DR Congo

Bordering nine countries and covering roughly 2.34 million km², the DRC is the largest country in sub-Saharan Africa and the second-largest on the continent. Kinshasa, the capital, sits on the southern bank of the Congo River opposite Brazzaville. French is the official language, though Lingala, Swahili, Tshiluba, and Kikongo are widely spoken. The currency is the Congolese franc. The country holds extraordinary mineral wealth and extraordinary biodiversity, shaping both its history and its present.

Most nationalities require a visa to enter the DRC. Visas can be obtained through Congolese embassies abroad or, in some cases, on arrival at Ndjili International Airport in Kinshasa, though conditions change. Travellers should consult the nearest DRC embassy or consulate well in advance and verify current entry requirements, as policies shift and processing times vary considerably.

Virunga National Park, Africa's oldest national park, shelters critically endangered mountain gorillas in the volcanic highlands near the Rwandan border. Nyiragongo volcano offers one of the world's largest active lava lakes visible from its crater rim. The Congo River itself — the world's deepest river — provides dramatic boat journeys through dense jungle. Lola ya Bonobo sanctuary near Kinshasa rehabilitates bonobos found nowhere else on Earth. The Okapi Wildlife Reserve in the Ituri Forest protects the elusive okapi, a species endemic to the DRC.

Most of the DRC sits in an equatorial zone with high humidity and rainfall year-round, though seasons vary by region. The north and south experience offset wet and dry cycles. Temperatures in Kinshasa typically range from 18 °C at night to around 31 °C during the day. The eastern highlands around Bukavu and Goma are considerably cooler, sometimes dropping below 10 °C. The drier months between June and August are generally the most practical time to travel, particularly for wildlife visits. Lightweight, breathable clothing and rain gear are both necessary.

• Congo River is the world's deepest river.
• Home to two great ape species found nowhere else.
• DRC holds over 70% of global coltan reserves.
• Bonobos exist only within DRC's borders.
• Virunga is Africa's oldest national park, est. 1925.

• drcongo.org — general information portal for the DRC
• virunga.org — official site for Virunga National Park
• meteocongo.cd — national meteorological service of the DRC
• ambassade-rdcongo.fr — DRC embassy consular and visa reference