Travel guide – democratic republic of the congo
democratic republic of the congo
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Overview
Decades of civil war and corruption after the end of colonialism brought the central African Democratic Republic of Congo to its knees, economically, politically and socially, although the country has the potential of being the richest in Africa. This vast country (third largest on the continent) currently exists in a state of fragile peace, still beset by outbreaks of violence, with elections scheduled for 2005. Despite the tensions, investors are keeping tabs on this battle-worn equatorial enclave, which has enormous mineral wealth, including copper and cobalt. The capital, Kinshasa, is a transportation hub on the Congo River, one of Africa's main arteries, sited opposite Brazzaville, capital of the Republic of the Congo. The city is no backwater, despite the collapse of its economy due to political turmoil; it sports a university and several other important academic institutions, including a research centre for tropical medicine, some worthy historic buildings, monuments and museums. Visiting the DRC is, however, risky and visitors do not come to sightsee. Businessmen, diplomats, aid workers and others with essential business are well catered for in some good hotels and restaurants, chiefly in Kinshasa's affluent Gombe district.
Climate
The DRC straddles the equator and therefore experiences a tropically hot and humid climate. South of the equator there are frequent heavy rains between October and May, and north of the equator the rain falls between April and November. The eastern highlands has a more temperate weather. In the low central basin average annual temperatures are around 77°F (25°C), while at the higher altitudes the temperatures hover around 68°F (20°C). The average annual rainfall in Kinshasa is 56 inches.
Health
Yellow fever vaccination is a requirement for entry for everyone over one year, and vaccination against cholera, typhoid and polio are highly recommended. There is a significant malaria risk throughout the country, and advice should be sought in advance about preventive measures. HIV/AIDS is prevalent. The Centre Prive d'Urgence (CPU) clinic in Kinshasa is able to cope with basic health problems and to stabilise a patient after most serious accidents. However, medical evacuation to South Africa (or elsewhere) would be advised as soon as possible. Outside Kinshasa, western standard medical facilities are practically non-existent. Visitors are advised to take their own basic medical supplies with them, as medicines are in short supply. Medical insurance with provision for emergency air evacuation is essential for visitors. All water should be regarded as contaminated, and milk is unpasteurised, therefore consume only imported bottled water and avoid dairy products.
The basics
Time
GMT +1 in the west (Kinshasa) and GMT +2 in the east.
Electricity
Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Plug types in use are round pin attachment plugs and round pin plugs with grounding.
Language
French is the official language, but Lingala, Kingwana, Kikongo and Tshiluba are also spoken.
Tipping
A 10% service charge is included in restaurant and hotel bills and further tipping is unnecessary. In general, tipping (known as 'Mahtabish' or 'something extra') is a way of life and it is routine to give some small change for all services.
Safety
The east and north east of the country are insecure and travellers should be cautious if travel to the region is necessary. There is a high level of street crime and armed robbery, particularly in Kinshasa, where armed gangs or criminals posing as plain-clothes policemen regularly attack foreigners. Security officials have also been known to arrest foreigners and demand payment for their release. Do not display valuables on your person, walk the streets alone or carry large amounts of money, and keep car doors and windows locked. Steer clear of demonstrations, which can turn violent quickly. Elections are due to take place in mid-2006, and it is likely that demonstrations in the run-up could lead to violence. Due to political unrest travel to eastern and north-eastern DRC is ill advised, especially in the district of Ituri near the border with Uganda. Boats and ferries are poorly maintained and have low safety standards; on 16 January 2005 an overcrowded ferry on the Kasai River sank, killing 35 people.
Customs
Do not take photographs of uniformed officials or any military equipment and installations.
Communications
International direct dialling is available. The country code is +243 and the outgoing international code is 00, followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). Domestic telephone connections are unreliable. There are GSM 900 and 1800 networks with roaming agreements covering Kinshasa, but it is unwise to use a mobile phone in public because of the likelihood of robbery. There are some Internet cafes in Kinshasa, but power failures can be a problem.
Duty Free
Visitors to the DRC may bring the following into the country without paying customs duty: 100 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco; one bottle of alcohol; perfume for personal use; and a camera to be used for touristic purposes. Duty is charged on gifts, radios or tape recorders and an import licence is needed for arms and ammunition.
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