During my research for gorilla trekking in Central Africa, I decided to research if it was possible and safe to visit the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The country has a complicated past and present dotted with violence of all sorts. So how do you stay safe in the DRC? A lot of planning ahead!
For almost two years of planning the trip, I had family members telling me not to go to the DRC, that it was dangerous. I felt comfortable in my research (and so did the rest of the people going with me). I am an experienced traveler and feel comfortable in my skills. I’m not sure I’d recommend visiting the DRC to every traveler, but if you’re already going anyway, I wanted to share what I did. Here’s everything I did to stay as safe in the DRC.
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Why visit the DRC?
I know, with so many reasons NOT to visit, why would you go? There are a number of reasons to visit the DRC. Some people go to hike Mount Nyiragongo and see the volcano, others for the beautiful scenery. Mine was simple, gorillas. The gorillas that live in Virunga National Park are the same ones that live in Rwanda and Uganda, mountain gorillas. However, the gorillas that live in Kahuzi-Biega National Park are different. They are eastern lowland gorillas and only live in that area around the world.
Find a Reputable Tour Company
This was probably the biggest step/hurdle/challenge (whatever you want to call it). I wanted a company that felt comfortable traveling to this area. Africa Adventure Vacations which was recommended to me personally, happened to have experience going to the Congo.
Not only that, when I worked with them to create our itinerary, I expressed our concerns about visiting the Virunga area. I asked if we could change our visit to the Kahuzi-Biega part of the Congo, and they were more than willing to accommodate.
They coordinated our arrival and accommodation directly with Kahuzi-Biega National Park. The visa process is a little intimidating, even for an experienced traveler. I was glad to hear that a staff member from the park would be meeting us.
When there was a miscommunication with the accommodation about dinner and breakfast, our guide Hamza took care of it. He was also calm in traffic, dealing with ‘tolls’ on the road and guiding us through the Bukavu.
Learn a Bit of the Language
The primary language of the DRC is French. While my pronunciation is still terrible, I can read quite a bit and understand if someone speaks slowly. While learning the language is a tip for traveling anywhere in the world, it felt really important for the DRC.
I should mention that we were a group of five white people in a giant safari vehicle in an area that did NOT see many tourists. In simple terms, we stood out. Knowing a bit of the language, even to greet correctly, helped.
Read EVERYTHING before you go
There are countless resources to read about visiting the Congo. They range from the CDC telling you all the things to be aware of, to experienced travelers telling you it’s completely safe and you should go. The truth is somewhere in the middle, so read it all.
The most important things to read are below:
- CDC regulations: Yes they can be intense, but they’re the MOST important thing to read. If it’s level four, you won’t be covered by travel insurance and the State Department would not be able to assist to get you out of the country.
- Democratic Republic of Congo official website: For the most up-to-date regulations and rules for visiting.
- Visa & Vaccine requirements: Make sure you know exactly what you need before you go (we’ll go over this more below).
- Travel blogs: There’s nothing better than personal recommendations and experiences. Just make sure they are the area that you’re going and recent. The country is constantly changing so five years ago is VERY different than today.
- Books: I find a lot of value in learning about a country’s past. The DRC is not a place that is greatly covered in American public schools, so reading books like Congo: The Epic History of a People helped me to understand the DRC a lot better.
Get proper vaccines and paperwork
You do not want to be in any country without the right paperwork, but this is especially true in the DRC. I’ve had a lot of vaccines for other travels, so personally I only needed the yellow fever vaccine. While many European countries don’t check for vaccines, the DRC definitely did. Before we even got to the border, there was a table of women ensuring that we had our yellow fever cards before entering.
The other most important paperwork is the visa. You can submit it online, or you can bring a paper copy with you. Africa Adventure Vacations let us submit our visa to them ahead of time so that the Kahuzi Biega staff would have it when we got there. I also had a digital copy of everyone’s application and my own paper copy (you know, just in case). The visas were $100 and the bills had to be clean and crisp.
When I feel prepared for a situation going wrong, I feel safe in knowing that I did what I could. Even if something went wrong, the officials would be able to tell that my intent was good (which is important).
Register with the U.S. State Department
If you’re traveling abroad from the United States, you have the ability to register your travels with the State Department. This means that if something happens (like a terrorist attack) they know that you’re in the country. Your family wouldn’t have to reach out to them. It also (in throey) helps if you lose your passport and need a new one to get back home. They know that you intended to go home and that this isn’t a ploy for a new passport for illegal reasons.
It’s simple and free to do!
Final Thoughts
Staying safe in the DRC requires careful preparation and vigilance. By obtaining the necessary vaccinations and paperwork, such as the yellow fever vaccine and a valid visa, you can ensure a smooth entry into the country. Registering with the U.S. State Department also provides an added layer of security, as they will be aware of your presence in the country and can provide assistance in case of emergencies.
No matter where you travel, it is vital to remain aware of your surroundings, follow local customs and guidelines, and stay in touch with trusted contacts or tour operators.
By taking these precautions and being well-prepared, you can have a safe and rewarding experience in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Remember to approach your travels with an open mind, respect for the local culture, and a willingness to adapt and learn. Safe travels!
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