What we experienced
We arrive at the end of the day after the long drive from Matadi and Boma. Between Matadi and Boma, the road is more relaxed, there’s much less traffic and it’s a pleasure watching the little villages go by.
The villa is 10 metres from the beach. Careful, swimming is dangerous: always ask the mums who do the cooking whether it’s safe that day.
A cook prepares the meals for $20 a day: you just buy the food at Muanda market, where fish, fruit and vegetables cost far less than in Kinshasa. Red mullet for 7 people: 1,000 FC!
The villa’s listed price was $300 a night. We negotiated it down to $180: here, you haggle, and it works.
The beach is 10 metres from the house. For meals, a cook prepares everything for $20 a day: just buy the food at Muanda market, much cheaper than Kinshasa.
On video
The villa on video
Video with sound: press play.
Practical info
Staying in Nsiamfumu
| Villa Amani (pool, picture windows) | 400 $ |
| Villa Maria (upstairs, balcony) | 360 $ |
| Villa Baobab (single storey, 5 bedrooms) | 300 $ |
| Villa Baobab, after negotiation | 180 $ |
Price per night. Air-conditioned bedrooms, equipped kitchen, hammock, swing and football goal in the garden.
Eating
- Cook on site: $20 a day, you bring the shopping.
- Muanda market: fish, fruit, vegetables and plantain much cheaper than in Kinshasa.
- Example: red mullet for 7 people, 1,000 FC (less than half a dollar).
The driver
- He sleeps in a nearby hotel.
- Single room negotiated at $10 instead of $20.
Swimming: be careful
The sea is dangerous. Never leave kids alone in the water, and ask the women who cook every day whether it’s safe to swim.
Budget tip
We negotiated the villa down from $300 to $180 a night: $360 saved over 3 nights
The guide explains how to negotiate, what to buy at the market and how to organise the 3 days. The €89 offer puts you in touch with the host.
FAQ
How much is a night in a villa in Nsiamfumu?
$300 to $400 depending on the villa, listed prices. We paid $180 a night for Villa Baobab after negotiation.
Can you swim with kids?
With a lot of caution: the sea is strong. Check locally every day.
Where do you do the shopping?
At Muanda market, 15 minutes away. The villa’s cook prepares meals for $20 a day.