Overview
Lubumbashi is the Democratic Republic of the Congo's second city and the commercial hub of the mineral-rich Katanga region, close to the Zambian border. It sits on a high plateau, so the climate is milder than many travellers expect, with wide colonial-era boulevards and a busy mining and business scene. Most UK visitors come for work, NGO or mining projects, though the city is also a gateway to Katanga's national parks. There are no direct flights to Lubumbashi from the UK, so every routing changes at least once, usually at an African hub.
Best time to fly to Lubumbashi
Lubumbashi has two clear seasons. The dry season, roughly May to September, brings warm sunny days, cool evenings and very little rain — the most comfortable time to visit and the best for road travel. The wet season runs from around November to April, with heavy afternoon downpours and humid heat. Fares tend to rise over the July–August and Christmas peaks, so check the When to book chart above to compare dates before you commit.
Airlines and routes
No carrier flies non-stop between the UK and Lubumbashi. The most reliable one-stop options connect through an African hub: Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa, Kenya Airways via Nairobi, RwandAir via Kigali, or Airlink and partners via Johannesburg. From London, expect a total journey of about 13 to 16 hours including the connection, depending on your layover. Booking the full itinerary on one ticket protects your onward flight if the first leg is delayed.
Things to do in Lubumbashi
A relaxed city to explore on foot, with green space, heritage buildings and wild Katanga within reach.
- National Museum of Lubumbashi: Regional archaeology, masks and ethnographic collections.
- Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul: Landmark early 20th-century church in the centre.
- Lubumbashi Zoo and Botanical Garden: Shady central park popular with local families.
- Kundelungu National Park: Home to the Lofoi Falls, among Africa's highest single-drop waterfalls.
- Upemba National Park: Vast, remote wilderness of lakes and savannah north of the city.
At Lubumbashi International Airport (FBM)
Also known as Luano, the airport is about 20 km north-east of the centre, a 30 to 40 minute drive in normal traffic. There is no train or public bus link, so arrange a hotel pickup or a pre-booked car in advance; most business hotels offer airport transfers. Carry small-denomination US dollars for any local charges.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Lubumbashi
- Book ahead: fares for Congo routes are usually lowest around two to four months before departure.
- Fly midweek: Tuesday and Wednesday departures are often cheaper and quieter than weekends.
- Stay flexible: shifting your dates by a few days around school holidays can cut the cost — use the price charts on this page.
- Compare hubs: an Addis Ababa or Nairobi connection can undercut a Johannesburg routing, so check each.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders need a visa to enter the DRC, arranged before travel through the official eVisa system or an embassy — there is no visa on arrival. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is compulsory, and antimalarial tablets are strongly advised. The currency is the Congolese franc, but clean, recent US dollar notes are widely used; sterling and cards are rarely accepted, so carry cash. Check the latest FCDO travel advice before you book.
