Kinshasa - Post Report Question and Answers
What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
Most people in the mission get together after work or weekends at someone's house/apartment. Not many go out to socialize with locals because they are always trying to take advantage of you, and quite frankly it gets old when living in a place like this. - May 2024
The Golf Club is a good place to meet expats, other than that, there is not much going on here. - Aug 2022
Kinshasa is a "make your own fun" type of post. Social events are usually parties, barbecues, game nights, or other gatherings hosted at someone's house. If you are the type of person who likes to host regular gatherings or likes to organize fun parties, you'll be very appreciated here! - May 2022
TASOK on weekends; local clubs like Coco Jambo (dancing, bowling, archery... what's not to love?); trivia night with the Brits; going out of the city with a group on weekends to Pieds dans l'eau and the private safari park. A lot of people hang out at Chez TinTins by the rapids, though it's not recommended for little kids, and actually a bit dangerous if your bigger kids like to run around. - Aug 2019
There isn't a ton to do in Kinshasa. People tend to eat out a lot and attend cultural events hosted by other embassies (the British and French are good for this). There are some informal sports clubs. Some people have been trying to get a Hash together but haven't yet managed to get it off the ground. - Apr 2019
Restaurants, play groups, sports as lifted above, Karaoke at Le Palais on Wednesday nights. - Dec 2017
I don't think there is enough for singles here. - Dec 2017
Eating out, river trips, socializing with friends, joining small clubs and groups. Many community activities. Our CLO office is fabulous! - Mar 2017
Organized hobby groups are surprisingly rare (there isn't even a regular running group), but there are many house parties. Expats all hang out in the same places, so after awhile you start to meet people. - Jan 2017
Kinshasa was fun, fun, fun.. Lots of house parties, crazy expat parties at the UN contingents and random places/events (Oktoberfest, anyone?). The Congolese like to have a good time, and are more than willing to share their fun. The music scene, though not what it was 20years ago, is still amazing. Do NOT miss the opportunity to see a live concert of a major star. They play in venues in Gombe, and you will never see anything like it. - Sep 2016
Lots of dinner, brunch, lunch parties on the weekends, excursions to see the Bonobos, kayak on Lac de ma Valle, boat outings to sandbanks on the Congo River, dinner out with friends - there is an overwhelming number of things to do if you want to get out of your house. Our social calendars are filled to the brim almost every weekend with fun things to do either with friends, or organized through an expat group or the Embassy. - Apr 2016
Much of the social life revolves around gatherings at homes, pools, and gardens or at sport or expat clubs. Many Embassies have monthly or weekly events such as BBQs, quiz nights, or jazz nights. The weekend nightlife is vibrant. - Jan 2014
Dance clubs, dinner parties, dinner out, parties, kids parties, field trips, happy hour at the Marine house, quiz night at the British Embassy, walking or running the loop. - Nov 2012
There are some restaurants and clubs. - Feb 2012
Poor. - Nov 2011
You have to make it. Lately a sort of cinema started, more are in the making. In the meantime, enjoy the expat parties, the nice resto's and - if you are into it - the night clubs of Kin la Belle - Aug 2011
In home or at friends. British Club, golf course. There are lots of opportunities to meet people, dance, bar-hop (can be very expensive), house parties, social outings. There don’t seem to be any problems for singles. But I am married and we have our own social circle of friends, both married and single. - Jan 2011
Expats hang out together. - Oct 2010
Mostly parties, dinners at private homes, although the British Club offers a buffet every Friday night (US$15 for club members, US$20 for non-members). - Jan 2009
