
Major Highways & Driving Tips in Lubumbashi, Congo (Kinshasa)
1. N1 Road from Lubumbashi to Kalemie
The main highway connecting Lubumbashi with Kalemie, offering scenic views and essential access to the southeast.
- Long Distance: Covering approximately 700 kilometers, it's important to plan for stops and fuel.
- Road Conditions: Varying from good to poor, be prepared for potholes and rough surfaces.
- Wildlife Encounters: Encountering wildlife is possible, especially around national parks along the route.
2. N3 Road to Kolwezi
A vital highway linking Lubumbashi with the copper mining town of Kolwezi.
- Mining Activity: Expect heavy truck traffic due to mineral extraction activities.
- Police Checkpoints: Regular police checkpoints for safety and security reasons.
- Scenic Views: Offers views of the beautiful Mongala Valley and copper mines.
3. N7 Road to Likasi
The N7 highway provides access from Lubumbashi to Likasi, passing through the Tanganyika National Park.
- Wildlife Encounters: Elevated chances of wildlife sightings along the route, especially near the national park.
- Road Conditions: Varying road conditions with sections of good and poor quality pavement.
- Remote Areas: Traveling through remote areas, so ensure you have necessary supplies and emergency equipment.
4. RN10 Road to Uvira
The RN10 connects Lubumbashi with Uvira, offering a gateway to Lake Tanganyika.
- Scenic Beauty: Beautiful landscapes and lake views along the route make for an enjoyable drive.
- Road Conditions: The road can be in poor condition at times, especially during rainy seasons.
- Local Communities: Driving through local communities provides opportunities for cultural experiences.
5. RN8 Road to Mbuji Mayi
The RN8 highway links Lubumbashi with Mbuji Mayi, passing through the Kundelungula Forest Reserve.
- Wildlife Encounters: Opportunities for wildlife sightings in the Kundelungula Forest Reserve.
- Road Conditions: Poor road conditions and heavy truck traffic should be anticipated.
- Remote Areas: Traveling through remote areas, so ensure you have necessary supplies and emergency equipment.
6. RN3 Road to Isiro
The RN3 highway connects Lubumbashi with Isiro, passing through the Ituri Forest.
- Wildlife Encounters: Opportunities for wildlife sightings in the Ituri Forest.
- Road Conditions: Expect poor road conditions and heavy truck traffic throughout the journey.
- Security Concerns: Some security concerns exist in this region due to armed groups, so travel with caution.
7. RN2 Road to Kongolo
The RN2 highway provides a connection from Lubumbashi to Kongolo, passing through the Lualaba River.
- Scenic Beauty: Enjoy scenic views of the Lualaba River and its surrounding landscapes.
- Road Conditions: Varying road conditions with sections of good and poor quality pavement.
- Local Markets: Driving through local markets offers opportunities for shopping and cultural experiences.
8. RN1 Road to Kipushi
The RN1 highway links Lubumbashi with Kipushi, offering access to the Kipushi Mine and surrounding areas.
- Mining Activity: Expect heavy truck traffic due to mineral extraction activities.
- Road Conditions: Varying road conditions with sections of good and poor quality pavement.
- Historical Sites: Visit the historic Kipushi Mine, once one of the largest uranium mines in the world.
9. RN4 Road to Tshikapa
The RN4 highway connects Lubumbashi with Tshikapa, providing a route to the Lomami National Park.
- Wildlife Encounters: Opportunities for wildlife sightings in the Lomami National Park.
- Road Conditions: Expect poor road conditions and heavy truck traffic throughout the journey.
- Remote Areas: Traveling through remote areas, so ensure you have necessary supplies and emergency equipment.
10. N2 Road to Likasi via Pweto
The N2 highway offers an alternative route from Lubumbashi to Likasi, passing through Pweto.
- Alternative Route: An alternate route to reach Likasi when the main road is congested or closed.
- Road Conditions: Expect poor road conditions and heavy truck traffic throughout the journey.
- Local Markets: Driving through local markets offers opportunities for shopping and cultural experiences.
11. N5 Road to Kasenga
The N5 highway links Lubumbashi with Kasenga, offering a route towards the Angola border.
- Border Crossing: Prepare for border crossing procedures and requirements when reaching the Angolan border.
- Road Conditions: Varying road conditions with sections of good and poor quality pavement.
- Security Concerns: Some security concerns may exist in this region due to armed groups, so travel with caution.
12. RN9 Road to Uvira via Bukavu
The RN9 highway connects Lubumbashi with Uvira via Bukavu, offering a scenic route towards Lake Kivu.
- Scenic Beauty: Enjoy scenic views of the Virunga Mountains and Lake Kivu.
- Road Conditions: Expect poor road conditions, especially during rainy seasons.
- Local Communities: Driving through local communities provides opportunities for cultural experiences.
13. RN5 Road to Mwana-Mwenge
The RN5 highway connects Lubumbashi with Mwana-Mwenge, providing access to the Lomami National Park.
- Wildlife Encounters: Opportunities for wildlife sightings in the Lomami National Park.
- Road Conditions: Expect poor road conditions and heavy truck traffic throughout the journey.
- Remote Areas: Traveling through remote areas, so ensure you have necessary supplies and emergency equipment.
14. RN6 Road to Kamina
The RN6 highway links Lubumbashi with Kamina, offering access to the DRC's southern provinces.
- Alternative Route: An alternate route when traveling south towards the DRC's southern provinces.
- Road Conditions: Varying road conditions with sections of good and poor quality pavement.
- Military Bases: Passing by military bases, be aware of increased security measures and regulations.
15. RN40 Road to Kabalo
The RN40 highway connects Lubumbashi with Kabalo, offering a scenic route towards Lake Tanganyika.
- Scenic Beauty: Enjoy scenic views of the lake and its surrounding landscapes.
- Road Conditions: Expect poor road conditions, especially during rainy seasons.
- Local Markets: Driving through local markets offers opportunities for shopping and cultural experiences.