Flight tickets from Pietermaritzburg to Kinshasa

Kinshasa is the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo and the country’s largest city, situated at the western end of the Congo River on the Atlantic coast. With its unique cultural and historical legacy, Kinshasa is Africa's third most populous city, boasting an impressive skyline and a vibrant, incredibly diverse population. This article will provide an overview of the history, attractions, cuisine, and culture of Kinshasa, along with a few other details about this great African city.

Getting to Know Kinshasa

Kinshasa is the capital and largest city of the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is a port city located on the Congo River, with a population of 11.8 million people. Kinshasa is located in the Central African Time Zone (CAT), so it is two hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+2). The official language of Kinshasa is French, with Lingala, Kikongo and Tshiluba being the most spoken languages in the city. The currency of Kinshasa is Congolese Franc (CDF).

Climate and Weather

Kinshasa, the capital and largest city in Democratic Republic of Congo, has a tropical wet and dry climate that is typical of central Africa. The climate is characterized by high temperatures throughout the year and relatively high humidity. The city experiences a long rainy season lasting from October to April and a shorter dry season from May to September. During the rainy season, temperatures remain high but there is also plenty of rainfall averaging around 138mm per month during this time. In contrast, during the dry season, less rain falls and temperatures can range from 14-32C. The city experiences the most rainfall in December and January when a total of 200mm per month is not uncommon. Although Kinshasa has a warm, humid climate for most of the year, there is little danger of severe weather such as tropical cyclones or severe thunderstorms. The city does experience occasional thunderstorms and the occasional heat wave but these are mostly short-lived events.

Touring Kinshasa: Airport and Transportation

There are two airports in Kinshasa: N'djili International Airport (FIH) and N'dolo Airport (KGN). The main airport is N'djili International Airport (FIH). You can take a taxi from either airport to downtown Kinshasa. The cost will depend on the distance. Yes, you can change money at Kinshasa Airport. There are money exchange offices located in each terminal.

Exploring the Rich History and Culture of Kinshasa

1. Kinshasa is home to many distinctive traditional cultures from all over the Democratic Republic of Congo, including the Pende, Kongo, Luba, and other ethnic groups
2. Visitors can explore the cultural sites of Kinshasa, including the Grand M'shi Museum, which focuses on the traditional cultures of the area, as well as several smaller museums and galleries
3. Kinshasa is well known for its vibrant music and nightlife, which includes the most popular music genres like Soukos, Rumba, Ngwassa, Ndombolo, and many others