Things you need to know before Visiting the Democratic Republic of Congo
The performance in the Democratic Republic of the Congo includes fascinating talks with the locals, thrilling expeditions into dense jungles, and picturesque rivers.
With its vast expanses of humid forest, powerful rivers, and towering volcanoes, the Democratic Republic of the Congo is the ultimate African experience. During the cruel colonial exploitation, dictatorial lunacy, and what has been dubbed the first "African World War I," which came to a conclusion in 2003 with the establishment of the Kabila political dynasty, both a geographical idea and a nation in its own right suffered.
The wise exploitation of the DRC's enormous unexplored mineral riches and the deployment of the largest UN peacekeeping force in the world have stoked confidence among a pained but tenacious populace, even though true stability is still years away. At the same time, visitors have returned to one of Africa's most fascinating and difficult travel locations thanks to a tiny but quickly growing tourist business focused on the Parc National des Virunga.
Are you considering a trip to the Democratic Republic of the Congo? Here are the ten things I wish I had known before traveling to the DRC to avoid any issues.
Where is The Democratic Republic of the Congo?
There have been acquaintances of mine who have trouble mentally locating the Republic of Congo. Since "Congo" seemed more like the Caribbean to many, they responded that it was in Central America. In the same way that they were unaware of the location, many others are also unaware. The Republic of Congo is in Africa; a nation I hold in the highest regard and have a particular fondness for. I have known this since I was a young child because I enjoyed reading my father's encyclopedias. As a veterinarian, he had thousands of books about wild animals, and his love for gorillas was ingrained in my memory.
With a population of 75.5 million and a land area of more than 2.3 million square kilometers, the Democratic Republic of Congo is the second-largest country in Africa. It is situated in the center of the continent, north of Angola and Zambia, and was formerly known as Zaire or Belgian Congo. Since it was a Belgian colony, French is the official language, while other languages including Lingala, Kikongo, Swahili, and Tshiluba are widely used.
One of the rainiest countries in Africa, it is made up of 26 provinces and includes savannas and rainforests. Mount Ngaliema, the Congo River, or the Great Rift Valley are notable features within it. Although the nation is rich in biodiversity and minerals, poverty is extremely high since the exploitation of these resources does not satisfy the basic requirements of the populace.
With 10 million residents, Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is the most populated city in Africa, second only to Cairo and Lagos. A significant portion of its land is covered by forested savannah, and the well-known Livingstone Falls serve as a symbol of it. The painting also highlights the nation's rich cultural heritage. You may visit Congo Kinshasa, which has some stunning locations, but proceed with caution at all times.
Is the Democratic Republic of the Congo a safe place to visit?
A major African conflict ravaged the Democratic Republic of the Congo, leaving the nation in ruins. Because of the unstable and dangerous climate, the Peace Corps and the United Nations continue to monitor security even after the conflict ended in 2003. The UN was successful in negotiating a deal to put an end to the uprising in the country's eastern regions in the beginning of 2013
Despite this, armed military confrontations that put both visitors and civilians in danger—the difference being knowledge and the ability to navigate the country—have left the security situation across the nation incredibly precarious. However, a number of foreign embassies warn of the risks associated with visiting the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Because of their poor state and instability, public transportation and road journeys require extreme caution. However, extortion at border stations by migration brokers is widespread, particularly along the land border with Angola, Rwanda, and Zambia, the Ndjili airport, and the Ngobila river port for people entering the DRC from Brazzaville.
Remember that it is not advisable to travel north and east if you are a tourist. Foreigners who drive or walk through the heart of Kinshasa without taking the appropriate safety precautions are victims of the increasing number of "express kidnappings" and attacks, thus travelers should avoid entering or leaving by land.
These kidnappings are typically conducted by fictitious police officers. The goal is to pilfer the cash that is carried and use ATMs to obtain the maximum amount that is permitted. Injuries and physical assaults are frequently associated with theft. Youth gang activity has also increased again in the country's capital and other cities, including Lubumbashi. Because of the high risks of traveling to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, it is thus officially discouraged to walk alone in Congo Kinshasa and other cities, especially at night. Instead, it is advised to drive in cars with the windows closed and the door lock engaged.
Interesting facts about the hamlet in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
The Belgian Congo, Congo-Kinshasa, Zaire, or the Democratic Republic of the Congo—you name it—is safe to visit now! It is a nation with a robust population that does not budge in the face of several disasters, and where highways eventually vanish owing to the force of tree roots. Here are some fascinating facts about the Democratic Republic of the Congo that you probably did not know:
You might observe how the past is heavy because of what are regrettably known as civil wars if you visit the Democratic Republic of the Congo. However, few people are aware of the Congolese rumba! Soukous is another name for it. It is seductive music with a strong African influence that originated in the Caribbean. You should listen to artists like Koffi Olomide, Kekele, and Papa Wemba.
The Congolese people's character is another topic to write about. They are naturally amiable! They are excellent communicators who like joking and hesitating. Furthermore, nobody else in the world is capable of dressing so cockily in an orange suit! They are solely known to enjoy the money in central Africa, according to an African proverb that sums them up precisely.
When you visit Congo Kinshasa, the hospitality of the Congolese people is likely their most admirable quality. They are welcoming, entertaining, and giving to guests. They share food and sleeping quarters regardless of their financial situation. In refugee camps, this characteristic is more prevalent. Arrival gives people hope for a better future and is celebrated there as a sign that they have not been forgotten.
White people in the Democratic Republic of the Congo are referred to as Muzungu, a word with Swahili roots, which is another intriguing aspect of the country. I learned the meaning of the term from a Congolese. In actuality, Muzungu originally meant "one who wanders," "one who walks without knowing where he is going," but it is now interpreted as "white." That's how they view outsiders, and I think it's hilarious.
You must get vaccinated in order to enter the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Now that you know the location of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, you may picture a nation that is hot all year round, with jungles and a lot of rain. The mosquito is affected by this. Additionally, the mosquito spreads a number of diseases. For example, malaria has historically been one of the leading causes of mortality in the nation; the Zika virus is no exception.
Even though there is currently no vaccine to prevent malaria, Zika, dengue, or chikungunya, it is still a good idea to keep insect repellent on hand. However, yellow fever is also spread by mosquitoes, and fortunately, health centers have the vaccination. To enter the Democratic Republic of the Congo, you must have this vaccination certificate.
Aside from this, it is advisable to be vaccinated against typhoid, hepatitis A, and b before visiting, since this helps avoid tainted food, even if it is not required to enter the nation. Vaccination against rabies, polio, triple virus, meningitis, and TDaP is recommended.
What is the Democratic Republic of the Congo's climate like?
In addition to insects, the heat is another risk of visiting the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It might be an issue for people who are not accustomed to temperatures of 30 degrees Celsius for the majority of the year, but nothing is worse than a cool shower. In the equatorial zone, rain typically falls between April and May and October and November. However, it doesn't rain as much in January, February, and June and July.
Despite this, the majority of the nation has a tropical climate, and the northern dry season (December to March) offers better travel conditions due to somewhat lower temperatures. It is best to visit in January if you like to see mountain gorillas. However, the southern dry season, which runs from April to October, is a great time to visit Kinshasa.
Two children's difficult-to-understand beliefs
While we acknowledge that every nation has its own set of values that should be honored, many other nations, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, have views that the West may find almost nonsensical. You will find thousands of youngsters, starting at age three, wandering the streets by themselves if you visit Congo Kinshasa because of the so-called witch children.
These kids live alone in the world, eat whatever they can find to survive, and many of them steal or are trafficked. This is because of their conviction that the most vulnerable members of the family are guilty of committing witchcraft in order to justify their misdeeds if something negative occurs in the family, such the death of the mother or father.
Keep an eye out for keepsakes.
Every time you go, you want to purchase a memento or even a present that will remind you of the location. Since many of these mementos are manufactured from animal parts that are typically obtained through illegal hunting, you should pay attention now that you know where the Democratic Republic of the Congo is.
Any tourist may not notice this, but regrettably, it is a fairly prevalent activity here and generates as much revenue as drug trafficking. You need to know since many people don't know where these things come from. You can discover shark pieces, elephant and rhino tusk decorations, and other techniques that are totally unlawful. You have to know what you're purchasing.
Common dishes
You may sample the local cuisine if you visit the Democratic Republic of the Congo, but be aware that many of the dishes are prepared with animals that are either endangered or nearing extinction. I want you to understand where some of these meals come from before you taste them: Approximately 100 million sharks are fished annually for shark fin soup. The number of turtles is declining as a result of their consumption of eggs. Additionally, monkey flesh is widely consumed, and certain species—like the "gold monkey"—are endangered.
Moambe, a stew cooked with paste or cream of palm nuts, onions, tomatoes, and jalapeño peppers, is a popular food, nevertheless. Typically, chicken is utilized as meat. However, other variations include meat, seafood, or even crocodile. Insects are also frequently used here as a "exotic" source of protein. In Kinshasa, where visitors purchase them, eating larvae, worms, and arthropods has become the gastronomic "new wave" despite being a longstanding practice in the country's interior.
Watch out False Sanctuaries
Although the purpose of animal sanctuaries is to provide the best possible care for animals without any kind of exploitation, there are several captive facilities that masquerade as sanctuaries, orphanages, or shelters. Here, they deceive the tourists by trading with and reproducing the animals.
Therefore, if you were wondering if it would be safe to travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, let me tell you that you should investigate thoroughly before going there because you are encouraging animal abuse if you pay to see an animal for entertainment or touch it while it is receiving medication. It sounds crass, and it really is. You ought to practice animal-friendly tourism.
Senkwekwe is an actual gorilla orphanage.
The conflicts have put the mountain gorilla population in jeopardy, as has the ongoing threat of sickness, deforestation, and poaching. Only a little more than 800 of them remain now, the most of them are in the Virunga Mountains. The majority have been murdered by rebels who want to capture newborn gorillas and sell them to a zoo, either directly or by fire.
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, however, there exist ecological reserves and shelters that make the claim that they shield gorillas from exploitation or death. Among these is the Senkwekwe Orphanage in the National Park of the Virunga Mountains, where staff members tend to animals that have lost their moms. Gorillas disturbed by the constant violence might find sanctuary at the institution.
However, this haven is also under threat. Over 136 employees have lost their lives protecting the park since 1996. The rebels want to sell the adult gorilla meat, which is becoming more and more popular in Africa's expanding cities, in addition to robbing the young.
In the meanwhile, the Senkwekwe facility is a haven of calm where animals may recover their mental and physical well-being. It needs to be addressed, maybe by international action. We are all aware that losing gorillas would be equivalent to losing an essential component of who we are.
In Conclusion, there are always risks while visiting the Democratic Republic of the Congo, therefore you should be very careful and not put your confidence in people you don't know. Since there are a lot of fascinating facts about the Democratic Republic of the Congo that you should be aware of before visiting, the purpose of this piece is to educate people who have not had the chance to visit this stunning nation and to encourage them to consider the information provided here.