A lot of people visit Africa every single year for vacation, and one country in Central Africa that is a pretty popular tourist destination is the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

While the Congo might not be the first-holiday destination that comes to mind, it is a great place to go if you want to find out more about Africa and its rich history.

Of course, when you are planning a vacation to a destination that is a little more off the beaten track, it can be tricky.

There is generally less information available online about these destinations and that can make planning your holiday pretty hard.

Luckily for you, in this guide, we’re taking a look at absolutely everything you need to know about planning a holiday in the Congo.

From how to get there, to what to do during your visit, we’ve got you covered! So keep on reading to find out more!

Getting To The Democratic Republic Of The Congo

First things first, let’s take a look at everything you need to know about how to get to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

If you plan on visiting this country then there is really only one way to get there, and that is to fly.

Thankfully, you have quite a few different options if you plan on visiting the Congo from the USA.

Flights are available from various cities in the USA and they fly to a number of different locations within the Congo.

It will generally take anywhere between 15 and 24 hours to fly to the Congo from the USA and return flights vary from around $1,100 to $2,000.

Some of the locations in the USA that offer flights to the Congo include New York, Atlanta, Chicago, Boston, and Washington D.C.

All of these flights will include at least 1 stop and will arrive at either Lubumbashi or Goma in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

If you live elsewhere in the USA, then your best option would be to fly to one of the airports that offer flights to the Republic of the Congo. Otherwise, your flight will become significantly longer.

When To Go To The Democratic Republic Of The Congo

Once you have decided how to get to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, you then need to consider when you want to go.

Like all countries, there are certain times of the year when visiting the Congo is a better idea. So bear this in mind when planning your trip.

Most people who visit this country choose to visit from May through till September.

During these months, the country goes through its long dry season. So, if you visit during this time the chances of you getting any rain are very slim.

Of course, the better weather during these months does mean that visiting the Congo from May through late September is more expensive.

So, if you are looking to visit this country on a budget then you might have to consider visiting when the weather isn’t quite as good.

The rainy season in the Congo generally runs from November through March.

This really isn’t the best time to visit this country as roads become damaged due to bad weather and it will really limit your enjoyment.

So, if you are looking for a budget-friendly trip, you should consider visiting in October or April when the country is transitioning from its wet season to its dry season and vice versa.

Places To Visit In The Democratic Republic Of The Congo

A massive part of planning your trip to the Democratic Republic of the Congo is considering where you want to visit in the country.

This is a fairly large country and there is lots to do, so you really need to plan your trip carefully to make sure you can fit it all in.

There are lots of different places that you should consider visiting during your vacation, including the following.

Kinshasa

Kinshasa is the capital city of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and somewhere that you must visit during your trip.

Formerly known as Leopoldville, it is the largest city in the country and it's packed with lots of things to do.

Once a place for trading and fishing, it is now one of the world’s fastest-growing mega-cities.

So, if you want to watch a city grow before your very eyes, you should certainly visit Kinshasa.

Lubumbashi

Another brilliant city to visit during your trip to the Congo is Lubumbashi. This is the second-largest city in the country and it is located in the southeasternmost part of the country, close to Zambia.

This is an important commercial city in the Congo, and it is definitely worth visiting. It is really different from the country’s capital, but that is why we would recommend visiting it.

Goma

Finally, we would recommend visiting Goma. Goma is located in the Eastern part of the country and it is home to one of the country’s largest airports.

So, when you fly into the Congo, your flight might land in Goma. If it does, we would definitely recommend spending some time in the city.

Goma is located on the Northern shore of Lake Kivu and so it boasts incredible views over the countryside. We would definitely suggest checking it out!

Things To Do In The Democratic Republic Of The Congo

Now that we’ve taken a look at some of the places to visit in the Congo, let’s take a quick look at some of the things that you should do during your visit.

There is so much to get up to in this country, and plenty that you should try to fit in if you want to maximize your trip.

Some of the best things to do in the Congo include the following.

Visit The National Parks

If you are a lover of natural beauty, then you should check out the national parks during your visit to the Congo.

The Congo is home to numerous national parks, and one of the most famous is Virunga National Park.

As well as being home to a number of parks, the Congo is also home to Mount Nyiragongo which is certainly worth visiting!

Go To A Wildlife Sanctuary

Alternatively, if you want to see the vast wildlife that resides in the Congo, then you should go to a wildlife sanctuary.

Across the country, there are lots of different sanctuaries specializing in the care of a variety of different animals.

If you love animals, then we would recommend trying to visit a couple during your trip.

Explore The History Of This Country

Finally, you should consider exploring the rich history of this country. The Democratic Republic of the Congo has a very interesting history, and you will learn all about this in the country’s major cities.

With tons of museums and experiences that will allow you to find out more about the history of this country, it is certainly worth visiting.

Travel Advice For Visiting The Democratic Republic Of The Congo

Let’s wrap this article up by taking a look at some of the travel advice that you really need to bear in mind before visiting the Congo.

This country isn’t your usual tourist destination so it's important to keep your wits about you when visiting.

Language

There are 4 national languages spoken in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, but the official language of this country is French.

The national languages of this country are Kituba, Lingala, Swahili, and Tshiluba.

Vaccinations

There are a number of vaccinations that you will need in order to visit the Congo from the USA. You can find out all about these vaccinations on the CDC website.

Entry Requirements

You will also need to consider the entry requirements for the Congo. For visitors coming from the USA, these include 6 months of validity on your passport (beyond your stay), at least 1 blank page in your passport, a yellow fever vaccination, and a tourist VISA that must be obtained before your visit.

Currency

The official currency of the Congo is the Congolese Franc, so you will need to convert your dollars as these are not legal tender in the Congo.

Safety

The Democratic Republic of the Congo isn’t the safest country for tourists. There are high levels of crime in this country, specifically high levels of violent crime.

Some areas of the country are totally unsafe for visitors. So, if you are planning to visit the Congo, you really need to plan your trip with safety in mind.

Summary

In short, planning a holiday to the Democratic Republic of the Congo doesn’t have to be as difficult as you might expect it to be.

This country is filled with rich history and culture, and that is what makes it such a brilliant vacation destination.

In this guide, we’ve taken a look at all the information you really need to be able to plan your dream vacation to the Congo.

Thanks for reading!