Kinshasa - Post Report Question and Answers
Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
If you are single then this is a good place to advance your career, but not to date. Couples find out just how strong their marriage is and rely on each other. Families with young kids can be susceptible to things here that you might not want them seeing such as extreme poverty, violent crimes, dead bodies. Wouldn't recommend for teens as there is nothing to do and the school system is way behind in education. - May 2024
This is a hardship post, it is not a place for families with teenagers, maybe with little kids yes, but definitively not teenagers. If you are into music, and dance, this may be a place for you. This can be a lonely post for singles. - Aug 2022
Families often do well in Kinshasa because kids are quite happy here (there's a good school, your friends live nearby, and someone always has a pool). Outings in Kinshasa demand some planning and energy. As a result, it's helpful to have a bit of a buddy system in Kinshasa. Couples can do well here if they're like-minded in wanting to experience adventures together. Singles may feel isolated if they don't make a concerted effort to find those adventure buddies early on. It can be tempting to stay home in Kinshasa, so it's important to have someone in your life who will help you get out and explore. - May 2022
If you love music, this is the place - for couples and singles, but you have to love being up very late. It is easier for families, definitely, but... it's not a total killer for singles. - Aug 2019
I found it very difficult as a single. The Embassy was very family heavy during my tour, and I found socializing in Kinshasa to be difficult. Families do better, and there is an especially good community for families with young children. - Apr 2019
I think better for couples and families if you don't mind the security issues. If you are single, plan to make sure you have your car when you arrive so you are more free to explore and meet up with people, etc. - Dec 2017
I can imagine how difficult this post might be for singles. Many that I've known have curtailed, but it could be that they were too introverted. No one makes it as an island here; having someone else to bounce your experiences off of is vital! Families have an even better time because many children bring a certain entertainment value all their own. Many activities are designed inclusive of children. - Mar 2017
In my opinion, this is not a good city for single people or couples. The happiest people tend to be families with kids who hang out with other families with kids and socialize through the embassies or schools. Many regular social activities and gatherings are centered around kids. - Jan 2017
Kinshasa can be good for anyone who makes the effort to get out and meet people and try new things. - Sep 2016
In my opinion it is great for families - lots of other families, kids are around each other all the time and we all make our own fun together (lots of brunch, lunch, dinner etc... parties). There appears to be a lot of options of things to do for singles and couples - and there are quite a few decent restaurants, but I suspect that this would be a hard place to be single if you wanted to meet anyone "special" - there just isn't a large enough community for that. - Apr 2016
Younger families usually do well in Kinshasa as the limited leisure options are not such a problem for the younger set. There are very few green spaces so we are very happy to have a large yard and do, on occasion, feel we are in a gilded cage. Boat trips on the river, weekend camping and daytrips all help and there are a few hidden spots in Kinshasa that help you get away from the grime: Kinshasa Botanical Garden, Presidential Parc in Ngaliema, riverside picnics. With a bit of perserverance and willingness to get lost, you can find outings. - Jan 2014
There is a pretty active nightlife for singles and couples, and expats typically have plenty of money to spend on eating out and socializing. Families with small kids really enjoy it here, as there is no end of playdates and birthday parties, etc. Families with older kids may find there is not enough to do out of the house. - Nov 2012
Good for families of small kids. - May 2012
It is not really a good city for any one. There are events through the embassy which are great, but nothing in regards to Kinshasa as a city. There are a few good clubs. - Feb 2012
Good for families that like to stay home and create their own entertainment. Singles OK. Couples OK. - Nov 2011
Yes, great for families. Not too good for singles I would say (slightly boring) - Aug 2011
You make it what you can. There is enough of a social life for everyone. - Jan 2011
It's all subjective. I would not stay if my family were unhappy. We have enjoyed Kinshasa. If i were single, I would take advantage of the nightlife here. Still, a lot of people whine and complain, so it's not for everyone. - Oct 2010
One must make one's own fun in most Third World cities, and Kinshasa is no exception. Restaurants are expensive here, so entertaining at home is very popular. Most diplomats have yards with pools, so BBQing is big. - Jan 2009
