars
34 avenue du commerce Commune de la Gombe Kinshasa
Distance From City Center
24.5 Km
  • Kuba wrap, which is made from the fiber of raffia palm trees.
  • Ivory pendants.
  • Katanga hand-painted art.
  • Copper masks and wood carvings.
  • Congo-Kinshasa t-shirts.
  • A Kinshasa map magnet.
  • Handcrafted bags.
  • Crystals.

Official Language

French

Other Language

Kikongo, Swahili, Tshiluba, an... Read more

Spoken Language

Kikongo, Swahili, Tshiluba, an... Read more

Currency

Congolese Franc (CDF)

Population

9.46 (Millions)

Weather Icon

Weather

Broken Clouds 32.23°C

Clock Icon

TimeZone

11:49 AM (GMT +01:00)

 

Ambulance Icon

Ambulance

997

 

Police Icon

Police

999

 

Electric socket

Type C
Type C ( 220 V 50 Hz)
Type D
Type D ( 230 V 50 Hz)
Type E
Type E ( 230 V 50 Hz)
Airplane Icon

Airport Name / IATA Code

N'djili Airport - FIH

Airport Name / IATA Code

Ndolo Airport - NLO

Best time to visit

March, April, May, June, July, August.In the time from March to May the temperatures are warm and comfortable for tourists to visit the city attractions. June to August the temperatures are lower but are still relatively comfortable for tourists to explore the city.

Moderate time to visit

December, January, February.The temperatures and rainfall are not very high, making it a dry period. The weather might not be suitable for all tourists during this time.

Worst time to visit

September, October, November.The temperatures go down and bring cold weather conditions with rain or snow taking place about three to ten times a month. It is colder, and not the best time to visit.

Taxi

Start Tariff: CDF 1.51

1 Km. Tariff: CDF 2.25

1 Hour Waiting Tariff: CDF 4.00

Available service

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Monthly Average Temperature & Rainfall

Local Services in Kinshasa (Contact directly)

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