Situated along River Congo, Kinshasa, one of the major commercial and residential areas of Congo, is renowned in the country as a fishing city. Full of splendid forests, lakes, rivers and streams, this capital city abounds in several historical, natural and modern attractions that include:

Ma Vallee:A scenic African lake, Ma Vallee is located a short drive away from Kinshasa. This beautiful lake, surrounded by the equatorial forest, is best enjoyed on a pedal boat. A cruise along the lake is a must.

Zongo Falls:Located about 90 km from Kinshasa City, Zongo Falls is one of the most exciting and adventurous destinations around Congo`s capital. Climb the hill or take a shower, a visit to Zongo Falls will surely be a memorable one.

National Museum:The National Museum in Kinshasa is the best place to witness the best collection of Zairian art in the country.

Kinshasa University:A great tourist attraction in the city of Kinshasa, the Kinshasa University is home to a museum that preserves interesting artifacts and historical records belonging to various eras in Congo`s chequered past.

A quality accommodation in Kinshasa comes at a very high price. Owing to the past problems, just a couple of the hotels in this capital city are considered to be of international standards. As a consequence, the Grand and Memling enjoy a monopoly in the city`s hospitality industry.

Budget Hotels:Budget conscious travelers wouldn`t have much difficulty in finding a decent accommodation option in Kinshasa that is affordable and comfortable at the same time. Some of the notable budget hotels in the city include Hotel de La Gombe, Hotel Phoenix, CAP and Procure St Anne. Some of the mid-range hotels in Kinshasa that make for great lodging options include Hotel Fontana Inn, San Pedro Hotel and Residence Marika.

Luxury Hotels:Beautiful, expensive, safe, strategically located and aesthetically designed, staying in Kinshasa luxury hotels is a pleasant experience. Offering excellent amenities and facilities, along with exceptional in-room services, these hotels are an ideal lodging option for travelers who are ready to splurge. Best luxury hotels in Kinshasa include Hotel Memling, Grand Hotel, Sultani Hotel, Hotel Pyramide, Le Voyageur and Faden House.

All nationals intending to visit the Democratic Republic of Congo must possess a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of departure.

Citizens of all countries, including UK, US, Australia, South Africa, Canada, Ireland and New Zealand require a valid visa to enter DRC. Visa on arrival is offered to all travelers holding a pre-notification letter by the DGM officials. Along with a visa, all travelers also need to be in possession of a yellow fever vaccination certificate.

With very little temperature variations, Kinshasa is an all-year destination. April, September and December are considered to be the best months to travel to this city.

Kinshasa in Congo experiences a tropical wet and dry climate with a long and short rainy season. October through May is the long rainy season whereas June through September is the short rainy season in the city. In contrast to the other African nations where January spells beginning of the dry season, the dry season in Kinshasa begins around June. Though dry months are a little cooler here, temperature remains quite constant all through the year.

Currency:Congolese franc is the unit of currency used in Kinshasa. US Dollars are widely accepted all over the city whereas credit cards are accepted in most large hotels and supermarkets. Cash can be withdrawn from various bank ATMs found all over the city.

Language:The official language of Kinshasa, Congo is French. Lingala is the ingua franca trade language of the country. Other local languages spoken in the city include Kingwana, Kikongo and Tshiluba.