Inkisi

Introduction

Inkisi, more commonly called Kisantu, sits in the west of the Democratic Republic of Congo, south-west of Kinshasa on the Inkisi River. The town is known for two landmarks above all: a large cathedral and a botanical garden that includes an arboretum of indigenous trees.

Plan your time around those two draws. The garden and its arboretum suit travellers interested in the region's native trees, while the cathedral anchors the town itself. Kisantu makes a manageable stop south-west of the capital, with the river shaping the setting.

Three days in Inkisi

Day one: Start in Inkisi and get your bearings along the Inkisi River, which gives the town its name and its pace. Take the day slowly, walking the riverside and letting the town's easy rhythm set the tone for your stay in this part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Day two: Head to Kisantu, the neighbouring town that makes an easy excursion from Inkisi. Give yourself the day to explore at a relaxed pace before returning to Inkisi for the evening.

Day three: Use your last day to return to the Inkisi River and revisit whatever caught your eye on the first day, or make a second short trip to Kisantu if you left something unseen. If you are travelling onward to Kinshasa, plan your departure around the day rather than rushing it.