Zaire Travel Guide

Zaire Travel Guide

Zaire is a unique holiday destination for the ones willing to experience a safari in the wilderness, ballooning over the natural beauties of the country or other outdoor activities so characteristic to Africa.

Zaire Travel Guide – Geography

Located on both sides of the Equator and having borders with another eight African countries, Zaire is blessed with a tropical humid climate and luxuriant vegetation, attracting tourists from all over the world.

Some parts of the country have two rainy seasons and two dry seasons every year, which is also an important factor in the existence of the impenetrable rainforests of Zaire, protected nowadays through numerous national reserves. Temperatures vary according to elevation and landscape, making the mountainous area cooler, even snow covered all year around on Zaire’s highest point, Margherita Peak (5119m), and the savannahs and lowlands from the coastal area warmer. Emblematic landscapes for Zaire are the Congo River, Tanganyika Lake, and Mount Ruwenzori, all of them covering important areas of the country.

Historically, Zaire, like many other African countries, was an important source in the slave trading, and was first explored by the Europeans in the 19th century.

Zaire Travel Guide – Flora and Fauna

Due to the presence of the wet and warm climate, Zaire has extraordinary rainforests with a great diversity of plant and animal species. Among the fauna particularities are the white rhino and various chimpanzee and gorilla species. Every tourist that arrives here should not miss an encounter with the local flora and fauna by visiting one of the many natural reserves of the country. Among the most important are the Epulu Reservation, Parc National de L'Upemba and Parc National du Kahuzi-Biega.

Zaire Travel Guide – Tips for Tourists

Zaire is a great destination offering untouched forests, rich wildlife, amazing mountains, captivating culture and endless possibilities to spend a holiday to remember. For the ones organizing a holiday here there is some important information that needs to be taken into account in order to spend some quality time in Zaire. Visas and valid passports are requested for anyone interested in entering the country. More information should be requested from any embassy or local consulate office before departure.

The regional currency is the New Zaire but it is nonconvertible. It would be best using US dollars because they are widely accepted for cash payments.

Zaire Travel Guide – Transport

The country has a poorly developed transport infrastructure with many unpaved roads and limited railway network. Most of the travelers come to Zaire by plane or ferry using the N'Djili International Airport in Kinshasa and Boma Port at the country’s small Atlantic shore. Getting around the country from one location to another is usually made by car or by bus, the latter is the most popular among locals.

Any tourist can use the rent a car companies for traveling inland or specialized companies for a safari in the savannah.

Zaire Travel Guide – Resorts

Zaire has so many natural tourist attractions that it’s impossible not to remain impressed by one of them. From the famous rare orchid species, breathtaking waterfalls, caves and numerous wild animals the country will surprise you at each step.

Most of the resorts are located near the tourist attraction points or the capital city. The Inter-Continental Hotel Kinshasa is located in Kinshasa and offers great accommodation with well equipped rooms, swimming pool, internet, traditional and international cuisine and hospitable personnel. The hotel is located near the airport, city center and is perfect for business travelers or families.

Another option is the Residence Hotel in Bukavu, built by the Belgians, needing for repairs but still receiving tourists. The facility has an original architecture, a great view over the Kivu Lake, clean rooms and nearby visiting spots, especially the Virunga National Park with its fascinating volcanoes.

There is also a wide range of remote guest houses and smaller hotels offering simple accommodation and few facilities. These options are great for tourists interested in visiting as much as possible and not necessarily relaxing in a luxurious hotel.

Zaire Travel Guide – Cuisine

Traditional cuisine has been created by the locals and has some foreign influences, mainly European ones. The main ingredients are the fruits and vegetables grown here combined with goat or chicken meat. The locals also eat cassava or manioc, some species of insects and fish.

Spices are also widely used together with aromatic herbs. Some of the local foods are the chikwanga, a dish made of cassava, fufu, pastry made with cassava flour, mwambe, which is chicken and peanuts, kwanga, meaning fermented bread and many more fish, rice, mushroom and potato dishes.

Safari trips, the intense green valley of the Congo River, dense tropical forests, the sound of the silent savannah at sunrise, the mist surrounding the numerous waterfalls, are all beautiful things about Zaire that you will fall in love with.