New from Bradt, Democratic Republic of the Congo is the only dedicated, up-to-date, English-language guidebook to this thrilling African destination. Almost half the size of the European Union, the continent’s second-largest country offers plenty for adventurous travellers to explore. The mighty River Congo rises in the south before winding along the Equator for nearly 5,000 km to reach the Atlantic Ocean. On either side, 20 different ecosystems give rise to a multitude of landscapes, from tropical rainforests (which serve as the world’s second-largest carbon sink) to volcanic mountains, and great lakes to savanna plateaus.
The DRC’s national parks and nature reserves cover around 12% of the country and are well worth the effort to get to, as they host some of the world’s most exciting wildlife-watching opportunities – the main reason why many people visit the DRC. As well as harbouring more bird species than other African countries, nowhere else in the world provides the chance to see the okapi (a bizarre giraffe-like creature) and bonobo (formerly known as pygmy chimpanzee). Moreover, sites for both mountain and eastern lowland gorillas lie firmly on the tourist trail at the world-famous locations of Virunga and Kahuzi-Biega national parks.
Even if wildlife does not float your boat, there is much to savour. The capital, Kinshasa, is one of Africa’s great cities. This is the home of musique congolaise, enjoyed all over Africa and beyond – and of the sapeurs (the DRC’s renowned snappy dressers). Kisangani, in a strategic location at the northern bend of the River Congo, is a historic hub for river transport; Katharine Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart stayed here when filming The African Queen. The city of Lubumbashi offers wide boulevards and Art Deco buildings, plus good hotels and restaurants in which to relax.
Once rested, if the area is at peace, why not hike to the summit of Nyiragongo volcano and spend the night beside the world’s largest lava lake? With its wide-ranging coverage offering advice on everything from tour operators to accommodation, and security to visiting national parks, Bradt’s Democratic Republic of the Congo is your essential travel companion.
BRADT GUIDES: TRAVEL TAKEN SERIOUSLY
• Proudly independent for over 50 years – the first Bradt Guide was published in 1974 and we remain independently owned
• Expert authors – on-the-ground research for each new edition by authors who really know their destinations
• Detailed practical guides to the world’s most interesting places – no Top Tens, no tick lists, but everything you need to know to get the most from your trip
• Championing sustainable travel – with local communities front and centre
Sean Rorison is a freelance writer from Vancouver, Canada, who has made his way to more than 125 countries. His range of travel interests is broad, including some of the most contentious regions of the world – from Afghanistan to Iraq, Colombia to Somalia. He has travelled extensively in the Congo countries, observing the fits and starts of their economic development, progress in tourism-related infrastructure and reintegration into the wider world.
Gillian Gloyer grew up in Scotland then studied ancient languages at Wadham College, Oxford. After university and a couple of years back in Scotland, she began a professional career overseas, working in Spain, Chile, Belgium and Bosnia before finding herself – slightly by accident – in Albania. Living here for several years, she has authored all seven editions of Bradt’s guidebook to the country. Since 2012, she has led tours to various countries, helping travellers explore exciting destinations. In 2023–24, Gloyer worked in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) as an international election observer. Fluent in French, she used Lubumbashi as a base to travel widely and particularly enjoyed exploring throughout Haut-Katanga province. Her experiences enabled her to update Bradt’s guide to the DRC.
