Things To Do
in Likasi
Likasi is a bustling copper-mining town in the Katanga region of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Sitting near the copper belt and the regional city of Lubumbashi, it hums with markets, workshops, and busy streets. Its economy centers on mining, trade, and a resilient community that blends traditional culture with industrial energy.
While development can be uneven, visitors are rewarded with warm hospitality, vibrant street life, and a window into Congo’s mining heritage.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day exploring the vibrant Likasi Market where locals trade fresh produce, traditional crafts, and colorful fabrics. The bustling atmosphere offers a perfect introduction to the daily life and culture of the city. Engage with friendly vendors and sample exotic fruits to awaken your senses.
After a leisurely lunch at a nearby street eatery, join a guided tour of local artisan workshops specializing in copper and mining-related crafts, reflecting the region's industrial heritage. Learn about traditional techniques passed down through generations and watch skilled craftsmen at work. This hands-on experience deepens your connection to Likasi's cultural fabric.
As the sun sets, visit a nearby community center where local musicians perform traditional songs accompanied by rhythmic drumming. Enjoy the lively atmosphere and perhaps try your hand at some dance steps. Conclude the day with a quiet stroll through illuminated streets, absorbing the city’s warm evening ambiance.
Start the day with a visit to the Mining Heritage Museum, which showcases Likasi’s rich history as a mining hub. Explore exhibits detailing the evolution of copper and cobalt mining, including vintage tools and photographs. Interactive displays and knowledgeable guides provide a comprehensive understanding of the industry’s impact on the region.
After lunch at a local café, take a guided tour of the nearby old mining sites to witness remnants of the industrial past. Walk along preserved rail tracks and abandoned shafts while learning about the labor and technology that shaped Likasi’s economy. Capture photographs of the rugged landscape intertwined with industrial relics.
Return to the city center for dinner at a restaurant featuring Congolese cuisine. Enjoy dishes like moambe chicken and fufu while reflecting on the day’s discoveries. Later, visit a local bar or lounge with live music to mingle with residents and unwind.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-12 |
| 🧃Soft drink or juice | $1-2 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $40-90 |
| 🚕Taxi ride (short local trip) | $2-6 |
| 🛒Groceries for a few days | $15-40 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Vibrant market culture and warm hospitality
- Access to mining heritage and local crafts
- Low-cost base for exploring southern DRC
- Limited tourism infrastructure
- Occasional safety and road-condition challenges
- Weather can be hot and humid with heavy rains
- "Mbote" - Hello
- "Ozali malamu?" - Are you well?
- "Habari" - Hello/How are you? (Swahili)
- "Asante" - Thank you
- "S'il vous plaît" - Please
- "Merci" - Thank you very much
Places to Visit in Likasi
Visit one of these nice places.
Bustling market scenes with colorful stalls and early-morning vendors offer vibrant street photography.
Industrial landscapes and the surrounding hills provide dramatic contrasts of light and metal.
Photogenic avenues, churches, and town halls with a mix of old and new facades.
Scenes along local rivers and winding lanes for candid portraits and daily life.
Food in Likasi
Likasi Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Chicken simmered in a rich palm-nut and peanut sauce, served with rice, fufu, or cassava.
Must-Try!
Cassava leaves stewed with peanut or palm oil, often served with rice or fufu.
Grilled river fish seasoned with local spices and served with plantains or cassava.
Pounded cassava dough served with a hearty vegetable or peanut sauce.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Vibrant market stalls with fresh produce, dried fish, spices, and ready-to-eat snacks.
Street-side grills offering fried plantains, skewered meat, and fried snacks.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Warm greetings matter; begin with a handshake and ask about the person’s health before conversation.
Address elders with courtesy titles and avoid rushing conversations.
Ask permission before taking portraits of people; smiles are common but respect boundaries.
Conservative clothing is appreciated in markets and religious sites.
Safety
Tipping in Likasi
Ensure a smooth experience
Tip 5-10% at restaurants if service is good; small change or rounding up for street vendors.
Cash is widely used (Congolese francs and USD); mobile money and card acceptance are increasing in some places but not universal.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot days with lower humidity and less rainfall; ideal for outdoor exploration, but dust can be intense in some areas.
Frequent showers and high humidity; plan flexible outdoor plans and carry rain gear and a waterproof bag.
Likasi at Night
Hiking in Likasi
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short hikes offering city views and surrounding landscape; guides can be arranged locally.
Moderate-to-challenging routes for experienced hikers seeking panoramic vistas.
Airports
How to reach Likasi by plane.
Major gateway to southern DRC with connections to regional hubs and international destinations.
Regional airport serving Kolwezi and surrounding mining towns; limited flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly Luba, Swahili-speaking communities, and Tabwa groups; widespread use of French, Lingala, and Swahili in daily life.
A diverse mix around mining, commerce, and service industries.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
By far the most popular sport; local games are common in parks and stadiums.
Played in schools and community centers; casual games and local leagues.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Likasi.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Choose plantains, cassava, rice, vegetables, and bean dishes; request no meat/fish sauces and clarify ingredients.