The Congo is one of Africa’s most populous countries with a population count reaching over 66 million people, while its vast land space shares borders with many neighbours as well as a small stretch of the Atlantic Ocean. The country has been plagued by internal strife for some time now with tourism declining in the wake of the terrible atrocities being committed by rebel forces both inside the borders and outside.

However, in the city of Lubumbashi this is not the case. Located in the south eastern part of the Congo, and very close to the Zambian border, Lubumbashi is the second largest city after Kinshasa; it is relatively stable, and forms part of the prosperous Haut-Katanga province. The city was founded by the Belgians in 1910 and the city boomed thanks to the discovery of copper mines in the area; today Lubumbashi serves as a pivotal commercial centre manufacturing goods including copper, printing paper, food products, textiles, bricks, and an assortment of beverages. Furthermore, the city is home to a major university that maintains a library with and an impressive and extensive collection, as well as an international airport that also serves to distribute precious metals such as copper, zinc, tin, coal, and cobalt.

Of the few attractions visitors can explore, the top destinations include the local zoo, botanical gardens, the brewery, and the mines, which have brought prosperity to this province. There may not be many attractions to visit, but Lubumbashi is a well-maintained city with immaculate gardens and nicely kept homes, that make more for a wonderful change after seeing other parts of the Congo.