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University of Lubumbashi (Belvédère)
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The University of Lubumbashi (UNILU), specifically the Belvédère campus area, is one of the leading academic institutions in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Established in 1955 as the Official University of the Congo and Ruanda-Urundi, it has played a pivotal role in educating the nation's intellectual and political elite. The Belvédère site is located in a hilly district of Lubumbashi and is noted for its distinctive architecture that blends colonial-era structures with modern academic facilities. The university houses numerous departments, with its Faculty of Mining and Geology being particularly prestigious due to the region's vast copper and cobalt deposits. UNILU is not only a place of learning but also a historic center for political movements and social change in southern Congo. The campus features panoramic views over the city and is surrounded by greenery, providing a tranquil atmosphere for its thousands of students. As the second-largest university in the country, it remains an essential engine for research and development within the Katanga region.
- Location: Congo - Kinshasa
- Nearby: Kipushi (31 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Aug, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 21 | 21 | 21 | 20 | 18 | 17 | 17 | 20 | 23 | 26 | 24 | 22 |
| Rain mm | 252 | 200 | 176 | 56 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 29 | 131 | 268 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Belvédère of the University of Lubumbashi is a distinctive building ensemble on the campus. The campus is generally open to the public during daytime, though access to certain buildings may be restricted. The exterior architecture is clearly visible.
Typical hours
The campus is usually open from 8 am to 6 pm, on weekends and holidays possibly shorter hours. Administrative buildings have separate opening times. Best to visit on a weekday between 9 am and 4 pm when the campus is lively.
Photography
Photography of the exterior façades is allowed on the public campus grounds. Be careful not to disturb students or lectures. For detailed shots of the Belvédère architecture, a telephoto lens is useful to capture the height of the buildings.
Time needed
A stroll around the campus and the Belvédère takes about 20 to 30 minutes. If you also want to visit the surrounding gardens and central library, allow 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Combine with
The campus is on the western edge of Lubumbashi. Combine your visit with the nearby Lubumbashi Zoo or the Musée national. The city centre with its colonial buildings is also not far.
Getting there
The university is reachable by taxi or bus from central Lubumbashi in about 20 minutes. Motorcycle taxis are also an option. Parking is available on campus, but visitors must register at the gate.
Insider tip
Ask at the gate for permission to enter the main buildings - guided tours are sometimes offered. Particularly impressive is the view from the upper floor of the Belvédère over the city.
Geography
Facts
- The university was officially founded on October 26, 1955.
- It is the second-largest university in the country after the University of Kinshasa.
- The Belvédère site is named after the hilltop neighborhood where it is located.
- UNILU hosts over 30,000 students across its various academic faculties.
- The Faculty of Mining is among the most prestigious in the African continent.
- It was originally called the Official University of the Congo and Ruanda-Urundi.
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Notable places around
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Frequently asked questions
Can you visit the Université de Lubumbashi campus?
Yes, the Belvédère campus is open to visitors, especially for its iconic 1950s architecture. Please respect the academic schedule.
What is special about the architecture in the Belvédère district?
The district is known for its colonial-era modernist style, designed by Claude Strebelle, which integrates harmoniously with the hilly landscape.
When is the best time to visit?
Weekdays during the semester offer a lively atmosphere, while weekends are quieter for architectural photography.
Are there guided tours on campus?
Official tourist tours are rare, but student representatives are often happy to provide information about the history of UNILU.
How far is the university from Lubumbashi city center?
The campus is about 4-5 km northwest of the center and is easily accessible by taxi or local minibuses.
University of Lubumbashi (Belvédère): where is it located?
University of Lubumbashi (Belvédère) is located in Congo - Kinshasa.
University of Lubumbashi (Belvédère): when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Aug, Sep.
University of Lubumbashi (Belvédère): why is it worth visiting?
The University of Lubumbashi (UNILU), specifically the Belvédère campus area, is one of the leading academic institutions in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
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Nearby cities
Lubumbashi
Lubumbashi is the mining capital of the DR Congo and the second-largest city, located in the southeastern part of the country.
Likasi
Likasi is a major industrial city in the Upper Katanga Province, significantly involved in the processing of minerals.
Kipushi
Kipushi is a town in the Upper Katanga Province, situated right on the border with Zambia, known for its deep mine.
Kambove
Kambove is a historical mining town in Haut-Katanga province.
Pweto
Pweto is located at the northern end of Lake Mweru on the border with Zambia.
Kasumbalesa
Kasumbalesa is a border town in Upper Katanga Province, serving as a vital crossing point between DR Congo and Zambia.
Sakania
Sakania is the southernmost town of the DR Congo on the border with Zambia.
History & landmarks
Frédéric Kibassa Maliba Stadium
A major sports stadium in Lubumbashi, formerly known as Stade de la Kenya.
Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral
The Cathédrale Saints-Pierre-et-Paul in Lubumbashi is a grand Romanesque-style cathedral and a landmark of the mining capital.
Palais de Justice Lubumbashi
The Palais de Justice in Lubumbashi is a notable colonial-era building that houses the high courts of the region.
National Museum of Lubumbashi
The Musée National de Lubumbashi displays a rich collection of archaeological, ethnographic, and artistic works from the Katanga region.
Stade TP Mazembe
The Stade TP Mazembe is the private stadium of the famous Tout Puissant Mazembe football club in Lubumbashi.
More places
Brasimba Brewery
The Brasimba brewery in Lubumbashi is a leading company in the beverage industry of southern Congo.
Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul
The cathedral in Lubumbashi, built in the 1920s, is a significant religious and architectural heritage of the colonial city of Elizabethv…
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Ruashi Mine
A significant open-pit copper and cobalt mine near Lubumbashi.
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Lubumbashi Children's Park
Children's parks in Lubumbashi offer safe and fun environments for the city's youth to play and socialize.
Luiswishi Mine
A high-grade copper and cobalt mine not far from Lubumbashi in the resource-rich south.
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Kinsevere Mine
Kinsevere is a significant copper mine located near Lubumbashi in the Upper Katanga Province.
Kipushi Mine
A historic zinc and copper mine near the Zambian border that has been modernized.
Jadotville (Likasi)
Likasi, formerly Jadotville, was the site of the famous 1961 Siege of Jadotville, where Irish UN troops fought Katangese secessionists.