Kinshasa

As of June 2026, Kinshasa has 380 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 6% decrease from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Kinshasa generates CDF18.4M per year. High-performing properties earn CDF104.2M/year, while low-performing properties earn CDF5.0M/year. Despite declining supply, revenue has contracted significantly faster, indicating demand weakness outpaces reduced competition. The wide performance gap—with top properties earning 5.7x average—suggests market bifurcation where only differentiated listings capture disproportionate share.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Kinshasa. Average annual revenue is CDF18.4M with 21% occupancy. High-performing properties earn up to CDF104.2M/year. Declining supply and revenue suggest a contracting market, while the wide performance gap indicates significant differentiation among properties—some listings capture disproportionate demand despite overall softening conditions.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Kinshasa is 21%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of CDF285K, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of CDF39K per day.

3-bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Kinshasa, with annual revenue of CDF24.1M. These properties balance operating costs and rental demand most effectively in the Kinshasa market. Property performance varies significantly by location, amenities, and management quality.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Kinshasa area. I don't have reliable data on Kinshasa's short-term rental regulations or enforcement practices. The Democratic Republic of Congo's capital likely has minimal formal STR framework, and enforcement of any existing rules appears limited given broader regulatory challenges. Without verified information on permits, caps, or actual enforcement reality, I cannot accurately classify Kinshasa's regulatory environment. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Kinshasa Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has declined 6% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 32%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics. The wide gap between average ($18.4M) and high ($104.2M) revenue suggests significant performance variance across properties, while the 21% occupancy rate reflects underutilized capacity despite stable supply levels.

Launch around January, 2-3 months before peak fall season (April peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is -75% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (January-June) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in Kinshasa listings include: Air Conditioning (99%), Tv (99%), Kitchen (96%), Washing Machine (72%), Balcony (43%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Pool, Gym, Washing Machine, with Pool properties earning approximately 137% more (CDF116.0M/year vs CDF48.8M/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Kinshasa over the last 12 months: May: CDF1.1M, June: CDF936K, July: CDF1.2M, August: CDF1.3M, September: CDF1.2M, October: CDF1.3M, November: CDF1.1M, December: CDF1.3M, January: CDF1.1M, February: CDF1.0M, March: CDF1.3M, April: CDF1.5M. These figures are based on RevPAR (revenue per available room) multiplied by the number of days in each month.

The overall average nightly rate in Kinshasa is CDF285K, up 25% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average CDF257K/night, 2-bedroom properties average CDF307K/night, 3-bedroom properties average CDF426K/night. Rates peak in February and are lowest in May.

Guests in Kinshasa book an average of 13 days in advance, down 46% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 14 days, 2-bedroom: 14 days, 3-bedroom: 11 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Kinshasa Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply declined 6%, revenue per listing decreased 32%, occupancy fell 21%, average nightly rates increased 25%, and lead time decreased 46%. The sharp divergence between rising nightly rates and plummeting occupancy suggests demand is contracting faster than supply, creating a buyer's market. The substantial gap between average and top-performing listings indicates highly concentrated performance, with elite properties capturing disproportionate revenue.

In Kinshasa, Saturday sees the highest booking demand while Monday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Friday and are lowest on Wednesday.