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Kinshasa
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Located on the south bank of the Congo River, Kinshasa is the vibrant capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, and is distinguished above all by its incredibly varied topology of landscapes, housing a large fauna. If the mountain gorilla is king of the canopy, it is also possible to see lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, etc., not to forget the extremely rare okapi, an endemic species of the country.
Lyon (LYS) - Kinshasa (FIH) flight
Book a LyonKinshasa flight from Lyon-Saint Exupéry
Throughout the year, flights with stopovers allow one to reach Kinshasa from Lyon. Take advantage of regular flights from Lyon-Saint Exupéry airport to discover the African continent.
Prepare your trip to Kinshasa
Formalities for travelling
To travel in peace in Kinshasa, EU citizens must ensure that:
- They hold a valid passport that is valid for another 6 months after the date of return;
- Possess a valid visa (visa applications to be made at the Embassy. The price of the visa will depend on the length of stay and the number of entries into the territory of the Democratic Republic of the Congo);
- Have a vaccination certificate, certifying yellow fever vaccination (vaccines required to enter the Democratic Republic of Congo).
For nationals outside the European Union: it is necessary to contact the embassy or consulate of the Democratic Republic of Congo in your country of origin. Formalities for access to the African territory may differ from country to country.
Services at Kinshasa Airport
- Services on Arrival
Banking: two banks are present in the terminal. An ATM is also available at the International Terminal. Please note that the local currency is the Congolese franc (CDF).
Vehicle rentals: counters for common international rental companies, such as Hertz, Avis, Europcar, and Interrent, are available in the terminal building.
Taxis: Express taxis await travellers in the airport car park. The fare is negotiable depending on the journey.
- Services on Departure
Shopping: various souvenir shops, offering a wide variety of items, are available to travellers in the International Departure Waiting Room.
Post: a post office is located within the terminal building.
Restaurants: the airport has several restaurants offering a varied Congolese and international gastronomy.
Telecommunications: a cyber cafe open to all allows one to consult email and browse the Internet while waiting for flights. Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport.
Transfer from airport to Kinshasa
Kinshasa airport is 25 kilometres south-east of the city. Various means of transportation make it possible to reach the city centre.
- Taxis: taxis are available 24 hours a day at the airport. They are sky-blue and yellow, in the image of the country’s colors. The price of the trip must be negotiated with the driver before getting into the vehicle. Prices vary depending on the direction of travel, time and distance.
- Public transit: the transit company Transco has a stop at the Kinshasa-Ndjili airport.
- Shuttle buses: Many hotels offer a free or paid shuttle service. They are to be booked directly with your hotel.
Useful information about Kinshasa
Weather
Essentials
Distance
5670 km
Local time
18:09
Jet lag
-1 h
Currency
Franc congolais
Language
French, lingala, swahili, kikongo and tshiluba
Localisation
- N'Djili International Airport
-
Latitude : -4.3864492
Longitude : 15.4453718
5 Reasons to go to Kinshasa
1. Discover the Work of Master Liyolo
A sculptor and visual artist, Alfred Liyolo is an important artist in Congo and abroad. The grandson of an ivory sculptor, he now works bronze, which he manipulates with strength and subtlety. Each work, although very contemporary, testifies to its African influences. His work is admired in his workshop or in the streets of Kinshasa, where many sculptures are present.
2. Stroll Through the Artists’ Market
Crafts enthusiasts will appreciate this beautiful market composed of dozens of coloured stalls. Jewels, sculptures, masks, paintings, and objects from all over Congo appear on the stalls. A great opportunity to bring back a unique and priceless souvenir … provided you enter—always with a sunny disposition—into the game of haggling, an interaction which is greatly appreciated by the Kinshasan!
3. Living as a Kinshasa Denizen
About 40 kilometres from the centre of Kinshasa, the fishing village of Kinkole is the rendezvous of choice for Kinshasa people on weekends. Barbecue, lazing around, walks, fishing, and canoe racing all add to the atmosphere! Music and good moods are ubiquitous, as are the river fish that end up in braised plates or delicious maboke.
4. Take an Excursion to Lake Ma Vallée
This small lake located about 30 kilometres from Kinshasa is worth the detour! A small Eden, it constitutes a reserve for Kinshasan biodiversity. The road to reach it is lined with vegetation that sets the tone: here, nature is queen. At that location, it is possible to fish or take beautiful walks, provided you have good shoes!
5. Support the Lola ya Bonobo
The Lola ya bonobo is a sanctuary devoted to collecting and saving bonobo babies that were victims of poaching. The goal is to reintroduce them into a nature reserve. Endemic and living only in the DRC, these monkeys are victims of an illegal trade that threatens their survival. Visits and gifts to the sanctuary allow them to continue this wonderful work!