Holiday in Lubumbashi

About Lubumbashi

Lubumbashi is the second largest city in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the capital of the resource-rich province of Haut-Katanga in the southeast of the country. The city was founded in 1910 by Belgian colonial rulers as Elisabethville and has been the center of copper and cobalt mining — a role it still holds today. The colonial architecture in the city center reflects its Belgian past: The theater building, the Cathedral of Saints-Pierre-et-Paul, and the wide boulevards are reminiscent of European city planning. Many of these buildings are in need of renovation but still exude a morbid elegance. The Marche de la Kenya is one of the largest and most vibrant markets in Central Africa: A vast area sells fabrics (Kitenge), food, household goods, and handicrafts. The atmosphere is overwhelming — colors, smells, and the energy of the vendors create a sensory experience. The National Museum of Lubumbashi houses a significant collection of Congolese art and ethnography: Masks, sculptures, and ceremonial objects from the Luba, Hemba, and Tabwa peoples document the rich cultural diversity of Katanga. The zoo and botanical garden of Lubumbashi offer a surprisingly well-maintained green oasis in the city. The surroundings attract visitors to the Upemba National Park, one of the oldest protected areas in Africa, where elephants, buffalo, and endemic bird species live — however, the tourist infrastructure is still limited.