What you see on the road
Between Kinshasa and Kongo Central, the road is a show in itself. Lorries piled with sacks up to twice their height, travellers perched right on top of the load, armchairs sitting on the roof of a yellow bus… The kids spent the journey with their noses pressed to the window.
The folklore is also the churches you hear from 6 am at the guesthouse, and in Matadi, the paradise of "bilokos": clothes and goods from Europe, like a giant flea market.
XXL loads
The taxi-bus, with sound
Video with sound: press play.
On video
Our two punctures on the way back from Zongo
That's the road too: on the way back from Zongo Falls, we had two punctures. Our Toyota Noah, perfect for Kinshasa, wasn't made for that track. Lesson learnt: a suitable car and a proper spare wheel.
Our road tips
The vehicle
- For Zongo and Bombo Lumene: a high-clearance vehicle, ideally a 4x4.
- Check the spare wheel before you leave (and the jack).
- Hire with driver: $70/day in Kinshasa, $200/day outside the province.
Checkpoints
- Usually, 10,000 FC and a cooperative attitude are enough.
- In Matadi, the DGM can hold you up: have your passports and papers in order, and check with the driver before setting off.
Drive in daylight
The sun rises around 6 am and sets around 6 pm: keep night driving to an absolute minimum.
Planning the road
All our road tips are in the guide
The €29 guide covers every stage, driving times and prices. The €89 offer adds our driver's contact.
FAQ
Do you need a 4x4 to get to Zongo?
We went in a Toyota Noah and had two punctures on the way back. A high-clearance vehicle is strongly recommended.
Can you photograph the loaded lorries?
Yes, discreetly, from the car. For people, always ask first.