ma vallee

I would recommend this place as long as one goes with "African" expectations. The food isn't great, it's a little pricey, it takes forever (about 2 hours) and then another hour to get the check. They won't get your food order correctly even though you will write it out yourself for them, but hey TIA.Pretty lake with nice walking path. You can get a cold beer and walk the 6k around the lake while you wait for your food. There are peddle boats (old metal pieces of crap) that are fun for the kids to mess on and cost $5 for half an hour. Very pretty view and bathrooms are above normal African standards.

Nothing interesting for tourist at this place. You may to visit this if you are not far away, but visit to this place specially is not a good idea

Lac de ma Vallée is a man made lake 45 mins from Gombe by car on a somewhat challenging road and maybe hard to find as there are no signs (ASK for directions!). The lake is largish and set in a pine forest; nice and calm and great for a walk. The water bikes look a bit worn.. The place involves a Church managed restaurant on the water front where we had a very enjoyable grilled chicken for a fair price. Its altogether a nice day out from town and can be easily combined with the Bonobo sanctuary as we did.

This was always my go-to place to get out of the madness of Kinshasa. It is a fabulous barbeque restaurant right on a lake with a walking path that circles the lake. It was relaxing and just a moment of peaceful breath not too far from the city. They have paddle boats if you want, but usually I just sat by the lake with a beer, ordered food, took the path around while waiting for the food, and came back to a nice local-flavor-style barbeque lunch. There can be a bit of a problem with flied when the food domes - but they bring candles which is supposed to help and if there is a breeze it is not a huge problem. It never stopped me from going. you definitely need a 4-wheel drive, or at least a SUV or car with high clearance as the road in can be a bit rough and steep at places. Great for a weekend day-trip.

This small lake is a restful haven from the hubbub of Kinshasa. The walk around the lake is shorter than 6km, mainly in shade and gives an opportunity for seeing butterflies. We only saw locals in the pedaloes and didn't eat there due to previous experience with the flies! Not sure it is worth the drive from Kinshasa on it's own but combined with the bonobos it makes a lovely day out.

Water is (expectedly) not crystal clear, but fun for kayaking (not swimming!). Nice little trail around the lake. Foot paddle boats available for rental (they looked 100 years old, but it appeared that some of them actually worked!). Nice place to have lunch (food was decent, not spectacular...) or just lazy afternoon drinks. Flying insects are a huge problem on the terrace (restaurant), but they do try to reduce this with candles. Since there is really nothing outdoorsy to do in Kinshasa, this is probably the best option going!

In a town where diversions are exceedingly rare, this place always draws a fair crowd on the weekends, but ultimately it's just a small lake, with a fly-infested restaurant. In most other places, it'd be empty. The lake is worth walking around, which takes about 45 minutes, but then you're left wondering "now what?", and the answer is nothing.

Although access can be a hassle, this spot is great. Have a great day and enjoyable stay having fun there.

This is a nice little lake with a decent trail. It's a great place to visit to get away from the hustle and bustle of Kinshasa.As others said, you DEFINITELY need a guide or someone who knows how to get there (and probably a 4x4).Admission to the park is cheap ($1) and the food is not too expensive ($10-13ish a plate). The flies on the dining tables were AWFUL so if you have some citronella, bring it! Really. Awful. flies.Note: there is a note that says $20 to take photographs but when were there everyone had their cameras out and no one said anything.This is not a bad excursion, but if you are expecting pristine wilderness or to see anywildlife, you will be disappointed.

This is a wonderful place to go out with family, on weekends after busy nasty days of work in Kinshasa

There's a 6 km trail around the lake that's perfect to working up an appetite followed by some of the best chicken and chips around. Nice cossa cossa and other options, too. Cheaper than the Bonobo eats by far, so a better bet for lunch if you're choosing between the two.

A great place to visit. You really see the jungle and the calm parts of Congo just outside of the busy city. Nice BBQ but you should order the BBQ and then first walk around the lake. The BBQ normally takes around 1 hour, just the time you need to walk.

Although not far from Kinshasa you need clear directions on how to get there or a guide as sign posting not good. An oasis once you arrive, preferably by 4X4 or 2X4 as the last 2-3 km not recommended for a sedan. Beer was cold (although most brands sold out) and the food was OK. Take citronella candles to keep the flies away should you wish to eat. Went on a Sunday and should have booked to get a good spot. Wear casual clothes that would allow you to take a stroll around the lake. Worthwhile outing with a $1 entrance fee per person. Allowed to take photos but not videos?

One of the main problems in Kinshasa is that they love cement and anything which is artificial. 2009 2010 they cut all the wonderfull trees from the Boulevard 30 juin, to make an awfuk 8 lane highway through the heart of the city. Now they destroyed the beautiful little huts bodering the small artificial lake and replace them with really ugly and hot cement buildings, increased the prices to a riciculous level (half a chicken at the range of 20 USD, but kept a lousy and unfriendly service. Thats a speciality in Kinshasa but new at this site. That´s what you have to attend in Kinshasa.

Nice short trip from Kinshasa. Nice to walk around lake. Pretty views.