Places to Visit in Mbandaka, Équateur, Congo, Africa

Places to Visit in Mbandaka, Équateur, Congo, Africa

Mbandaka is a city in the Équateur Province of the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is situated around 700 km northeast of the country capital, Kinshasa. Located on the Congo River, Mbandaka coordinates with 0°02′52″ N latitude and 18°15′21″ E longitude. The climate of Mbandaka is classified as tropical rainforest, with no specific dry season and average monthly temperature oscillates between 23° C and 26°C.

Its position on the river bank and surrounded by the scenery of the Ngiri Reserve, Mbandaka is renowned as one of the tourist favor cities in DRC, especially famous among nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.

History of Mbandaka:

Welsh journalist and explorer Henry Morton Stanley was the founder of Mbandaka, who founded it in 1883 under the name ‘Équateurville’ as its position near the Equator Line. The name was changed to ‘Coquilhatville’ by the Belgians during their beginning of colonial rule in DRC. Mbandaka got its current name in 1966 after the country’s independence.

Connectivity to Mbandaka:

The Mbandaka Airport is situated around 6 km southeast of the city centre. The airport operates flights from/to Gemena and Kinshasa, served by Compagnie Africaine d’Aviation.

Mbandaka can be reached directly by road from Kinshasa and other southern and western Congolese cities.

Visitors can hire car from the local travel agency for airport travel, to move within the city and sightseeing purposes.

Food and Shopping in Mbandaka:

Mbandaka is relatively an upgraded city with all basic facilities including modernized shops and restaurants spread up all around the city. There are also many traditional shops and restaurants in Mbandaka.

Things to do in Mbandaka:

Visiting museum and botanical garden
City tours
Shoppping

Tourist Attractions in Mbandaka:

Botanic Garden of Eala:

The Botanic Garden of Eala is considered as one of the best botanical gardens in Central Africa, situated in the suburb of Eala, around 7 km east of the heart of Mbandaka. Founded in 1900, the botanical garden is home to around 5,000 plant species in the area of 370 hectares.

The Catholic Mission station of Bamanya:

The Catholic Mission station of Bamanya is located around 10 km east of Mbandaka’s city centre. It houses a large research center dedicated for Central African history, which was first established by Fathers Gustaaf Hulstaert and Honoré Vinck.

Mbandaka Museum:

The Mbandaka Museum is a national museum, situated in the city of Mbandaka. The museum is concentrated on showcasing the history and culture of both Mbandaka and DRC with well preserved artifacts and artworks.

University of Mbandaka:

The University of Mbandaka is the major educational organization and cultural centre in Mbandaka. Established on 1 October 2004, the university currently trains around 800 students from all around the province.

List of other places of interest near Mbandaka include:

Mount Nyiragongo
Kahuzi-Biega National Park
Boyoma Falls
Maiko National Park
Lake Edward
Garamba National Park
Virunga National Park
Livingstone Falls
Lola ya Bonobo
Maiko National Park
Jardin d’Eden
Salonga National Park

When to visit Mbandaka?

Probably from December to February is the best time to visit Mbandaka to enjoy different outdoor activities.

Hotels in and around Mbandaka:

Mbandaka houses a limited number of tourist favor hotels, so below is listed hotels in Mbandaka, where all types of upgraded hotels ranging from budget options to star rated hotels are located. The prominent hotels in Mbandaka are listed below: