Places to Visit in Boma, Congo, Central Africa, Africa

Places to Visit in Boma, Congo, Central Africa, Africa

Boma is a town situated on the banks of the Congo River in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, around 100 km from the country’s border lying on the Atlantic Ocean coastline. It falls under the Bas-Congo province, covering an area of 65 sq. km. Boma hosts a port on the river bank with exportation of bananas, cacao and timber. Boma geographically coordinates with 5°51′ S latitude and 13°03′ E longitude and lies around 60 meters above sea level. Boma experiences a tropical wet and dry climate.

History of Boma:

Boma initially originated as a slaving station in the 16th century. Boma served as the capital of the Congo Free State and Belgian Congo from 1886 until the capital moved to Léopoldville (the present capital Kinshasa) in 1926.

How to reach Boma?

Boma hosts an airport but probably no flights serves airport currently. So international tourists are advised to reach Kinshasa Airport first and then they can choose rental car or bus there to reach Boma.

Boma is located around 550 km (by road) southwest of Kinshasa, the capital and largest city of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

There are generally scheduled buses plying between Boma and Kinshasa every day, served by many prominent bus companies in the country.

Culture, Food and Shopping in Boma:

Boma was the birthplace of many famous artists, including poet Antoine-Roger Bolamba and singer Mpongo Lanu. There are many nice restaurants and shops in Boma, of which most are traditional options.

Things to do in Boma:

Walking
Shopping
Visiting port

Places to see in Boma:

Boma Port:

Boma has a port on the Congo River that is well built and maintained, playing a major role in Boma’s economy. The port is also famous as a nice sightseeing spot, where visitors can involve themselves in boat riding, swimming and many other water sport activities.

Boma Airport:

The Boma Airport is situated around 3 km east of the heart of the Boma city centre. The airport lies at an elevation of 8 meters and has a runway measuring a length of 887 metres. The airport’s nice constriction receives tourists in a large number throughout the year.

Matadi:

Matadi is a city holding the most important seaport of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is situated around 100 km from Boma by road and houses many popular tourist attractions including Matadi Bridge and Matadi Port. The city is also located in the vicinity of the natural attractions, Yellala Falls and Mount Cambier.

List of other places of interest near Boma include:

Livingstone Falls
Lola ya Bonobo
Garamba National Park
Boyoma Falls
Kahuzi-Biéga National Park
Mount Nyiragongo
Maiko National Park
Petites Chutes de la Lukaya
Virunga National Park
Okapi Wildlife Reserve
Salonga National Park
Zongo Falls
Musee National de Kinshasa
Kinshasa University
Lola ya Bonobo

Best time to visit Boma:

The most preferred time to visit Boma is from May to September when the city remains dry, making Boma’s tour memorable.

Hotels in Boma:

Boma houses a very less number of tourist favor hotels, so most tourists visiting Boma refer hotels of the capital Kinshasa for accommodation purpose as where all types of modernized budget, midrange and luxury hotels can be found. As buses are not frequent between Boma and Kinshasa, visitors are advised to rent a car for travel. The major hotels in Boma (around 550 km from Boma):