1. Kisantu Botanical Garden
Established in 1900, this beautiful 225-hectare estate is one of the oldest botanical gardens in central Africa and is home to more than 3,000 plant species. The park is beautifully situated next to the river and there is currently also a construction of some wooden chalets underway. Once in use, you can safely spend two days in this green oasis and enjoy a daily walk in the garden, combined with visits in the area.
2. Kisantu Cathedral
The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Seven Pains was completed in 1936 and is one of the largest churches in Congo. The Cathedral of Kisantu which is fully built in brick was fully restored in 2011 and with its beautiful yellow-orange color it is one of the most beautiful buildings in the province. A visit to the cathedral is usually combined with a visit to the surrounding monasteries and schools, all beautiful brick buildings.
3. The Vampa Falls of Kimpese
In Kimpese we find the charming Vampa Waterfalls, which are an hour’s walk from the ‘parking’. These waterfalls are beautifully situated and those who dare can also jump into the cold water! There is also the possibility to walk on top of the hills with a beautiful view over the region. This site has been gaining popularity for several years now among the Kinois and expats who come here to camp and enjoy nature over the weekend. It is a great place to camp and relax.
4. Zongo Falls
In Zongo we find a number of impressive waterfalls, no fewer than three sites. This is also a popular destination for the Kinois during the weekend. You make several walks and the highlight is the 65-meter drop of the largest waterfall of the three, an incredible natural spectacle and an enormous force behind the water. The view of the Congo River in the end is fantastic.
5. The old train station of Mbanza-Ngungu
Mbanza-Ngungu is a small town about an hour south of Kisantu. It is home to a number of caves where we find a unique species of blind fish that have only been discovered here before. We also find an old train station with several trains and also an old Belgian locomotive. It is a beautiful setting to walk around for half an hour to an hour and take some beautiful pictures.
6. Boma
In this ancient capital of the Congo Free State, we find a number of important historical sites such as the baobab of Stanley, the cathedral, the palace of the governor of the Congo Free State and the bust of Léopold II. In the harbor of Boma we also find a number of colonial-style buildings. Also interesting are the post office, the cemetery and a visit to l’auberge du Vieux Port with its magnificent view over the Congo is also recommended.
7. The Inga Dam
The Inga Dams are two hydroelectric dams south of Kinshasa, which are connected to one of the largest waterfalls in the world, Inga Falls. The Inga Falls on the Congo River is a group of rapids (or cataracts) downstream from the Livingstone Falls and the Malebopool. The Congo falls 96 within this series of cataracts. Given its strong flow and 96-meter drop, Inga Waterfall alone has the potential to generate ~39.6 gigawatts (53.1 million hp) of mechanical energy and nearly as much electrical energy.
Inga Falls is currently the site of two major hydroelectric plants and is under consideration for a much larger hydroelectric plant known as Grand Inga. The Grand Inga project, when completed, would be the largest hydroelectric power station in the world.
8. Muanda Beach
Muanda is a charming town on the coast of Congo-Kinshasa. It is wonderful to walk on the beach and you can also eat perfectly grilled shrimps. At the weekend the Congolese come to dance to music provided by a DJ and the beach is a pleasant gathering. There is a luxury hotel for those who like some comfort, but you can also stay with the local sisters in a very correct room.
9. The Mangrove Park
Located below Muanda, the National Park of the Mangroves (Parc Marin Des Mangroves) is a vast park around the brackish waters of the Congo River that mixes with the Atlantic Ocean. It is home to many animals such as manatees, parrots, waterfowl, sitatunga and other animals. The park is explored by boat where you can easily spend half a day to a day. Can not be missed!
10. The bridge over the Congo River at Matadi
You can’t miss it on a tour in Bas-Congo: the giant bridge over the Congo River at Matadi. You will be treated to a beautiful view over the Congo River. Get out quickly to take a picture, because the authorities sometimes dare to be a nuisance here.
