The third-largest state in Africa, crossed by the Congo River, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, offers splendid panoramas, volcanoes, lakes, and mountain ranges. The Democratic Republic of the Congo population is more than 100 million, and its area is 2,345,410.0 sq km. Where is the Democratic Republic of the Congo? The equator line crosses it; the country confers different types of climate: tropical, mountainous, or equatorial. The Democratic Republic of the Congo, also called Congo-Kinshasa, differs from the other Congo, called Congo-Brazzaville. Unfortunately, if you ask, is it safe to travel to Democratic Republic of the Congo? It is not recommended to travel to Democratic Republic of the Congo, and only necessary trips should be considered. This situation is all the more regrettable given that the country has many assets to promote, particularly concerning landscapes. Although it is not advisable to travel to Democratic Republic of the Congo, you might take the risk of travelling because there are many sightseeings in the capital of Democratic Republic of the Congo and other cities and regions. There are many reasons why you should travel to Democratic Republic of the Congo. For example, due to its nature, such as lakes, forests, natural parks, or festivals. In this article, you can find why you should travel to Democratic Republic of the Congo as your next destination. As well as answers for your questions such as, where is the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is it safe to travel to Democratic Republic of the Congo, what is the capital of Democratic Republic of Congo, what is the Democratic Republic of the Congo population and so on.
1. Where is the Democratic Republic of the Congo?
Located in Central Africa, the country is home to many natural resources, starting with Lake Kivu and the Mai-ya-Moto hot springs. Virgin forests, dizzying mountains, high-altitude lakes, the inescapable and magnificent Congo River to be explored absolutely by canoe, animal parks populated by gorillas and hippos. So many sites that allow you to discover the different facets of the destination. In the south of the country, Mount Hoyo is, in itself, a true concentrate of all the Congolese splendours. Its waterfalls, caves, and pure forests are home to many surprises. As you explore, perhaps you will have the chance to meet the Bambutis, Pygmies who have decided to perpetuate their ancestral way of life without ever giving in to the modern world's call.
2. National parks of Congo
DR Congo also has many parks where you will have the opportunity to discover all the local biodiversity. On the side of Virunga National Park or Kahuzi-Biega National Park, move among lions, warthogs, hippos, and gorillas. In Garamba National Park, another endangered species catches the eye: the White Nile rhino. From the colourful markets of Kinshasa to the high peaks of the Ruwenzori chain, passing by the elephants of the centre of Garamba na Bodio, discover how the Democratic Republic of the Congo is a varied country and be surprised by the few foreigners who come here. There are many natural parks in DR Congo. The best ones are Kundelungu, Upemba, Lomami, and Virunga. Kundelungu National Park was created in 1970 over an area of approximately 800,000 ha, including 250,000 ha of the integral nature reserve and 550,000 ha of the annexed area. This park is located 180 km from Lubumbashi in the present-day Haut-Katanga Province. It is intended to shelter the rare populations of cheetahs, leopards, and zebras in Central Africa. Many characteristic specimens of the African savannah fauna are found there, such as the zebra, antelope, Cape eland, and greater kudu. Upemba National Park is in this Kamalondo depression that the Upemba, Mulenda, Kabwe, and Kayumba lakes are located. The park offers a great diversity of biogeographical environments and contains a typical and varied fauna. Lomami National Park is home to bonobos, okapis, Congolese peacocks, hippos, and forest elephants. Virunga National Park is the first natural park in Africa, created in 1925 by King Albert I of Belgium. This park is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular on the African continent and is registered since 1979 on the list of World Heritage by UNESCO.
3. What is the capital of Democratic Republic of Congo?
With a population of over 14 million inhabitants, Kinshasa is the largest French-speaking city globally and is a city in the process of renovation. The capital of Democratic Republic of Congo presents a new face with remains of colonial architecture amid the new structures. The city is also one of the busiest ports on the Congo River. This intense commercial activity is found in the streets animated by many vendors. In the streets of Kinshasa, music and the arts are omnipresent. The cultural scene is in full rhythm thanks to curious youth, open to modernity and the outside world. This change is materialized by exploring art galleries and going to venues where you can listen to groups playing their new musical creations. Kinshasa is also ideally placed to discover the marvellous fauna and flora of Africa. Hike to the beautiful Livingstone Falls and Mount Mangengenge. Take advantage of the parks and quiet shores of Lake Ma Vallee to relax and admire animals in their now protected natural habitat.
4. Delicious cuisine
The national dish is Poulet a la Moambe, a dish that consists of chicken cooked in palm oil with rice and spinach. Red meat lovers will turn more to the beef with blocked sauce, which is seared in peanut and palm oil and flavoured with onions and garlic, topped with a simmered sauce of fresh tomato spices. Another popular accompaniment, Fufu, is a kind of puree obtained by mixing flour in hot water. Liboke is one of the most typical dishes, especially thanks to its cooking method, which consists of cooking in foil made in leaves. Most of the time, the Congolese prepare this dish with fish, which they flavour with ginger, but the meat liboke version is also prepared. Finally, to finish on a sweet note, taste the mikate, small sweet and vanilla donuts, dipped in oil.
5. Lake Albert, Africa's seventh-largest lake
Located at an altitude of 616 m, Lake Albert is the lake that contains the largest quantity of fish in Africa. On the shores of the lake, the town of Bunia is also the starting point for many excursions. The forests shelter villages of pygmies, while in the neighbouring mountains, you can visit the caves of Mount Hoyo and the falls of the "Stairs of Venus".
6. Mfuti Beach, must-see attraction
Mfuti Beach is a seaside site along the Congo River, and it is not far from Mbudi. You will be impressed by the natural beauty of the landscape, and on the spot, a fine sand beach awaits you.
7. Congo population and its various culture
The country has a population of more than 100 million people from different nations. Therefore it has various culture and traditions. One of them is the flying coffin, also called the londola. It is a practice related to witchcraft. When a murder takes place, to find the culprit, the villagers seize the deceased's coffin, who "searches" for the murderers in the village. These are the men who carry the coffin, coated with a white powder on the face because it "protects" from the dead.
8. Kinshasa Botanical Garden, true haven of greenery
This botanical garden is a true haven of greenery in the big city. Located in Gombe, it is home to Congolese biodiversity, with more than 100 species of trees spread over 7 hectares. Definitely a must-visit place during your travel to DR Congo.
9. Lake Ma Vallee, scenic African lake
For nature lovers, Lake Ma Vallee should be one of the essentials for this stay in Kinshasa. This small lake is about thirty kilometres from the capital, and you can spend good times there with family, friends, or as a couple. You will travel through a green landscape decorated with charming straw huts during the whole trip to the lake. Put on your hiking shoes so you can walk around the lake along the narrow paths. During these long walks, you can discover the wonders of Congolese nature. This place is also a point of tasting the best local dishes and does not deprive your taste buds. On the site, you can indulge in fishing and pedal boating.
10. Is it safe to travel to Democratic Republic of the Congo?
In addition to existing demonstrations and political issues, there are other problems in the country. It is necessary to protect yourself as much as possible against these mosquitoes. The vaccine against yellow fever is imperative, while those for diphtheria-tetanus-polio, typhoid fever, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and meningococcal meningitis A + C are highly recommended. Drinking tap water is not healthy in Congo, DC. Also, do not swim in stagnant water spots, where the risk of parasitic infection is high.
