The understated side of the Democratic Republic of the Congo

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is treated with wary sceptism by international tourists. They are wary because the country has a long history of political instability and violence, but the tourism industry is working hard to put all that behind it and use the DRC’s natural splendour to entice travellers. In addition to the rain forests, mountains and gorillas, which require a degree of ruggedness, the DRC has a number of attractions to keep more sedate holiday makers happy.
The Kisantu Botanical Gardens, for instance, offer serenity in the middle of the city of Kisantu. It’s on the edge of a river and contains an arboretum with trees that are centuries old, an herbarium and a host of tropical blooms. Kisantu also boasts one of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s oldest and most beautiful cathedrals. Kinshasa is the DRC’s capital city and well worth a visit. See some of the bustling marketing places, such as the Central Market of Matongé, which encompasses the spirit of trading in the Democratic Republic of Congo and is one of the more vibrant attractions the city has to offer. Kinshasa also contains the bulk of the DRC’s museums, including the University of Kinshasa Museum, the Institute of the National Museums of Congo and the Academy of Fine Arts. You can also stop in at the AAC Bonobo Nursery Sanctuary, which is dedicated to the conservation of bonobo chimpanzees.
Lubumbashi is the DRC’s second largest city. The pace of life in Lubumbashi is slower than Kinshasa, and provides a more laid back travel experience. There is a botanical garden, zoo and National Museum of Lubumbashi, as well as the Palace of Justice, and the cathedral St Pierre et Paul. Those who can’t live without golf on their holidays will be pleased to know that one of the best courses in the DRC can be found at Lubumbashi.