The Kinshasa Zoological Garden is at the junction of Avenue Kasa-Vubu and Avenue du Commerce no. 1, in the commune of Gombe. It is home to more than 5,000 animals and remains one of the country's few zoos, walkable from the city centre.
Educational and conservation role
The zoo serves three roles: a tourist destination for families, an educational space for children and zoology students, and a conservation zone for endemic species of the DRC. School groups visit regularly for educational sessions.
A rehabilitation programme launched in July 2021 aims to modernise the facilities and revive visitor numbers. Some iconic species — lions, zebras, elephants — have disappeared over the years due to supply difficulties. The upgrade work is ongoing.
Difference from Lola ya Bonobo
The Kinshasa Zoological Garden is a classic zoo in the city centre, accessible without transport. Lola ya Bonobo in Mont-Ngafula is a rehabilitation sanctuary dedicated to wild bonobos — with structured guided visits, natural forest and an eco-lodge. The two complement each other: the zoo for a quick introduction to wildlife, Lola ya Bonobo for deeper immersion.
Pairing it with other Gombe sites
The Kinshasa Botanical Garden is in the same part of Gombe. Both sites can be visited on foot or by taxi on the same day, without a dedicated vehicle. For those who want to go further, the Nsele Valley Park in Maluku offers safaris with lions, giraffes and zebras — 50 km from the centre.
