Flight tickets from Durban to Kinshasa

Kinshasa is the largest and most vibrant city in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Located on the Congo River and positioned at the edge of the Congo rain forest, the city is a vibrant mixture of Old World and New, of squalor and luxury, and of hope and despair. As the epicenter of modern day politics, finance and culture in the DRC, this city of over 11 million people is a mystical destination, full of color and culture, unimaginable poverty and a complex history. Whether you are planning a trip, researching or just curious, the following text explores the fascinating city of Kinshasa.

Getting to Know Kinshasa

Kinshasa is the bustling capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo. With a population of over 11 million inhabitants it is the second most populous city in Africa. It is located in the giant northwest of the country, in Central Africa. The population is incredibly diverse, with over 200 different ethnic groups. Kinshasa is in the West Africa Time Zone, UTC+1. French is the main official language and is spoken by the majority of the population. Lingala is also spoken by a significant percentage of the population, followed by Kikongo, Tshiluba and Swahili. The official currency of Kinshasa is the Congolese franc (CDF). The franc is divided into smaller denominations such as coins and notes. Many restaurants and businesses also accept euros.

Climate and Weather

Kinshasa is the capital city of the Democratic Republic of Congo, and it has a tropical climate. The city sits close to the Equator and has an average temperature of 23°C (75°F) all year round. Kinshasa has very hot and humid weather because it is close to the Equator. The city experiences two wet seasons, one between March and June and the other between September and December. During the wet seasons, heavy rains and severe thunderstorms are common. These wet seasons can bring up to 140 centimeters (55 inches) of precipitation each year. The dry season extends from January to February and from July to August. During this time, temperatures can reach up to 32°C (90°F) and the humidity is relatively low.

Touring Kinshasa: Airport and Transportation

There are two airports in Kinshasa: N’Djili International Airport (FIH) and the N’Dolo International Airport (NLO). To get from N'Djili International Airport to downtown Kinshasa, you can take a shuttle, taxi, or Uber. The cost of a shuttle or a taxi is usually around U.S. $25 or less. Yes, you can change money at N'Djili International Airport. However, due to the volatile exchange rate, you will not get the best value for your currency, especially if you are trading Euros or Dollars. It is better to change some money before you arrive, or you can still find many money changers in downtown Kinshasa if you require more cash.

Exploring the Rich History and Culture of Kinshasa

1. Kinshasa is the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and is home to a diverse and rich culture
2. Kinshasa is a city with a long and turbulent history, having experienced both colonialism as well as civil war. Its culture is heavily influenced by its African roots and French heritage
3. Tourists visiting Kinshasa can expect to experience an exciting and vibrant city that is home to a lively music scene, local markets, traditional cuisine, and interesting places for sightseeing