Kinshasa

1280px Market in Matete - Kinshasa market Kinshasa 2003 - The boulevard of 30 June, Kinshasa Kinshasa downtown - Downtown Kinshasa Kinshasa-Gombe, from CCIC - Kinshasa

Kinshasa is the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It faces Brazzaville and 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 Halal Travel Guide

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 and 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.

How is the Climate in Kinshasa

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.

Travel to Kinshasa

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Kinshasa

N'djili International Airport IATA Flight Code: FIH -4.38575, 15.444569 - N'djili Airport - Aéroport International de N'djili Kinshasa - South African Airways, Kenyan Airways and Ethiopian airlines and Royal air Maroc each operate a number of flights per week from their hubs in Johannesburg, Nairobi, Addis Ababa and Casablanca. Connections to Europe can be made with Air France from Paris, Brussels Airlines from Brussels and Royal air Maroc from Casablanca in Morocco.

Kinshasa's N'djili International Airport used to have a terrible reputation for corrupt officials asking for bribes. They have improved things and it is quite manageable. Just follow everyone else and try not to look like a tourist. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is crucial. When flying into Kinshasa, be careful not to lose your luggage tag stub, which you need to show to prove that your luggage is yours. Watch out for being mobbed by volunteer 'helpers' once you are outside the airport, who will want to carry your bags in return for tips. Keep in mind that when returning to the airport to leave you can not drive your vehicle or take a cab onto the airport property without paying for parking / access $5 or $10. When departing from the airport, a fee of USD 50 must be paid (a receipt is issued) before entering the terminal. Visitors are allowed to go with you into the terminal if they pay a USD 10 fee.

There is a lounge on the second level where you can take a drink or eat while awaiting your flight. Announcements are not always made in a timely manner about flight departures or arrivals. In previous years visitors to the upstairs lounge could stand overlooking the tarmac but security concerns have increased the distance between the open air viewing and the lounge itself.

A taxi into town will probably cost you $30-$50, and usually has no air conditioning. It is an hour's drive into the centre of Kinshasa. Best option is to get a shuttle offered by one of the travel companies on the right outside the arrivals door.

While there is a railway line between N'Djili airport and the central station, services are limited to twice daily and are not of much use to the regular tourist.

By Rail

The railroad of Congo once covered the entire country during colonial times, but has fallen in to heavy disuse. However and there are glimpses of hope and the central train station in Kinshasa has recently been renovated and a new long distance passenger service from Matadi and the nation's chief sea port on the Congo river and gateway from Angola, was inaugurated in August 2022. Running three times a week and covering the 300 kilometers just seven hours, it's one of the faster passenger trains in central Africa. Apart from the Matadi service however and the only other passenger trains are commuter trains of limited use to the average tourist.

Tickets are usually only able to be bought the day of travel shortly before the train arrives and can prove to be difficult to get.

Kinshasa East - Gare de l'Est -4.301219, 15.317907At the eastern end of Boulevard Du 30 Juin - Kinshasas main train station, with Place du 30 Juin in front of it.

By car

Apart from the road Matadi to Kinshasa a vehicle is no means for overland travel. You might be successful with a 4x4 in the upper northern region (Bangassou - Nia Nia - Isiro) and maybe the axis Kinshasa - Lumumbashi.All other towns are accessible only by air transport or boat.

Travel on a Bus in Kinshasa

Book a Halal Cruise or Boat Tour in Kinshasa

You can arrive by boat from Brazzaville, if you have a visa. There are speed boats that go quickly for a limited number of people, or you can take the barge with local merchants if you have time.Ask to go to "the Beach", which is the ferry terminal.

Get Around

-4.321146|15.293437|layer=W}} Officially there is a city bus and it has been bolstered recently by some older buses from Belgium being gifted to Kinshasa to improve the routes. This system pales in comparison to the "taxi" system that has risen organically to serve the needs of the people of Kinshasa.

Essentially and these taxis are small buses. They run set routes between embarkation points that are the "stops". The cost between these various points is usually around 350 Francs. If one's destination is through multiple points, different taxis will need to be boarded to complete the route, making the system take a good deal of time during busy traffic hours.

People waiting at the stops will move their hands in a variety of gestures to signal which direction they are going. A taxi will then stop and pick up someone if they are going in the same direction and have space in the taxi.

This system works well for the local residents. For visitors and foreigners, it can be quite difficult as one needs to know the hand signs, have knowledge of the routes, be ready to sit in cramped, hot vehicles with many other people, and deal with the potential dangers of these vehicles as many are barely road-worthy. Traveling through this manner absolutely requires local help for those unfamiliar with the system. One will also have to speak French or Lingala as the drivers do not speak English.

There are also traditional taxis for hire. They are available for single runs or can be hired by the day. This can be a tricky business and should be handled with care (especially at the airport) as there are those will take people to remote locations and rob them.Again, help from a local is best or using drivers that others in the area have past experience with and trust. Rates for these taxis vary widely and if one does not appear to be of African descent and there will also be an automatic premium added.

What to see in Kinshasa

Lr new best bonobo pics20 - Lola ya Bonobo ("Paradise for Bonobos") is the world's only sanctuary for orphaned bonobos.

National Museum of Kinshasa -4.321146, 15.293437 ☎ +243 12 61494 A Founded in 1970, hosts a large selection of ethnographic objects.

Lola ya Bonobo - -4.489766, 15.268443 ☎ +243 818 141492 - Lola ya Bonobo the world's only sanctuary for orphaned bonobos. Since 2002 and the sanctuary has been located at Les Petites Chutes de la Lukaya, just outside of Kinshasa.

Kinkole -4.326330, 15.514315 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 fruit drinks are affordable for middle class.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Kinshasa

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 hala 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 local residents do.

Study in Kinshasa

Lingala is the local language spoken in this region beyond French. Learning a bit goes a long way to befriending local residents.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Kinshasa

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 negotiate 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 more interesting and personal way to get to know the artists of the nation 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 organic juice 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 junction 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.

Money/Currency

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.

Halal Food & Restaurants

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

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

Many affordable 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.

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 Sauces. 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 Pizzas 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 swimmingpool 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 fruit cocktails.
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 Pizzas as well as the usual dishes.
Girassol (just off the Boulevard), turn across from Sonas, on the junction 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 affordable 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 fruit cocktail-by-the glass selection. Good Vegetarian options. Safe parking facilities. good to make reservations

The more expensive restaurants are in Gombe.

Café Conc - Le Caf Conc - Av. de la Nation -4.301194, 15.311346 - 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 -4.307232, 15.291305 - Italian restaurant which has been around for 25+ years.

Le Cercle Gourmand - Av. Du Cercle -4.312423, 15.293313 ☎ +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

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Local organic juice - Turbo King is a darker regular lagers are Primus (which some feel is the best local 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 local residents and expats alike. Tembo garners the highest ranking for a DRC organic juice on rateColas.com. Lots of expensive French and South African 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 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 and the following offer good possibilities:

Chez Ntemba Av. Douane -4.300858, 15.308244 - A hopping place after midnight.

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

Mambo
Standing Club -4.307561, 15.323460 ☎ +243 818 143550 Opening Hours: 9AM Monday - 5AM Small Middle Eastern style and disco.

VIP Cafe - Larger Middle Eastern style disco - mirror and disco-ball on the ceiling. On the main boulevard close to 3615

3615 -4.305123, 15.305296 - Vibey but sleazy nightclub on the boulevard. Banned to UN personnel due since it's a hotbed for prostitution.

Savanana - On the boulevard in the Gecamines/Sozacom building and 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.

Cafe 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 Cafe 5 Avenue Rep Du Tchad In Hotel Memling - The Memling's main café. 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 soft drinks and kwilu rhum cocktails and world music

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

Water

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

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Kinshasa

Kinshasa - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Kinshasa, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Kinshasa. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Kinshasa and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Kinshasa. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Kinshasa. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inKinshasa: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Kinshasa.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Kinshasa: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Kinshasa, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Kinshasa.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Kinshasa, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Kinshasa, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Kinshasa and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Kinshasa, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Kinshasa, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Kinshasa without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Kinshasa is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Kinshasa.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Kinshasa is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Kinshasa, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Kinshasa Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Kinshasa

eHalal Group Kinshasa is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Kinshasa. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Kinshasa.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Kinshasa ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Kinshasa. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Kinshasa, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Kinshasa are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

Accommodation in Kinshasa can be expensive. A consequence of the past problems mean that many organisations only recognise two hotels as having international standards. So the Memling and the Grand have a virtual monopoly. Prices of these two can be in excess of $300 per day plus breakfast. Now a new luxury Hotel called Hotel Royal has opened. Modern boutique hotel with all amenities inclusive.

Hotel de La Gombe
CAP (Centre d'accueil protestant)
Hotel Phenix (Barumbu neighborhood) Rooms cost $20/10,000F. Power is intermittant and water brought in buckets. Get a room that opens up to the outside. Everyone knows this large building on the primary street.
Procure Street Anne This catholic monastery has a large compound right in the middle of town, close to the river and H&F supermarket, opposite American and Portuguese embassies. They have basic, but spacious rooms with air-conditioning and showers. Restrooms shared. Single rooms cost $40, breakfast included. Dinner is optional for approx. $10. Very nice, quiet garden and comfortable café.
Hotel Pasha Situated right next to the Memling. Pasha has a restaurant that serves (Pakistani)/Indian/Bengali food at reasonable prices. The cook can speak Urdu/Hindi/Bengali/French, so communication is not a problem for South Asian people. Also you can order items that are not on the menu, i.e. if you are craving for some 'aalu ka paratha' or some 'haleem', just go and talk to Khursheed (0899431964).

Hotel Ave Maria 60 USD A well-run and well-located place frequented by NGOs and UN types.

San Pedro Hotel Kinshasa - Av. 18 Parcelles nr 16 Quartier Palais des Marbres Palais des Marbres Ngaliema ☎ +2439714444 $60-$100 Check-in: 13h00 / Check-out: 11h00 Confort maison d’une résidence privée. Situé à Kinshasa sur l’avenue 18 Parcelles dans le quartier résidentiel du Palais des Marbres, San Pedro est une résidence privée, d’un charme discret et d’un confort simple, réaménagée en petit hôtel, idéal pour les voyageurs à la recherche d’une atmosphère intime et paisible comme à la maison.

Residence Marika -4.306490, 15.302322 A simple 3-star hotel just off the main Boulevard, with swimming pool.

Hotel Memling - 5, Avenue Rep Du Tchad -4.304272, 15.312298 ☎ +243 817 001111 Probably the best and second most expensive hotel in town. Has been around since 1937, and has since then maintained its place as the city's Number One venue - now that's a real reference, on this side of the river. Wireless Internet throughout, nice but small pool, restaurants, good Belgium food. Expect to pay $300/night plus $28 for breakfast and $30 for 24 hour access to Internet ($75 for week). Hertz vehicle rental are at the hotel, along with mobile phone companies, gift shops and the usual souvenirs. Excellent conference facilities and the hotel is located within 5 to 10 minutes of the city's main business and political ventures.

Grand Hotel - 7, Avenue Batetela -4.312708, 15.273264 ☎ +243 81 55 53 001 - The Grand Hotel is the other fancy hotel in town - well located near the river, embassies and the Presidential residence; it is frequented by local residents as well as internationals assisting with the DRC's transition. It claims to be DRC's only 5* hotel, but the only 5* feature is the price ($300+/night plus tax). Extremely expensive and not particularly good food, with slow service. There are two lodging blocks. The old one is now being completely refurbished. Slow wireless internet is available for $70/week.

Hotel Royal -4.305976, 15.305874 ☎ +243 81 555666 New Luxury hotel in Kinshasa, finally a real 4 star recently opened, Expect to pay 270$/night Bed &Breakfast, with Wifi., tea coffee and water complimentary. Restaurant, cafe, Cigar Lounge, 250p Conference centre, right at the heart of Downtown next to Brussels Airlines Office.

Sultani Hotel - 30, Avenue de la Justice -4.308152, 15.289853 ☎ +243 89 816 6000 or +243 81 885 3318 The Sultani Hotel is a new hotel in the downtown of Kinshasa, close to the River Congo. There is wireless Internet included in the price and provided throughout the hotel. Prices start at $175 for a room. The price/quality ratio is very attractive compared to the other hotels. The hotel offers a business lunch for $15 which is quite rare to get in the expensive city Kinshasa. The team is motivated and speaks English, French, (German), and Chinese.

Fleuve Congo Hotel - 119, Boulevard Colonel -4.312616, 15.270354 ☎ +243 825 000 300 - Renovated in 2012, Fleuve is now one of the most luxurious hotels in town.

Ledya Pyramide Hotel -4.342646, 15.253422 Hotel Pyramide is a small, but luxury hotel, about 5 kilometers out of the center of Kinshasa. All rooms have a bathroom with Jacuzzi, warm water, hairdryer and a Fridge. In March 2008 however and there was only cold water available and in insufficient quantities to take a proper shower or bath. Most rooms are very spacious (some are like a small apartment) and dispose of flatscreen TVs and one or two air-conditioning units. The hotel has no fax. Internet was said to be available but was this not tested (there was a PC at the reception desk with internet connection, but not for residents). The hotel also has an e-mail address, but the on-duty receptionist was unable to access it.

Faden House - 117, Avenue des Batetela -4.311537, 15.272404 ☎ +243 81 99 43331 - A small guesthouse across the street from Grand Hotel. Great location in Gombe, a block away from the River Congo (great walking/jogging route) and many of the European embassies. About the same price as the Grand Hotel, but here the price includes free wifi in all the rooms, and no harassment from drunk foreign soldiers or local prostitutes. A calm oasis in Kinshasa. Some English spoken. Only 9 rooms (avoid rooms 1 and room 3). Also a well-used conference facility, and the quality of service deteriorates when staff are occupied with a function there. There are small fridges in the rooms, but no safe deposit facility; and only a couple of French/Congolese TV channels.

Le Voyageur -4.304052, 15.303424 ☎ +243 81 500 5070 Definitely one of the best hotels in town, located next to Elais; unfortunately it tends to be fully booked well in advance. All Elais amenities can be used.

Telecommunications in Kinshasa

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

Medical Issues in Kinshasa

Don't drink the local water. Bottled water seems to be affordable 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.

Stay Safe

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 local residents 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 and 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 vehicle 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 and 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 and then forcibly take them in to their vehicle, drive them out to the nation, 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.

Cope in Kinshasa

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

Embassies & Consulates in Kinshasa

{{flag|Belgium

Belgium - Building du Cinquantenaire Place du 27 Octobre☎ +243 996 022 100

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

{{flag|Canada

Canada - 17, Pumbu Avenue☎ +243 99 60 21 500

{{flag|Chad

Chad - 45, Avenue Okito, Quartier Binza Pigeon

{{flag|Cuba

Cuba a.aspx 40A Avenue Uvira☎ +243 816603995

{{flag|France}

France | 1 Avenue du Colonel Mondjiba☎ +243 815 559 999

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

{{flag|Ghana

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

India - 18-B, Avenue Batetela

{{flag|Italy

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

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

South Africa - 77 Avenue Ngongo Lutete☎ +243 81 556 6589, +243 81 556 6613
Spain - Boulevard Colonel Tshatshi nº 37

{{flag|Switzerland

Switzerland | 654, Blvd Colonel Tshatshi☎ +243 89 89 46 800
United Kingdom | 83, Avenue Roi Baudoin☎ +243 81 556 6200

United States | 310 Avenue des Aviateurs☎ +243 81 556-0151

News & References Kinshasa

Travel Next

Bombo-Lumene Game Reserve -4.7314, 16.0359 kilometers 130 towards Kikwit

Domaine et réserve de Bombo-Lumene Réserve de Bombo-Lumene, 2005

The Chutes de Zongo waterfalls in Bas Congo are impressive but some kilometers 130 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.