Kinshasa

Kinshasa is the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It faces Brazzaville, the capital of the neighbouring Republic of the Congo, which can be seen in the distance across the wide Congo River. While sprawling, chaotic and often intimidating, Kinshasa is also a major cultural and intellectual center for Central Africa with a flourishing community of musicians and artists.

Kinshasa has the largest population of any city proper in Africa with a population of 10,076,099, and ranks as its third largest metropolitan area after Cairo and Lagos. It is also the largest French-speaking city proper in the world (by any other measure, it still ranks second behind the Paris urban area). After decades of armed conflicts imposed by neighbouring countries, the infrastructures of the once leading modern African city are now being remarkably restored. Chinese companies are involved in numerous projects of reconstruction throughout the city.

Like other cities close to the Equator, Kinshasa's climate is defined by a dry and a wet season. The dry season stretches from June to September, and in these months the temperature is also a few degrees lower than throughout the rain season.

• National Museum of Kinshasa, +243 12 61494. Founded in 1970, hosts a large selection of ethnographic objects.
• Lola ya Bonobo, +243 818 141492. the world's only sanctuary for orphaned bonobos. Since 2002, the sanctuary has been located at Les Petites Chutes de la Lukaya, just outside of Kinshasa.
• Kinkole. A small village in the eastern part of the city's rural area. It's on the RN1 (Boulevard Lumumba), further than the airport. It has a nice restaurant area where you can enjoy all the local food on a terrace. A lot of people come here to relax so there's a lot of people trying to get you into their business. If you go closer to the river there's a fisherman market where food from the river is brought. Be careful if you want to take pictures, you'll probably have to pay someone first as this is considered the international border.
• Jardin d'Eden is a restaurant and music bar by the shores of the Nsele river, in the eastern part of the city's rural area. It is further than Kinkole, after the airport. There is a really relaxing atmosphere there. You can eat, listen to the live band playing Congolese classics or even take a boat on the river Nsele. The food and drinks are affordable for middle class.

National Museum of Kinshasa, +243 12 61494. Founded in 1970, hosts a large selection of ethnographic objects.

Lola ya Bonobo, +243 818 141492. the world's only sanctuary for orphaned bonobos. Since 2002, the sanctuary has been located at Les Petites Chutes de la Lukaya, just outside of Kinshasa.

Kinkole. A small village in the eastern part of the city's rural area. It's on the RN1 (Boulevard Lumumba), further than the airport. It has a nice restaurant area where you can enjoy all the local food on a terrace. A lot of people come here to relax so there's a lot of people trying to get you into their business. If you go closer to the river there's a fisherman market where food from the river is brought. Be careful if you want to take pictures, you'll probably have to pay someone first as this is considered the international border.

Jardin d'Eden is a restaurant and music bar by the shores of the Nsele river, in the eastern part of the city's rural area. It is further than Kinkole, after the airport. There is a really relaxing atmosphere there. You can eat, listen to the live band playing Congolese classics or even take a boat on the river Nsele. The food and drinks are affordable for middle class.

• A BBQ on a sandbank on the Congo River is definitely a must. Renting a boat for a day with a driver and all the gear (tables, chairs, a suntent and a BBQ) costs around 150$ at the Yacht Club Kinshasa. The boat can take 8 people, so if you share the cost it is quite affordable. A truly unforgettable experience if you don't forget the meat and the Primus!
• The Association Belgo-Congolais (ABC) rents out videos (VHS and DVD).
• Go for a walk/jog along the river in front of the British /German embassies.
• Go to church on a Sunday morning like most of the locals do.

• Don't forget to get some arts in Le marché des valeurs (market of value), sometimes called marché des voleurs (thieves' market)... Be prepared to haggle and don't pay the initial asking price that will be at least 60-75% over the final price if not more. For some more upscale art you can go to the Academie des Beaux Arts on Avenue Pierre Mulele (formerly Avenue 24 Novembre) or to Symphonie des Arts: towards Kintambo on the Boulevard du 30 Juin, turn right after the elephant when you see the barrier on your right... then it's on your left hand across from the big colonial villa. A more time consuming but far more interesting and personal way to get to know the artists of the country would be to visit their private studios. Prices are high even there for paintings of Lema Kusa, Henri Kalama or Nshole, but worth every penny considering the quality of their works and their international career.
• A more relaxed and fun way to buy street art is to have a beer at Surcouf: it's on the street off the boulevard 30 Juin towards Justice off the INSS building. Sit at a table and have a drink (Primus is recommended) and the artists will come and show all kinds of artworks all the time. The same rule on negotiating applies as at Marché des valeurs.

The good supermarkets are the following:

• Peloustore located on the boulevard (big orange/yellow building with green letters). Good vegetables and all dry goods that you can find in Belgium.
• Expresse located on the boulevard, a little off from Peloustore. Here you can find good vegetables and the best "charcuterie", cold cut meat.
• City Market If you turn on the corner of Expresse you will see this large supermarket on your left hand. It has the best bread in the city. Alternatively across from it you will find excellent bread (and more) in Patisserie Nouvelle, which also has good possibilities of lunch.
• Hasson et Freres located just off the roundabout near the central station: the street just before turning on the boulevard: this is definitely the best place to get your meat: the "filet pur" is excellent.

The US Dollar (USD) is the prevalent currency for most transactions of any significant quantity. Payment in USD for a purchase will likely return change to you in USD for denominations greater than $5-$10. Lesser amounts, and any remainder, will be paid in Congolese Francs (approx 900 CF per 1 USD - as of 22 MARCH 2010). Credit cards are not widely accepted -- do not count on them to keep you afloat. Only major hotels (ie The Memling) and some supermarkets will accept them (if there are no connectivity issues). Cash can be withdrawn from the PRO CREDIT Bank with a valid international VISA ATM card. Denominations are distributed in USD and/or CF. Ensure that you have notified your bank of your intentions to travel in order to ensure seamless and unhindered use of foreign ATMs.

Don't forget to get some arts in Le marché des valeurs (market of value), sometimes called marché des voleurs (thieves' market)... Be prepared to haggle and don't pay the initial asking price that will be at least 60-75% over the final price if not more. For some more upscale art you can go to the Academie des Beaux Arts on Avenue Pierre Mulele (formerly Avenue 24 Novembre) or to Symphonie des Arts: towards Kintambo on the Boulevard du 30 Juin, turn right after the elephant when you see the barrier on your right... then it's on your left hand across from the big colonial villa. A more time consuming but far more interesting and personal way to get to know the artists of the country would be to visit their private studios. Prices are high even there for paintings of Lema Kusa, Henri Kalama or Nshole, but worth every penny considering the quality of their works and their international career.

A more relaxed and fun way to buy street art is to have a beer at Surcouf: it's on the street off the boulevard 30 Juin towards Justice off the INSS building. Sit at a table and have a drink (Primus is recommended) and the artists will come and show all kinds of artworks all the time. The same rule on negotiating applies as at Marché des valeurs.

Peloustore located on the boulevard (big orange/yellow building with green letters). Good vegetables and all dry goods that you can find in Belgium.

Expresse located on the boulevard, a little off from Peloustore. Here you can find good vegetables and the best "charcuterie", cold cut meat.

City Market If you turn on the corner of Expresse you will see this large supermarket on your left hand. It has the best bread in the city. Alternatively across from it you will find excellent bread (and more) in Patisserie Nouvelle, which also has good possibilities of lunch.

Hasson et Freres located just off the roundabout near the central station: the street just before turning on the boulevard: this is definitely the best place to get your meat: the "filet pur" is excellent.

Lots of restaurants for 'expats' exist, where you can pay in dollars but it is very expensive. Don't be surprised to pay up to $20 for a pizza (and $40 at the hotel for one).

• Al Dar, near the hotel Memling. A Lebanese restaurant in the center of town. A shwarma sandwich runs about $3, and they have taboule, hummus and desserts as well.

Many cheap roadside stalls exist, primarily outside of downtown's Gombe.

• La Bloque, Bandalungwa. One of the better known being roadside stalls.
• Mama Colonel, Bandal. An excellent restaurant. The menu has only 4 items - chicken, fish, fries and plantain - but they are barbecued to perfection.

Al Dar, near the hotel Memling. A Lebanese restaurant in the center of town. A shwarma sandwich runs about $3, and they have taboule, hummus and desserts as well.

La Bloque, Bandalungwa. One of the better known being roadside stalls.

Mama Colonel, Bandal. An excellent restaurant. The menu has only 4 items - chicken, fish, fries and plantain - but they are barbecued to perfection.

The freshwater prawns from the Congo river are incredible - called Cossa Cossa on menus (as distinct from imported saltwater prawns which are Gambas) - generally served with a garlic and chili (pili-pili) butter sauce. A plate of these will set you back around $25-$40 dollars depending where you eat.

• 3615, on the main Boulevard (next door to the Peloustore supermarket). Has an outdoor area as well as an air conditioned indoor area; and excellent food - from pizza to steaks and fish. Average price for a main dish plus drink is around US$20. Dozens of prostitutes, quite fun to watch, but if you are a man alone you will get hassled.
• Association Belgo-Congolaise (ABC). Serves meals for about $10 in a nice outdoor terrace, though sometimes the quality of meals is questionable and the kitchen can close early. The menu includes traditional dishes such as river fish and fried plantains, or international fare like cheeseburgers and spaghetti. Food takes a long time to come. You can also espresso coffee rather than Nescafe.
• Marie Kabuang – A bit difficult to find on the first floor of the Sultani Hotel (Avenue de la Justice), but totally renewed restaurant. Very stylish and modern. Breakfast and lunch (international food) for only 15 USD, guarantee for a fast service, excellent taste.
• Cercle Elaeis/ La Paillotte. Traditional and international food. Outdoor dining with view on the pool. Expensive but great country-club type setting. Packed with visiting expats and Lebanese families hanging by the pool on weekends.
• Chez Gaby. Portuguese-style. At the upper end of the mid-range - the food is varied and excellent and if you want to splash out, you can also order imported items like foie gras and european wines.
• Chez Philo. Offers a number of Congolese dishes on the menu as well as the standard Belgian-style fare. Good prawns (Cossa)
• La Piscine. Outdoor tables arranged around a swimming pool-great settings and mediocre food for $20-$30 if you choose restrainedly. Greek items an pizza as well as the usual dishes.
• Girassol (just off the Boulevard), turn across from Sonas, on the corner where Icare travel is located; take the most right street; it's on the right.
• Le Roi du Cossa 220 Ave Mpolo (just off the Boulevard), Gombe. A Portuguese restaurant is always a good bet for seafood, and this is no exception. Some say these are the best Cossa Cossa in town.
• Green Gardenbest indian restaurant in town, in a great garden setting. Both North and South Indian cuisines in a lovely outdoor setting. Open every day, serve dosa at any time of day. Opposit Chez Delice, behind La Piscine, parallel to Boulevard.
• Pizerria Extreme: reasonably cheap pizzas and other dishes. Turn off the boulevard at the Express supermarket corner... it will be on your left hand
• Pizerria Opoeta and Greg's bar: on the road towards the golf course: closest thing to an international pub. Good pizzas as well. Excellent seafood thanks to the Portuguese proprietors.
• Mangoustan restaurant at the Memling Hotel: Monday thru Friday serves lunch buffet for $40 with a large variety of Belgium and international dishes, and on Wednesday evening offers a lavish cheese and charcuterie buffet for $40 with a varying wine-by-the glass selection. Good value. Safe parking facilities. good to make reservations

3615, on the main Boulevard (next door to the Peloustore supermarket). Has an outdoor area as well as an air conditioned indoor area; and excellent food - from pizza to steaks and fish. Average price for a main dish plus drink is around US$20. Dozens of prostitutes, quite fun to watch, but if you are a man alone you will get hassled.

Association Belgo-Congolaise (ABC). Serves meals for about $10 in a nice outdoor terrace, though sometimes the quality of meals is questionable and the kitchen can close early. The menu includes traditional dishes such as river fish and fried plantains, or international fare like cheeseburgers and spaghetti. Food takes a long time to come. You can also espresso coffee rather than Nescafe.

Marie Kabuang – A bit difficult to find on the first floor of the Sultani Hotel (Avenue de la Justice), but totally renewed restaurant. Very stylish and modern. Breakfast and lunch (international food) for only 15 USD, guarantee for a fast service, excellent taste.

Cercle Elaeis/ La Paillotte. Traditional and international food. Outdoor dining with view on the pool. Expensive but great country-club type setting. Packed with visiting expats and Lebanese families hanging by the pool on weekends.

Chez Gaby. Portuguese-style. At the upper end of the mid-range - the food is varied and excellent and if you want to splash out, you can also order imported items like foie gras and european wines.

Chez Philo. Offers a number of Congolese dishes on the menu as well as the standard Belgian-style fare. Good prawns (Cossa)

La Piscine. Outdoor tables arranged around a swimming pool-great settings and mediocre food for $20-$30 if you choose restrainedly. Greek items an pizza as well as the usual dishes.

Girassol (just off the Boulevard), turn across from Sonas, on the corner where Icare travel is located; take the most right street; it's on the right.

Le Roi du Cossa 220 Ave Mpolo (just off the Boulevard), Gombe. A Portuguese restaurant is always a good bet for seafood, and this is no exception. Some say these are the best Cossa Cossa in town.

Green Gardenbest indian restaurant in town, in a great garden setting. Both North and South Indian cuisines in a lovely outdoor setting. Open every day, serve dosa at any time of day. Opposit Chez Delice, behind La Piscine, parallel to Boulevard.

Pizerria Extreme: reasonably cheap pizzas and other dishes. Turn off the boulevard at the Express supermarket corner... it will be on your left hand

Pizerria Opoeta and Greg's bar: on the road towards the golf course: closest thing to an international pub. Good pizzas as well. Excellent seafood thanks to the Portuguese proprietors.

Mangoustan restaurant at the Memling Hotel: Monday thru Friday serves lunch buffet for $40 with a large variety of Belgium and international dishes, and on Wednesday evening offers a lavish cheese and charcuterie buffet for $40 with a varying wine-by-the glass selection. Good value. Safe parking facilities. good to make reservations

The more expensive restaurants are in Gombe.

• Café Conc, Av. de la Nation. The most expensive restaurant in the DRC, allegedly!
• Ciboulette. Second most expensive. It's in the Elais compound on your right hand.
• Chez Nicolas, Avenue de la Justice. Italian restaurant which has been around for 25+ years.
• Le Cercle Gourmand, Av. Du Cercle, +243 999 901 001. High class restaurant, belongs to the golf club
• La Brasserie, 5, Avenue Rep Du Tchad (In Memling Hotel. Great food. Belgium-French influences with a few Congolese dishes. Rather pricy but worth it, generous portions and great service. Safe parking on hotel premises

Café Conc, Av. de la Nation. The most expensive restaurant in the DRC, allegedly!

Ciboulette. Second most expensive. It's in the Elais compound on your right hand.

Chez Nicolas, Avenue de la Justice. Italian restaurant which has been around for 25+ years.

Le Cercle Gourmand, Av. Du Cercle, +243 999 901 001. High class restaurant, belongs to the golf club

La Brasserie, 5, Avenue Rep Du Tchad (In Memling Hotel. Great food. Belgium-French influences with a few Congolese dishes. Rather pricy but worth it, generous portions and great service. Safe parking on hotel premises

Local beer - Turbo King is a darker beer, regular lagers are Primus (which some feel is the best local beer, brewed by the local Heineken brewery) and Skol. European Mutzig comes in smaller bottles! A bit more expensive, and slightly harder to find as it is brewed in Lubumbashi by Simba Breweries, is Tembo, a tasty amber ale preferred by locals and expats alike. Tembo garners the highest ranking for a DRC beer on ratebeer.com. Lots of expensive French and South African wine available in restaurants and supermarkets. Portuguese plonk goes for as low as $3 a bottle at grocery stores catering to expats (Peloustore, Express, etc.).

Kinshasa becomes alive most nights when residents head to Matonge, a place filled with dancing bars, restaurants and night clubs. Lately Bandal and Bonmarche are the more popular "quartiers" to visit the local bars and "discotheques". Go to a local nightclub and learn how to dance Congolese rhythms. Get ready to shake your booty! For those that prefer to stay in Gombe, the following offer good possibilities:

• Chez Ntemba, Av. Douane. A hopping place after midnight.
• Ibiza Bar. Jazz bar for live music. Dancing starts around midnight. Small, smokey atmosphere, a really proper old-fashioned jazz bar.
• Mambo.
• Standing Club, +243 818 143550. 9PM-5AM. Small western-style bar and disco.
• VIP Bar. Larger western-style disco - mirror and disco-ball on the ceiling. On the main boulevard close to 3615
• 3615. Vibey but sleazy nightclub on the boulevard. Banned to UN personnel due since it's allegedly a hotbed for prostitution.
• Savanana. On the boulevard in the Gecamines/Sozacom building, the highest building in Kinshasa, close to the central station. Definitely an interesting experience for those that dare confront the local girls.

Hotel bars are popular with expats and usually has live music several nights a week.

• Bar of Sultani Hotel. The style bar of the Sultani Hotel has been changed and is now providing a comfortable feeling and (jazz) partys every Friday, live music, no ticket to pay. Prices for drinks start at about 8 USD for cocktails.
• Cockpit Bar, 5 Avenue Rep Du Tchad (In Hotel Memling. The Memling's main bar. Classy setting. Business during the day, try their wild Congolese tea infused with lemongrass, a must. Cozy lounge in the evening with jazz, blues, soul music in the background. Happy hour from 6pm-8pm, where they do BOGO nights for draught beers and kwilu rhum cocktails and world music
• Bar La Piscine, 5 Avenue Rep Du Tchad (In Hotel Memling, +243 81 5557700. 12.00pm-10.30pm. The Memling Hotel's pool bar, nice food, has an upper terrace, a little oasis overlooking the pool with semi-private little gazebos - great little romantic hangout. The pool bar & charcoal grill definitely serves the best burger and bbq in town. Safari BBQ in dry season. Does BOGO nights/Happy Hour for draft beers and kwilu rhum cocktails from 5 to 7pm. Enclosed, guarded parking on the hotel property

Do not drink from the tap. Bottled water is readily available. Also, when cleaning your teeth make sure that you use bottled water.

Chez Ntemba, Av. Douane. A hopping place after midnight.

Ibiza Bar. Jazz bar for live music. Dancing starts around midnight. Small, smokey atmosphere, a really proper old-fashioned jazz bar.

Mambo.

Standing Club, +243 818 143550. 9PM-5AM. Small western-style bar and disco.

VIP Bar. Larger western-style disco - mirror and disco-ball on the ceiling. On the main boulevard close to 3615

3615. Vibey but sleazy nightclub on the boulevard. Banned to UN personnel due since it's allegedly a hotbed for prostitution.

Savanana. On the boulevard in the Gecamines/Sozacom building, the highest building in Kinshasa, close to the central station. Definitely an interesting experience for those that dare confront the local girls.

Bar of Sultani Hotel. The style bar of the Sultani Hotel has been changed and is now providing a comfortable feeling and (jazz) partys every Friday, live music, no ticket to pay. Prices for drinks start at about 8 USD for cocktails.

Cockpit Bar, 5 Avenue Rep Du Tchad (In Hotel Memling. The Memling's main bar. Classy setting. Business during the day, try their wild Congolese tea infused with lemongrass, a must. Cozy lounge in the evening with jazz, blues, soul music in the background. Happy hour from 6pm-8pm, where they do BOGO nights for draught beers and kwilu rhum cocktails and world music

Bar La Piscine, 5 Avenue Rep Du Tchad (In Hotel Memling, +243 81 5557700. 12.00pm-10.30pm. The Memling Hotel's pool bar, nice food, has an upper terrace, a little oasis overlooking the pool with semi-private little gazebos - great little romantic hangout. The pool bar & charcoal grill definitely serves the best burger and bbq in town. Safari BBQ in dry season. Does BOGO nights/Happy Hour for draft beers and kwilu rhum cocktails from 5 to 7pm. Enclosed, guarded parking on the hotel property

Plenty of cyber cafes exist, so don't worry about staying connected.

Don't drink the local water. Bottled water seems to be cheap enough but sometimes hard to find for a good price. The best way is if you are staying in an upscale hotel that provides it with the room just tip the housekeeping staff to get extra bottles put in your room (usually if you tell them while giving them the money that works the best, and after the first 2 days of asking for the water you usually don't have to worry about telling them anymore, just give them the $5 a day).

Make sure you have all required vaccinations - i.e. yellow fever, typhoid, etc.

Mosquitoes can be a problem in the entire city. Malaria medication should be taken.

It is highly recommended that you have someone with you at all times that is a local (besides while being in your hotel). Cab drivers will usually stay with you too when going to local shops and making quick stops and will serve as your translator if you get a good one. Be careful with any equipment you have with you such as digital cameras and video equipment. Be careful also of what you take pictures of. Even if they say no photos only at the airport and of government buildings, a lot of times the police and UN people will get upset if you are taking videos at other places where technically it is supposed to be ok to do. Just be sure to have plenty of locals with you that know what they are doing and can provide security and a way out if you get stuck or in trouble. Follow their advice and pay attention when out and about. When in doubt about taking a photo of something don't until you get very clear instructions that it is ok. Don't keep cameras in open view unless you've been cleared to take a photo (which is just like taking a photo to them it seems). Also be equally prepared for hostility and positive reactions when taking photos.

When traveling by car, always lock all the doors before you set off, as it is not uncommon for opportunist thieves to try to open them and snatch belongings. For the same reason, keep bags and valuables out of reach and out of sight.

If you are approached by people claiming to be police, be wary. If they are not in uniform, they are probably not police but are most likely hoping to relieve you of your money and valuables. A common tactic is for a group of men in a car to show a fake police identity card and ask you to go with them to the police station. Do not get in the car; just walk away. Be prepared to run. Never lose your temper, but keep negotiating in a friendly way; in the end, they will give up.

Recent road scams have included a group of fake police officers in an unmarked 4x4 vehicle that will pull over unsuspecting people driving alone in cars, then forcibly take them in to their vehicle, drive them out to the country, rob them of everything and leave them stranded. While the main targets have been UN staff in obvious white UN vehicles, all foreigners driving should be wary of this group or others operating like them. For general safety, people should never drive alone in vehicles, especially after dark.

BBC World Service radio broadcast in English, French and Swahili in Kinshasa on 92.6MHz.

• Belgium Belgium, Building du Cinquantenaire Place du 27 Octobre, +243 996 022 100.
• Brazil Brazil, Avenue Batetela, n°3098, 14 eme étage, +243 (81) 700-9471, +243 (81) 700-9472.
• Canada Canada, 17, Pumbu Avenue, +243 99 60 21 500.
• Chad Chad, 45, Avenue Okito, Quartier Binza Pigeon.
• Cuba Cuba, 40A Avenue Uvira, +243 816603995.
• France France, 1 Avenue du Colonel Mondjiba, +243 815 559 999.
• Germany Germany, 82, Avenue Roi Baudouin, +243 81 556 13 80, +243 81 556 13 81, +243 81 556 13 82.
• Ghana Ghana, No. 206, Avenue Pierre Muele, +243 999 994 109.
• India India, 18-B, Avenue Batetela.
• Italy Italy, 8, Avenue de la Mongala, +243 815553651, +243 815553652.
• Nigeria Nigeria, 141, Blvd. 30 Juin, +243 817005143.
• South Africa South Africa, 77 Avenue Ngongo Lutete, +243 81 556 6589, +243 81 556 6613.
• Spain Spain, Boulevard Colonel Tshatshi nº 37.
• Switzerland Switzerland, 654, Blvd Colonel Tshatshi, +243 89 89 46 800.
• United Kingdom United Kingdom, 83, Avenue Roi Baudoin, +243 81 556 6200.
• United States United States, 310 Avenue des Aviateurs, +243 81 556-0151.

Belgium Belgium, Building du Cinquantenaire Place du 27 Octobre, +243 996 022 100.

Brazil Brazil, Avenue Batetela, n°3098, 14 eme étage, +243 (81) 700-9471, +243 (81) 700-9472.

Canada Canada, 17, Pumbu Avenue, +243 99 60 21 500.

Chad Chad, 45, Avenue Okito, Quartier Binza Pigeon.

Cuba Cuba, 40A Avenue Uvira, +243 816603995.

France France, 1 Avenue du Colonel Mondjiba, +243 815 559 999.

Germany Germany, 82, Avenue Roi Baudouin, +243 81 556 13 80, +243 81 556 13 81, +243 81 556 13 82.

Ghana Ghana, No. 206, Avenue Pierre Muele, +243 999 994 109.

India India, 18-B, Avenue Batetela.

Italy Italy, 8, Avenue de la Mongala, +243 815553651, +243 815553652.

Nigeria Nigeria, 141, Blvd. 30 Juin, +243 817005143.

South Africa South Africa, 77 Avenue Ngongo Lutete, +243 81 556 6589, +243 81 556 6613.

Spain Spain, Boulevard Colonel Tshatshi nº 37.

Switzerland Switzerland, 654, Blvd Colonel Tshatshi, +243 89 89 46 800.

United Kingdom United Kingdom, 83, Avenue Roi Baudoin, +243 81 556 6200.

United States United States, 310 Avenue des Aviateurs, +243 81 556-0151.

• Bombo-Lumene Game Reserve.
• The Chutes de Zongo waterfalls in Bas Congo are impressive but some from Kinshasa - a bit far for a day trip. You can stay at the Seli Safari Resort near the falls.
• There are boats to Brazzaville across the river.

Bombo-Lumene Game Reserve.

The Chutes de Zongo waterfalls in Bas Congo are impressive but some from Kinshasa - a bit far for a day trip. You can stay at the Seli Safari Resort near the falls.

There are boats to [[Brazzaville]] across the river.