General security in Congo-Kinshasa
The most frequently asked question we get is whether it is safe to travel in Congo and often across specific regions. Indeed, Congo has been plagued for decades by civil wars, marauding rebels, crime and natural disasters such as volcanic eruptions. There are also diseases such as malaria that you have to take into account. There are therefore many regions that are off limits, especially North Kivu and Ituri are often plagued by violence, which also sometimes causes the Virunga Park to be closed indefinitely. It is therefore very important to take into account the fact that a trip to Virunga Park can always get canceled.
In general, Goma and Bukavu are stable and if traveling in Virunga Park is not possible, gorillas can be visited near Bukavu below Lake Kivu (Kahuzi Biega). Furthermore, travel in Katanga around Lubumbashi, Kolwezi and Likasi is also perfectly possible, as well as travelinf to Kisangani and Mbandaka. There is no problem at all to travel via the Congo River and visit national parks such as Salonga National Park and Garamba National Park. The Okapi Park can also be visited although the facilities are completely in ruins and the habituated okapis have been slaughtered in the past. Kinshasa is stable and the region around it and Bas-Congo is also easy to travel by Congolese standards. As you can see, there are quite a few possibilities. We offer a number of formulas in Bas-Congo and around Kinshasa; as well as opportunities to view bonobos in the rainforest; visit the Garamba Park; the Salonga National Park; the Virunga Park; Katanga and so on. We also propose a number of options for traveling in Congo-Brazzaville and the Central African Republic, all in safe regions.
Make sure you keep and keep an eye on your money and belongings. It is best to keep your hands in your pockets above your phone and your money. Also don’t keep all your money and credit cards in one place, but spread everything out. Make sure you have a scan of your passport in your phone and e-mail and possibly also a printed photocopy. Always keep your room and car locked. Be polite to the police and authorities, but don’t be intimidated either.
Natural disasters and volcanic eruptions in Congo
During the rainy season, heavy downpours are possible, causing entire areas to be flooded. This water usually disappears after a few hours, but can cause houses to collapse and roads to sink. Recently, Goma also had to deal with a volcanic eruption that caused the Virunga Park to be closed until further notice. These volcanic eruptions can usually be predicted, but this is not a guarantee.
Diseases in Congo
Malaria
Malaria is a common disease all over Congo that takes many lives. It’s important to talk to your doctor to discuss a good strategy for whether you’re taking anything ahead of time or traveling with medication that will help treat the symptoms. Make sure you are well protected against mosquito bites by wearing closed shoes at night, long pants and rubbing yourself with DEET. Make sure you sleep under a mosquito net and it is best to spray against the mosquitoes in your room before you go to sleep.
Chikungunya and dengue fever
These diseases are also transmitted by mosquitoes and can make you seriously ill. It is therefore very important that you protect yourself against mosquitoes every day.
Diarrhea and parasites
People usually do not suffer from diarrhea in Congo so easily. There is usually little time between slaughtering meat and fish and preparing it. Everything is usually well cooked. Parasites are always possible due to dirty water and if you have persistent abdominal pain after your trip, it is best to go to the doctor to examine your bowel movements. A course of antibiotics quickly improves your health. It is also not bad to take Vermox twice after your trip with 14 days between the two doses to preventively kill any worms. A strategy that is applied at least twice a year by the local population and expats.
HIV
Although HIV is not as widespread as in southern African countries, there is an increased risk, especially in cities like Kinshasa it is important to protect yourself. Condoms are available everywhere, although it is smart to bring condoms with you.
Vaccinations for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and The Republic Of Congo
Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory when traveling to Congo-Kinshasa and you must also be able to show this on arrival or you might be refused entrance;
It is also advisable to repeat your DTP vaccination (diphtheria-polio-tetanus) and also to take a vaccination against typhoid fever (valid for 3 years). It is highly recommended to take a vaccination against hepatitis A and hepatitis B and also to be vaccinated against measles and COVID.
Others
Make sure you protect yourself well against the sun. Use sunscreen, sunglasses and a cap/hat in such a way that you do not get sunburn or a headache. Avoid drinking water from the tap and always buy bottled water. Also avoid eating on the street as much as possible.
