The Democratic Republic of the Congo, abbreviated as DRC, is located in Central Africa and covers a total area of approximately 2,345,410 square kilometers. Thus, the Congo is one of the three largest countries in Africa.
The population of the Congo consists of about 250 ethnic groups. These include, for example, the Luba, Mongo, Kongo, or Asande peoples. Due to the diverse ethnic backgrounds, there are four national languages—Kikongo, Lingala, Tshiluba, and Swahili—as well as French as the official language. However, it is estimated that more than 200 different languages are spoken in the country. For the most part, the country's inhabitants adhere to Christianity.
Attractions in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
The tourist infrastructure in the Congo is not very well developed. However, the country has much to offer in terms of sights. These include, for example, the 60-meter-high Insiki waterfalls in Zongo, the botanical garden of Kisantu with many rare orchids, or the gardens of the Academy Beaux-Arts.
In the country’s many national parks, the rich diversity of flora and fauna is protected. In the Upemba National Park near Bugama, visitors can discover many species of waterfowl, hippos, or crocodiles. In the north of the country lies the Garamba National Park, home to impressive African savannah fauna. Here, visitors can spot elephants, giraffes, or lions. The habitat of the country’s lowland gorillas is protected in the Kahuzi-Biega National Park.
Location and Climate of the Congo
The country is home to about 65 million inhabitants, of whom around 8.9 million live in the capital, Kinshasa. Due to the country’s size, the Congo borders many nations. To the north, it borders the Central African Republic and Sudan; to the east, it borders Burundi, Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania; to the south, Angola and Zambia; and to the west, the Republic of the Congo, as well as the Atlantic Ocean. However, access to the Atlantic is only about 27 kilometers wide.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo has a warm and humid equatorial climate. Due to the country’s size, the climate varies somewhat between regions. In the north, there is a rainy season from April to October and a dry season from December to February. In the central Congo region, rain can be expected year-round. Temperatures average around 25 degrees Celsius. In the south, the rainy season begins in November and ends in March, with the dry season lasting from approximately April to October.
Arrival and Entry
The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s only international airport is located about 25 kilometers from the capital, Kinshasa. It can be reached via direct flights from Paris. From the airport, travelers can reach Kinshasa by bus or taxi. It is also possible to enter the country by bus or car via the borders of neighboring states. However, these regions are not considered safe.
German nationals require a passport valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry and a visa to enter the country. Visas are not issued at the border or airport and must be applied for in advance at the competent embassy in Berlin. Applicants should expect relatively high fees when applying for a visa. In addition, travelers must carry a vaccination certificate proving they have received valid yellow fever and meningitis vaccinations.
