An art installation of a metal face insect of a red metal box stands tall, next to the Congolese flag. This is at Académie des Beaux-Arts de Kinshasa, an art school in the DRC. There are trees and greenery in the background of this cloudy day.
|

Inside Académie des Beaux-Arts de Kinshasa: A Celebration of Creativity

Kinshasa, the busy capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, is known for its dynamic culture & rich history. Académie des Beaux-Arts de Kinshasa is an important part of Congolese arts & culture and is known for teaching local artists. When I had the chance to take a tour of the Académie des Beaux-Arts de…

A woman with long black hair holds a head of lettuce, she is sitting in front of a Christmas tree and two red stockings. The lettuce was Christmas gift as fresh produce is often very expensive in Kinshasa, Congo contributing to the high cost of living in congo.

The Shockingly High Cost of Living in Congo

For the past few months, I’ve been living in Kinshasa and have experienced the high cost of living in Congo. Our family moved to Kinshasa from the United States as part of my partner’s job and we’ve been navigating life here with curiosity, adaptability, and, to be honest, some frustration. Living overseas has given me…

A young kid in a green t shirt plays on a playset at a Kinshasa restaurant, Maison de France

The Best Family-Friendly Kinshasa Restaurant: Maison de France

If you’re traveling through Kinshasa with kids, you might find yourself asking, “Where’s the family-friendly stuff?” As an avid traveler and mom of two, I can confirm, the Kinshasa restaurant scene isn’t exactly brimming with kid-focused spots. But that’s what makes Maison de France such a gem. It’s not just the best family-friendly restaurant in…

A young boy jumps on a trampoline with a space theme next two slides that have neon lighting. This is part of the play center at WePlay in Kinshasa.

Kinshasa with Kids: 3 Play Spaces From Disgusting to Delightful

Finding fun and safe play spaces for kids can be a challenge, especially in a bustling city like Kinshasa. Visiting Kinshasa with kids is a challenge as air quality is poor, there are no playgrounds, and very limited children’s activities. Since we will be living here for awhile, I set out on a mission to…

Two hippos float in water with green hills behind the water. Clouds are in the background, this is at Nsele Valley Park, a great place for visiting Africa with kids.

Exploring Nsele Valley Park: A Unique African Safari with Kids

Tucked away 54 kilometers outside of Kinshasa, Nsele Valley Park is a hidden gem that offers families a chance to connect with nature and experience the incredible beauty of the Democratic Republic of Congo. This park provides a range of activities, from mountain biking to swimming to the traditional African safari with kids, it’s a…

A boy in a t-shirt and red life vest points out into the distance. He is riding on a blue boat on a Congo River Cruise.
|

Congo River Cruise: A Family Adventure in Kinshasa

Recently, we decided to take a family day trip on a Congo River cruise. We were excited to see the city from a different perspective and maybe spot a crocodile or two. Much like our experience here in the Congo so far, it turned out to be a much different experience than expected. Traveling as…

Two young kids looking out of a hotel window in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
|

Moving Overseas With Kids: New Routines, Isolation & Language Barriers

Moving to the Democratic Republic of the Congo with our two young children has been a big move for our family. As we planned moving overseas with kids, we anticipated the excitement of new experiences and the chance to immerse ourselves in a new country and culture. But our first two weeks in Kinshasa have…