Things to Do in DR Congo

From gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park to the lava lake of Mount Nyiragongo - the essential sights, and how to keep your own record of them, when conditions allow.

Travel guide - last updated September 2026

The Democratic Republic of Congo holds Africa's oldest national park and one of the world's largest and most active lava lakes, both in the Virunga region near the Rwandan border - a genuinely remarkable combination of wildlife and volcanic scenery. Ongoing conflict in the eastern part of the country has significantly affected safe access in recent years, and conditions vary considerably by region, so checking current travel advisories for your specific route is essential.

Top attractions

The sights most first-time visitors build an itinerary around.

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Virunga National Park

Africa's oldest national park, home to mountain gorillas alongside Mount Nyiragongo's active volcano - though access has been intermittently affected by regional security conditions in recent years.

📍 North Kivu, near the Rwandan border

🚉 Access is through Goma, which has an airport with flights from Kinshasa and a land border with Rwanda at Gisenyi - the park arranges all transfers, and independent travel to the sectors is not permitted.

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Mount Nyiragongo

An active volcano with one of the largest lava lakes in the world, climbable overnight to camp at the crater rim and watch the lava glow after dark, when accessible.

📍 North Kivu

🚉 The lava-lake volcano is climbed from Kibati, an hour north of Goma, on a permit that includes the guide, the porters and the ranger escort - check whether the climb is open, as it closes after eruptions and during unrest.

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Kinshasa

The DRC's capital and one of the largest cities in Africa, with a National Museum covering the country's history and a significant contemporary music and art scene.

📍 Kinshasa

🚉 The capital has no metro and heavy traffic: shared taxis and buses cover it, and the ferry across the Congo river to Brazzaville is one of the shortest international crossings anywhere.

Mark DR Congo, get the stamp

🇨🇩DR CONGOVISITED

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🇨🇩DR CONGOWISHLIST

In MyPassportStory, every country you mark - visited, lived in, or still on the list - becomes a stamp like these in your own travel passport. Add the cities you stopped in, draw the route between them, and turn the whole trip into a shareable passport-style image.

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Planning questions

How many days do you need in DR Congo?

This depends entirely on current access conditions for the specific region - check official travel advisories before planning any specific itinerary.

What's the best time to visit DR Congo?

June-September and December-February (dry seasons) are traditionally best for Virunga when accessible - but current safety conditions should be the primary consideration.

Is DR Congo good for a first-time visit?

Access and safety vary considerably by region and change over time - check your government's official travel advisory carefully for the specific area you intend to visit before planning any trip.

Do I need a visa to visit DR Congo?

Most nationalities need a visa, typically arranged in advance through an embassy or e-visa application. Check the official visa information for your nationality: rdcembassy.us.

What are some things to do in DR Congo on a tight budget?

This is secondary to checking current access and safety conditions for your specific region, which should be the primary consideration before any trip planning.

Can I rent a car in the DR Congo, and what licence do I need?

Check your government's travel advice first: much of the east, including areas around Virunga, carries advice against all travel, and the park itself closes to visitors during periods of unrest. Where visits happen, Virunga's own rangers and vehicles handle all transport on a permit, and independent driving there is not permitted. Elsewhere, hiring a car with a driver is the norm; a foreign licence with an International Driving Permit is accepted on paper, and the minimum age is 25. Consult your own foreign ministry before planning.