KINSHASA
Kinshasa, affectionately called Kin by its residents, is one of the largest cities in Sub-Saharan Africa. Located along the banks of the Congo river, the bustling city is bursting with energy as manic drivers zoom past yelling street hawkers. Get style tips from the Sapeurs of Kinshasa, listen to the dance beats of Congolese Rumba or visit the National Museum.
KINSANGANI
Tracing the Congo River upstream you find the jungle city of Kisangani in the heart of the country. Featured in Conrad’s ‘Heart of Darkness’, the secluded port is filled with crumbling colonial buildings unable to withstand the tropical heat. The waterfront brings life to the city, pumping out African jazz into the humid air. Watch the fisherman trap fish in conical baskets by the waterfalls or travel inland in search of the rarely seen Okapi.
LAKE KIVU
Lake Kivu sits on the border between the DRC and Rwanda. The lake is opportune for water activities such as fishing or kayaking or just to sit by and stare at the mountainous landscape. Rising above the lake is the active volcano of Mount Nyiragongo, whilst the bustling hub of activity is found in the lakeside towns of Goma and Bukavu.
VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK
Of the numerous national parks in DRC, a stand out has to be the Virunga National Park. The oldest national park in Africa is famed for its biological and geographical diversity. Tracking mountain gorillas or climbing to look into the world’s largest active lava lake are unforgetable experiences. It’s even possible to ski in the North of the UNESCO World Heritage site in the Rwenzori Mountain.
VISAS
Visa to be obtained before travel from DRC embassy or consulate. For trips to the Kivus and Virunga National park we can arrange visas on the border with Rwanda.
WEATHER
Equatorial – more or less same all year round. There are rainy seasons….check out Goma weather…
MONEY
For up to date exchange rates please have a look at www.xe.com
ELECTRICITY
Two prong European style system (type C and E). Three pronged style also found in India, Sri Lanka and African countries (type D).
WIFI
Very poor wifi connection/speed.
FOOD
The national dish is moambe – a hearty chicken stew.
ALCOHOL
Alcohol is permitted and is widely available
LANGUAGE
French
RELIGION
Christian: Catholic and Protestant
DRESS CODE
No special dress code.
SAFETY & SECURITY
The FCO Advises against travel to many parts of DRC. Primarily this is due to anti-government forces operating in the country. We avoid travel to certain areas of the country and take precautions in the areas we do travel. Contact us for information on where we do and do not guide in this region and how we work to minimise risk for our guests and staff.
RECOMMENDED READING
The Poisonwood Bible – Barbara Kingsolver
Before the Birth of the Moon – Valentin Y Mudimbe
Dancing in the Glory of Monsters – Jason Stearns
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