Democratic Republic of the Congo Landmarks and Monuments

(Democratic Republic of the Congo - DRC, CD, Central Africa)

Natural landmarks make up the bulk of attractions to be found in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. These include everything from volcanoes to vast lakes and spectacular waterfalls.

One of the country's most famous and imposing landmarks, Nyiragongo is a live volcano that is situated on the eastern border of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The entrance to the area surrounding the volcano is located in nearby Kibati. Guides regularly lead visitors to the main crater, which is the principal attraction here and approximately 2 km / 1.5 miles wide, being known for its bubbling lava lake.

Kisantu Catholic Cathedral (Catholic Cathedral of the Jesuit Mission of Kisantu)

Address: Kisantu, Democratic Republic of the Congo, CD / DRC, Africa
The Kisantu Catholic Cathedral is quite simply a stunning building and without question one of the most beautiful that you are likely to encounter in the country. This enormous landmark is well-proportioned and quite simply enormous. If you are lucky enough to be allowed inside you will discover intricate brickwork forming many elaborate patterns on the walls. These bricks actually originated from a historic brick factory once located within the grounds of the nearby Kisantu Botanical Gardens. It is said that this particular spot was chosen to build the cathedral, since the missionaries favoured the climate and setting, away from the estuary and its mosquitoes.
Open hours: hours vary
Admission: free

Zongo Falls (Chutes de Zongo)

Address: Ba Congo Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo, CD / DRC, Africa
The Zongo Falls are difficult to reach in anything other than a four-wheel drive vehicle. However, visitors who make the effort are sure not to be disappointed. The best time to visit the Falls is the rainy season when they are at their most spectacular. Be sure to bring your camera to capture this natural phenomenon.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Tomb of Laurent Kabila

Address: Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, CD / DRC, Africa
A visit to the tomb of the former president, Laurent Kabila has to be a feature of every tourist itinerary in the country. Located in the city of Kinshasa, the tomb celebrates the life of Laurent Désiré Kabila (1939 to 2001), president of the country between the years of 1997 and 2001. Laurent was actually succeeded by his own son, Joseph Kabila Kabange.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Nyiragongo Volcano

Address: Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo, CD / DRC, Africa
Over the years, the Nyiragongo Volcano has erupted a number of times, most recently in 1994 and 2002, destroying much of Goma. Activity is ongoing, although currently this is confined to the crater itself. The neighbouring Murara Volcano, located to one side of Mount Nyamuragira, was formed during Nyiragongo's 1977 eruption and reminds visitors of its explosive nature and destructive potential.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge for required permit

Congo River

Address: Democratic Republic of the Congo, CD / DRC, Africa
The Congo River is the second-longest river in Africa, the longest being the River Nile in Egypt. Forming the extreme south of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Congo River then flows on to Stanley Falls and the present-day city of Kisingani, before heading west and ultimately into the Atlantic Ocean. The river and the surrounding rainforest were made famous by the adventures of Livingstone and Stanley. This area also appeared in Joseph Conrad's book, 'Heart of Darkness'. Some parts of the river are somewhat impassable, because of their rapids and cataracts - Livingstone Falls is perhaps the best known of these.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Lake Kivu

Address: Gisenyi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, CD / DRC, Africa
Lake Kivu lies on the border between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and neighbouring Rwanda. Apart from its sheer size - it is the sixth-largest lake in Africa - Lake Kivu is known for its gaseous chemical composition. The methane gas that is dissolved in this volcanic lake at a depth of 300 metres / 1,000 feet is said to have been put to a variety of uses, including running boilers at a local brewery.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Lake Tanganyika

Address: Democratic Republic of the Congo, CD / DRC, Africa
Lake Tanganyika is reputed to be the second-largest freshwater lake in the world, in terms of overall surface water area. Still relatively remote, the lake and the surrounding area remain quite unspoiled. The lake is well known for its wide variety of fish and around 350 species are thought to live within its deep-water environment, including an abundance of brightly coloured African Tanganyikan cichlids. Ferries cross Lake Tanganyika between Kigoma and Bujumbura. Visitors can also enjoy water activities, including snorkeling and swimming.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Lake of my Valley (Lac de ma Vallé)

Address: Democratic Republic of the Congo, CD / DRC, Africa
The Lac de ma Vallé is a leisure attraction which offers visitors a chance to have a go at fishing. Alternatively, there are various trails to explore or one can simply sit back and relax at the restaurant handily located here, close to the lakeside.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free