Africa > 🇨🇩 The Democratic Republic Of Congo
The
city by city Car or no Car advice for The Democratic Republic Of Congo can be broken down into three similar questions -
do you need a car in The Democratic Republic Of Congo; is it
worth it (based on costs), and ultimately -
should you rent one? (a
balance of the two).
🚆 🚌⛴️ Do we need to rent a car in The Democratic Republic Of Congo?
These scores are based on the quality of public transport and other travel options.
If these are good enough to see the main points of interest, then you don’t
need to rent a car.
🇨🇩 Mode
|
Score
|
| 🚆 Trains |
 |
| 🚌 Buses |
 |
| 🚶♂️ Walking |
|
| 🚴 Cycling |
 |
| ⛴️ Ferries & Cruises |
 |
💰💶💳 Is it worth hiring a car in The Democratic Republic Of Congo?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.
🇨🇩 Factor
|
Score
|
| 🚗 Car Availability & Cost |
|
| ⛽ Fuel & Toll Costs |
|
| 🛣️ Road Quality |
|
| ⚠️ Road Safety |
|
| 🅿️ Parking Availability & Cost |
|
🏙️ Main Cities in The Democratic Republic Of Congo
The
Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is one of the most geographically and culturally diverse countries in Africa, home to
rainforests, volcanoes, gorillas, and mighty rivers. However, it is also one of the most challenging countries in the world for independent travel due to
security concerns, infrastructure limitations, and complex local regulations. So,
should you rent a car in the Democratic Republic of the Congo? Let’s explore the reality on the ground.
🚫 When You Should Not Rent a Car
In nearly all cases, self-driving is not advised in the DRC. Most regions outside major cities are not safe or accessible without professional support.
❌ Reasons to Avoid Renting a Car
| Concern |
What It Means for Travellers |
| Security risks |
Armed groups operate in some areas |
| Poor road conditions |
Many roads are unpaved or impassable |
| No major rental companies |
Hertz, Avis, etc. do not operate here |
| Checkpoints and permits |
Local drivers are required |
| Limited fuel access |
Fuel shortages are common |
➡ Renting a vehicle for self-driving is not realistic or safe.
✅ What Travellers Actually Do
Instead of renting a car to drive themselves, travellers hire a 4×4 with a professional driver through hotels, safari lodges, NGOs, or specialist tour operators.
✅ Advantages of Hiring a Driver
| Benefit |
Why It Matters |
| Local knowledge |
Drivers understand checkpoints and routes |
| Safety |
Drivers assess secure vs. insecure zones |
| Vehicle reliability |
Proper 4×4 maintained for rough terrain |
| Permits & paperwork |
Organised by the provider |
🌍 Where Tourists Typically Travel
| Destination |
Transport Recommendation |
Notes |
| Kinshasa (capital) |
Taxi or private driver |
Limited road travel |
| Goma (Virunga region) |
Pre-arranged lodge transfer |
For gorilla trekking & Nyiragongo volcano |
| Virunga National Park |
Park-managed vehicles only |
Independent driving is not allowed |
| Lodja, Kisangani, Bukavu |
Domestic flights only |
Roads often impassable or unsafe |
✈️ Primary Modes of Transport in the DRC
| Transport Type |
Usage |
| Domestic flights |
Best for moving between cities |
| Private 4×4 with driver |
Essential for local travel |
| River transport |
Used in remote regions along the Congo River |
| Motorbikes |
Local short trips, not recommended for tourists |
🏁 Final Recommendation
| Traveller Type |
Car Needed? |
Why |
| City visitor (Kinshasa) |
❌ No (self-drive) |
Use private taxis or hotel drivers |
| Gorilla trekking visitor |
✅ Yes (with driver) |
Only via authorised park transport |
| Adventure researcher |
✅ Yes (with professional support) |
Must use official 4×4 services |
| Independent tourist |
❌ No |
Self-driving is unsafe and impractical |
✨ Final Takeaway
So, should you rent a car in the Democratic Republic of the Congo?
👉 No, you should not drive yourself due to safety, road conditions, and legal restrictions.
👉 Yes, if you arrange a 4×4 with an experienced local driver or through an official lodge or park authority, especially for travel in Virunga or national parks.
This approach ensures safety and compliance with regulations while allowing you to see the extraordinary natural wonders that the DRC offers.
🚗 ✅ ❌ Summary Table
This summary brings together taxis*, how much you really need a car, whether it’s worth it,
driver options, local driving rules, and an overall recommendation.
*Taxis act as a hybrid between private cars and public transport, so they aren’t counted in the overall public-transport or non-car scores. 🚕
🇨🇩 Factor
|
Score
|
| 🚕 Taxis |
|
| 🚦 Overall Need for a Car |
 |
| 💶 Is It Worth It? |
|
| 🧑✈️ With a Driver? |
🟢
|
| 🛣️ Which Side of the Road? |
➡️
|
🚗Should You Rent a Car in The Democratic Republic Of Congo?
|
|