Top 8 Places to visit in Kinshasa City in Congo
Top 8 Places to visit in Kinshasa City in Congo: There are several things to do in Kinshasa, but some background knowledge will help you comprehend everything better. Kinshasa is the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s capital. It is located on the southern banks of the Congo River, 515 kilometers from the Atlantic Ocean. Kinshasa has developed from a modest fishing town to one of Africa’s most populous cities. Kinshasa is the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s cultural and intellectual center, but it has also affected many regions of Sub-Saharan Africa during the last 30 years. It is the world’s largest French-speaking metropolis, greater than Paris.
From May through September, the weather is normally warm for the most of the day. Temperatures tend to plummet during the rainy season, which lasts from October to May. The city is organized into three major districts: residential, business, and industrial. The industrial zone is located in the city’s east, while the majority of the residential flats for the wealthy class of Congolese and Europeans are located in the city’s west. The majority of the significant government buildings, embassies, and international organization headquarters are located in the center.
Kinshasa, with a population of almost 12,000,000 inhabitants, is one of Africa’s most densely inhabited cities. The majority of the population is young (below 22 years). The high population density in the capital is mostly due to the recent civil conflicts that have afflicted the country. Other motivations include a desire to live in the city and the economic difficulties that come with modernization. As in many developing countries, there is a huge divide between the affluent and the poor.
It is surprising to discover immense luxury and mansions in locations like ‘Binza and N’djili, while other regions are mostly slum neighbourhoods with the rare middle-class structure. Most of these slum communities have badly paved roads, and you get the impression that they are populated by newcomers from outlying sections of the nation. Despite their disparate lives, upheaval, and years of civil conflict in certain regions of the nation, Congolese people have one trait: a love of life, music, and flashy dress.
Top 8 Places to visit in Kinshasa City in Congo.
Visit the National Museum of Kinshasa.
The National Museum of Kinshasa is a museum that is historically and culturally significant to the Congolese people. It is the place to learn about the city’s history and its relevance to the country. The museum features an archive of over 46,000 pieces including information about the country’s history, fauna, rivers, lakes, and many tribes. The Museum’s staff will guide you through the displays, following which you may gaze out over the Congo River.
Visit Notre Dame Cathedral
If you are on a mission trip to the Congo, you should visit the Notre Dame Cathedral. This cathedral was erected in 1947 using brick and eye-catching glass. The primary Roman Catholic Church in Kinshasa is Église Ste Anne, which is located on a larger campus. To view the greatest Catholic Church in Congo, drive 120 kilometers north of Kinshasa to Kisantu.
People’s Palace
The first stop should be at the National Palace. The structure was erected in 1956 as the house of the Belgian governor at the time, although Patrick Lumumba later utilized it (first president). The Palais du Peuple, or People’s Palace, is another significant structure worth seeing when in Kinshasa, Congo. It is where the country’s laws are drafted.
Lola ya Bonobo
This is the sole orphaned bonobo refuge. Dwarf chimps are another name for bonobos. They are smaller than chimps and can only be found in central Africa. The sanctuary is located outside the town in an area named Kimwenza. Bonobos are on the verge of extinction, and their numbers continue to decline despite being categorized as endangered by the IUCN. Humans are their primary threat, Top 8 Places to visit in Kinshasa City in Congo
Aside from habitat degradation caused by human expansion, bonobos are also victims of poaching, wildlife trafficking, and hunting for their flesh. When the primates are saved, they are transferred to Lola ya Bonobo, where they are rehabilitated and cared for until they are ready to be released back into the wild.
Visit Lac de Ma Vallee
The French name is Lac de Ma Vallee. This magnificent park is located distant from the city core. It is made up of bodies of water, woods, and wildlife. If you want to unwind in a calm environment away from the hustle and bustle of the city, this is a fantastic place to visit with family.
Kisantu Botanical Garden
After touring Lac de Ma Vallee, you may visit this botanical park to experience nature in a peaceful and beautiful setting outside of town. The gardens have a variety of tree species, including some that are centuries old, such as cactus and herbarium. The grounds also contain a restaurant that serves Congolese cuisine as well as snacks.
Snake Farm
You could be interested in a snake farm after seeing the botanical gardens, which is located 28 kilometers from the city center. Snakes, both venomous and non-venomous, may be found in Serpents du Congo, Top 8 Places to visit in Kinshasa City in Congo
Visit Zongo Falls
The Zongo waterfalls are located 130 kilometers outside of Kinshasa town. The falls are surrounded by peaceful and gorgeous environment, which is very different from what you would find in the city. It’s a great place to spend the weekend or if you’re looking for some peace and quiet. You may go for a walk in the rain forest, go bird watching, or look for little primates.
