Shopping Hours
Shopping hours in Congo are from Monday to Saturday are from 8 am to 12 pm, and then from 3 pm to 6 pm. On Saturdays, shops are closed at 12 pm.
Things to Buy From Congo
Usually, tourists bring handicrafts from Congo. These include handmade furniture, paintings, wooden carvings, decorated pottery, ebony carvings, bracelets, hand woven baskets, Katanga hand painted art, copper masks, and bronze sculptures. A unique souvenir only available in Congo is a Kuba wrap made from fibre of raffia palm trees. You can find amazing souvenir shops at downtown Kinsasha. Street shopping is best at Avenue Foch where you'll find 100s of vendors.
Markets in Congo
The main markets are Moungali and Ouenze. You can also find daily household stuff such as kitchen ware, soap, food, beverages, etc at the markets in Kinsasha. You can also bargain a whole lot at the markets in Kinsasha as in every other African city.
You first have to head to Marché Central which used to be one of the hippiest shopping places in the city. You can spend an hour or two at this market where you'll find almost everything. You can find the best souvenirs of the country at Gare Central in Kinsasha. Local artists sell their paintings, and other artwork at this market. Marche di Kabila is also an exceptional shopping mall in Kinsasha.
If you're up for helping local women livelihood in Congo, then buy local fashion from the shops of the organization Heal Africa. They specifically train such women to make clothing so that they can earn their daily wages. It is in Goma.
Some tourists say that the cheese sold in Goma is itself a souvenir to take home because it is like no other. It lasts quite long and it is one of the best cheese of the region. You can find it in any local store in Goma
The luggage waiting area of the International Airport of Kinsasha offers tax free shopping where you will find some of the cheapest items in the country and most likely cheaper than your hometown as well. You will find cheap beverages, cigarettes, and so much more at these shops.
If you're looking for some great art and paintings, then head for Galerie Palanca in Gombe, Kinsasha.
Fabrics from Congo are purchased best from Shona Congo where you'll find real fabrics sewn by real women who are earning their daily wages through this business.
Have you been to Congo? Feel free to share your tips and recommendations.
Photo Credits (Flickr Creative Commons): Congo by andreea_gerendy