Things To Do
in Poko
Poko is a small river town in the Kinshasa region that blends riverine scenery with a developing urban feel. The climate is tropical, with heat, humidity, and seasonal rain shaping daily life. Visitors can experience lively markets, friendly communities, and an authentic Congolese atmosphere away from the capital’s bustle.
Infrastructure is improving, offering adventurous travelers a raw glimpse of life in this part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at N'djili Airport and take a taxi to your hotel. After settling in, enjoy a local breakfast featuring 'chapati' and fresh fruits. Take some time to rest and acclimate to the vibrant atmosphere of Kinshasa.
Explore the lively neighborhood surrounding your hotel, experiencing local shops and street vendors. Visit the impressive Kinshasa Grand Market, where you can find traditional crafts and foods. Interact with friendly locals and savor the city’s dynamic energy.
Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant serving traditional Congolese cuisine, such as 'moambe' chicken. Listen to live music, as Kinshasa is known for its rich musical heritage. End the evening with a leisurely stroll along the Congo River promenade.
Start your day with breakfast at your hotel before heading to the National Museum of Congo. Explore exhibits showcasing the country’s rich history and culture. Take your time to appreciate the indigenous artifacts and learn about the diverse tribes of the region.
After lunch, visit the Martyrs' Stadium, a significant venue in Congolese history. Engage with local youth playing soccer outside, sharing smiles and connections through the universal language of sport. Take photographs to document your interactions and preserve memories.
Dine at a rooftop restaurant with stunning views of the city as the sun sets. Savor grilled tilapia, accompanied by plantains and cassava. Afterwards, immerse yourself in Kinshasa's nightlife, experiencing local bars with music and dance.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-12 |
| 🥤Soft drink (330ml) or bottled water | $0.50-1.50 |
| 🚖Taxi (1 km within town) | $1-3 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $40-70 |
| 📶Local SIM card data (1GB) | $2-5 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic riverine culture with approachable, welcoming communities
- Low-key, nature-focused experiences away from crowded tourist hubs
- Limited infrastructure and amenities compared to larger cities
- Safety and health infrastructure can be basic in some areas
- "Bonjour" - Hello
- "Merci" - Thank you
- "S'il vous plaît" - Please
- "Parlez-vous anglais?" - Do you speak English?
- "Où est le marché?" - Where is the market?
- "Combien ça coûte?" - How much does it cost?
Places to Visit in Poko
Visit one of these nice places.
Golden light over calm river waters; best for serene reflections and riverbank silhouettes.
Vibrant, candid scenes of vendors, customers, and food stalls—great for environmental portraits and street photography.
Colors of dusk over the water, with boats and silhouettes of everyday activity along the shoreline.
Close-up opportunities with artisans crafting beaded textiles and traditional jewelry.
Food in Poko
Poko Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Chicken cooked in palm butter sauce (moambe) with tomato and peanut notes, typically served with rice or fufu.
Must-Try!
Cassava leaves simmered in peanut sauce and palm oil, often paired with fufu or rice.
Stewed cassava leaves with a savory sauce, a staple in many Congolese meals.
Chikwangue (maize/cassava dough) served with fried fish (Makayabu) or other proteins.
Golden fried plantains served with sautéed greens or beans, a common accompaniment.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling riverside market offering fresh produce, cassava, yams, fish, and spices; try grilled fish and plantains from street vendors.
Market near the river with seafood stalls; sample freshwater fish and palm wine while bargaining with sellers.
Compact clusters of stalls offering fried dough snacks, boiled yams, roasted maize, and simple stews.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Begin interactions with a greeting; a handshake or light bow is common. Use the right hand for gestures and avoid interrupting elders.
Dress modestly in public spaces and avoid displays of public affection; ask permission before photographing people.
Political topics or critiques of local leaders are best avoided in casual conversations; show curiosity about local customs and families.
Safety
Tipping in Poko
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not always expected. If service is good and not included, consider 5–10% in restaurants and small tips for staff in markets or lodgings.
Cash (Congolese franc is common; USD is widely accepted in larger towns). Mobile money and bank cards are increasingly usable in some spots, but carry small denominations for markets and local eateries.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warmer days with lower humidity and less rain; ideal for outdoor exploration, market visits, and riverfront photography. Dust can be a consideration on unpaved roads.
Heavy rainfall and high humidity; trails can be muddy and some paths may be difficult to navigate. Pack a rain jacket and waterproof shoes; still, this period supports lush greenery and active riverside life.
Poko at Night
Hiking in Poko
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Accessible, easy-to-moderate hikes along riverine forests with opportunities for wildlife viewing.
Short hikes through surrounding settlements and farmland, offering cultural insight and local scenery.
Airports
How to reach Poko by plane.
Primary international gateway to Kinshasa; from there, road or air connections to Poko are available.
Regional airport serving the eastern part of the country; longer travel times from Poko but useful for broader itineraries.
Major southern hub; included for context in broader DR Congo travel planning.
Regional gateway to central DR Congo; part of longer multi-city itineraries.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
One of the largest Bantu-speaking groups in central DR Congo; diverse languages and traditions within the group.
A prominent ethnic group in western DR Congo with deep cultural roots in the Congo River basin.
A major Bantu group with a rich cultural heritage and widespread influence across central DR Congo.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The dominant sport across the DR Congo, played casually in streets and formally in clubs.
Popular in schools and community centers with local leagues and pick-up games.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Poko.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian travelers can find vegetable stews, cassava, plantains, beans, and greens. Ask for no meat stock and request sauces made with vegetable oil.