 Kinshasa is the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
UnderstandThis once modern African city has suffered from the decay and stagnation caused during the conflict in the country. Modern buildings such as the CCIC (Centre Commercial International Congolais) lay unused and abandoned. The private sector is making progress. Much of the city is now in the grips of another war. This time a commercial war between the mobile phone companies. Billboards, flags and even entire buildings are adorned with the slogans of the different operators. Kinshasa's infrastructure is largely functional, with a good electricity supply. Parts of the capital are very pleasant. Get inBy planeSouth African Airways and Kenyan Airways each have a number of flights per week from their hubs in Johannesburg and Nairobi. Connections to Europe can be made with Air France from Paris in France and SN Brussels from Brussels in Belgium. Hewa Bora and Bravo Air Congo also offer flights to and from Europe. The airport used to have a terrible reputation for corrupt officials asking for bribes. They have improved things recently, but it will be a challenge getting through the place without local help. Just follow everyone else and try not to look like a tourist! A Yellow fever vaccination certificate is essential. By trainBy carBy busBy boatYou 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 aroundSeeGo see the Bonobos by Lac de ma Vallée, Chutes de Zongo in Bas Congo and Bombo Lumene on the road to Kikwit. Don't forget to g to get some arts in Le marché des valeurs called too marché des voleurs...the first calling means market of value, the second in changing only one letter means market of thiefs DoPlenty of cyber cafes exist, so don't worry about staying connected. The Association Belgo-Congolais (ABC) also rents videos (VHS and DVD). LearnGo to a local nightclub and learn how to dance congolese rhythms. Get ready to shake your booty! (literally) Chez Ntemba is a hopping place after midnight. WorkBuyEatLots of restaurants for 'expats' exist, where you can pay in dollars but it is very expensive. Don't be surprised to pay up to $20 for a pizza! BudgetAl Dar is a Lebanese restaurant in the center of town, near the hotel Manalibi (need to verify name). A shwarma sandwich runs about $1.50, and they have taboule, hummus and desserts as well. Many cheap roadside stalls exist, primarily outside of downtown's Gombe, one of the better known being La Bloque in Bandalungwa. Mama Colonel in Bandal is also an excellent restaurant. The menu has only 4 items - chicken, fish, fries and plantaine - but they are barbecued to perfection. Mid-rangeFor about $10, the Association Belgo Congolais (ABC) serves meals in a nice outdoor terrace. Traditional dishes such as river fish and fried plantains, or international fare like cheeseburgers and spaghetti. You can also get real coffee (espresso), if you're tired of Nescafe. SplurgeThe more expensive restaurants in Gombe are Ghez Gaby, Chez Nicolas, Chateau Margaud, the Golf Club, the Grand Hotel and Caf-Conc. DrinkLocal sodas (Vitalo, Mirinda) are amazing...too much artificial colorant but really amazing. You must try too some traditional ginger drink...very aphrodisiac and don't forget your "bok" of skol or primus... Primus is the local beer, sold in 72cl bottles and is perfectly OK. SleepBudgetHotel Fontana Inn is a well-run and well-located place frequented by NGOs and UN types. Rooms range about 60 USD. Mid-rangeSplurge
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