Travel in the Congo River region can be dangerous due to high levels of violence, crime, and poor infrastructure. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is advised against non-essential travel due to high crime rates, civil unrest, and the risk of kidnapping. River boats may experience accidents, but travel is relatively safe. Expect delays as captains wait to fill seats before departing.
The Congo River is considered one of the most dangerous rivers in the world due to strong currents, rapids, waterfalls, canyons, debris, and tree trunks. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in the Congo, so your behaviors are important. Eat and drink safely, and use caution when walking or driving.
Reconsider travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo due to COVID-19, crime, civil unrest, and Ebola. Some areas have increased risk. Passport validity is 6 months, and the black passport pages are 1 page. A tourist visa is required, and yellow fever vaccinations are required.
Despite the popularity and size of the Congo River, many tourists do not visit the river and its surrounding areas due to safety concerns. However, it is possible to travel safely to certain regions of the country, such as Virunga National.
To enter the Congo, present your yellow fever vaccination card as foodborne, waterborne, and other infectious diseases are common. The Congo River does not take you into the dangerous areas of Kasai and rebel-held territories, and approaches from the mostly de-populated north from the equator and the equator.
Africa is a wonderful continent, but exercise a high degree of caution in the Republic of Congo due to crime and ongoing insecurity in some neighboring countries.
📹 Congo, Thrill of the River | Deadliest Journeys
On the legendary Congo River, Commander Aimé is at the helm of a gigantic wooden raft the size of a football field. With his men …
Can you travel the Congo river?
The Congo River boat trip from Brazzaville to Oyo offers a raw and authentic experience, allowing visitors to explore the untouched rainforest. The trip can be extended to visit the Louna National Park and Lowland Gorillas, or to visit both the Louna Gorillas and Park and the Lefini River and Lefini Elephant Sanctuary for African Forest Elephants. The Salonga National Park Expedition from the Congo River is a serious frontier expedition into Africa’s largest tropical jungle reserve and one of its most remote reaches of rainforest.
This expedition approaches from the mostly de-populated north from the equator and the Congo River. The Congo-Basin is home to the most precious forests and wildlife in Africa, covered in deserts, savanna, and deep forests. Although the travel community is limited, the truly wild adventure is found in the green heart of Africa: Congo.
How safe is Congo for tourists?
Violent crime, including armed robbery, home invasion, and assault, is prevalent in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Local police struggle to respond effectively to serious crimes, and attackers may pose as police or security agents. Demonstrations are common in cities, and the U. S. government has limited ability to provide emergency consular services outside Kinshasa due to poor infrastructure and security conditions.
Is the Congo river clean?
The Democratic Republic of Congo’s capitals, Kinshasa and Brazzaville, are facing significant water pollution due to inadequate infrastructure for treating effluent and waste. The Congo River, which flows through these cities, is heavily polluted, causing wastewater to be discharged directly into the river, resulting in poor water quality. Only 5. 5 and 11 of the populations are covered by a sewer system, collecting 40 and 45 percent of daily water use respectively.
The rest is discharged into wells or onto the street, contributing to river pollution and causing disease. To address this issue, a plan for a sludge treatment plant has been set up by Brazzaville, Kinshasa province, UNESCO, and SIAAP. The initiative involves local population involvement and the development of water treatment infrastructure to ensure water continuity and reduce pollutants.
Are there Crocs in the Congo river?
The Congo River is home to a diverse array of animals, including crocodiles, hippopotamuses, gorillas, forest elephants, chimpanzees, bonobos, pangolins, fish, insects, reptiles, and amphibians.
Is the Congo river safe?
In Congo, a country with few paved roads, boarding an overcrowded boat on a treacherous river is a way of life for travelers. This weekend, journeys on the dangerous waterways stole the lives of up to 270 people. Due to the scarcity of air, travelers often travel on boats and barges not intended for people, sleeping in sacks of maize and piles of timber amid the stench of fish. Boat operators often overload vessels with passengers and cargo, often causing fear and putting it in prayer for God to help them reach their destination.
What to avoid in Congo?
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is known for its high crime rates, civil unrest, and the risk of kidnapping. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, is prevalent throughout the country, including Kinshasa. Road conditions, driving habits, and official motorcades also pose risks. It is advised to avoid non-essential travel to the DRC due to these issues. The country’s recent health notice for mpox has been updated, and more information is available on the country’s safety and security measures.
Do people vacation in the Congo?
The Democratic Republic of the Congo offers numerous sightseeing opportunities due to its natural features such as lakes, forests, natural parks, and festivals. The country is home to rare and endangered animals like mountain gorillas, okapi, and forest elephants, which can be viewed in their natural habitats in national parks like Virunga National Park. The nation has a rich cultural diversity with over 200 ethnic groups and numerous languages spoken, with music, dance, and arts still alive.
The DR Congo’s cuisine is influenced by its neighbors and native dishes, with popular dishes including fufu, madesu, and mbika. Additionally, the country has historical sites dating back thousands of years, such as the Kasubi Tombs, Kiswahili ruins, and colonial-era structures in Kinshasa. Despite its potential for tourism, the Democratic Republic of the Congo should be considered a top travel destination for its unique wildlife, diverse culture, and delicious cuisine.
Why should people visit the Congo river?
The Congo River, the only river in the world that crosses the Equator twice, is a major attraction due to its unique location and the largest lake in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Lake Kivu. Covering 27, 700 square miles, the lake is surrounded by lush jungles, mountains, and small volcanoes, providing a beautiful landscape for visitors. The Kibuye peninsular is a popular spot for visitors to enjoy the lake, offering a sandy beach, waterfront restaurant, and relaxation areas. The lake is also home to various fish species, including the Nile Perch, Tigerfish, and African catfish.
To travel to the Congo, visitors need a visa from both the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda. Tourist visas can be obtained at the respective embassies or consulates. Congolese citizens can obtain a visa at any Congolese embassy worldwide, while Rwandans can visit any Rwandan embassy worldwide. Citizens of other countries should consult their respective embassies for visas.
Being aware of basic precautions to stay safe and avoid crime is crucial when traveling to the Congo. Despite political unrest, the DRC is a wildlife utopia and a popular destination for travelers. Trusted tour companies like congosafaristours. com/ can help with your next Congo tour safari.
What is the biggest obstacle to traveling by boat on the Congo river?
The Congo River, with its numerous tributaries, is the continent’s largest network of navigable waterways. However, it faces an insurmountable obstacle due to 32 cataracts over its lower course, including the famous Inga Falls. These cataracts make the Congo unnavigable between the seaport of Matadi and Malebo Pool, a lake-like expansion of the river. The capitals of the former French Congo and Belgian Congo were founded on opposite banks of Malebo Pool, which marks the point of departure for inland navigation.
The Congo and the Amazon are two great rivers that flow out of equatorial zones with heavy rainfall. The Congo basin receives an average of 60 inches of rain a year, with over one-fourth discharged into the Atlantic. However, the Congo’s drainage basin is only half the size of the Amazon, and its flow rate is considerably less than the Amazon’s. The Chambeshi River, the remotest source, may form the Congo’s original main stream in terms of length, but the Lualaba, a tributary near Musofi, carries the greatest amount of water and may be considered its original main stream in terms of water volume.
Are there snakes in the Congo river?
The Congo River’s waters are home to numerous fish species, including over 230 identified in Malebo Pool and its waters. Lungfish, which survive dry periods in mucus cocoons, inhabit riverine swamps and wooded marshlands. The river’s marshes and parallel streams do not mix with the river’s wildlife. The Congo River’s waters also contain reptiles, including crocodiles, semiaquatic tortoises, and water snakes. The forest birdlife, along with the East African mountains’ birdlife, constitutes the most indigenous birdlife on the African continent.
Over 265 species typical of the equatorial forest have been recorded in the Congo region. Nontypical birds, such as seabirds and migratory birds from Europe, may occasionally be observed. Ducks, herons, storks, and pelicans are abundantly represented. Aquatic mammals are rare, including the hippopotamus, two species of otters, and the manatee. The manatee, a sea cow, has been officially identified only on the Sangha tributary but has given rise to legends about a creature called Mami Wata, carried by African slaves to the Americas.
What is the safest place in Congo?
The Democratic Republic of Congo offers a safe and scenic region for tourists to visit, particularly in Virunga National Park, Goma, and Kinshasa. However, the country faces serious security threats, making it advisable to travel with a tour company. Solo travel is not recommended. Climate also plays a significant role in tourism, with rainy seasons from April to October in the north and November to March in the south, potentially causing flash flooding and landslides that could disrupt essential services.
📹 Deadliest Roads | Congo River | Free Documentary
World’s Most Dangerous Roads: Deadliest Journeys Congo River Deadliest Roads – Panama: …
Thanks to the articlegraphers and his crew for showing the world how the vast majority despite living amidst abundance, yet deprived of the dividend of their resources. In the 21st century, these countries are still living 50 years behind, risking their lives and living on the edge on a daily basis. May God’s kingdom come to alleviate the sufferings of mankind and restore a better world.
Putting those shells where they did will be a good thing. Other places that are eroding can’t find anything to help hold the shores together. They search at low tide for pieces of coral and rocks to slow the erosion, but they can’t find enough to make a difference. These shells will hold for a long time and they are friendly for other life forms to live on and with. I love how rescourceful the people are. The strength and courage is boundless.
Its seems to be bit easy sitting in the Ac rooms or holding a small phone but goosebumps when we start stepping into their shoes in realizing the reality. Standing ovation to the team of the rafts in taking such huge risks and also showing concern to all those who are there, specially considering the grandmother in just taking 2 eros for her travel. This shows there is kindness in the world where there are harsh situations as well. Hope all those reach their destinations safe and start good life.
Almost 30 years ago I traveled by boat on the Congo river. I was not a usual sailor but as I was part of the commercial crew of that boat I had a comfortable cabin albeit below water level. perusal the passengers on an open barge without railings was very difficult. However there was such a good spirit and joie de vivre despite the difficult conditions that is very difficult for westerners to understand
I just checked Google and know that ” U.S. relations with the D.R.C. are strong”. I imagine if the local and federal government of Congo makes an appeal and requests to the US Government to help in this field these people of Congo “will not” have to travel dangerously like this. The American people, in general, are quite generous and will build large wooden-motored boats with safety and comfort for them. They, the American people, will establish many sawmills and construct lumber storage facilities throughout the country to serve this purpose. I would like to urge the Congo government to make such an appeal and request the US to help the people. Good relations with the US mean good prosperity and a better living condition.
This fabulous well made documentary was amazing to see for me. The reason being that I had travelled the entire length of three continents from the top of North America to the bottom of South America and by sea to travel all of Europe. This was a three year journey from 1988 to 1990. The intention was to travel across Africa and to take my 1969 VW campervan on a barge up the Congo River to South Africa and back north again along the Nile River to Cairo. I was only one day’s drive from reaching Africa when disaster happened. My VW campervan was stolen in Seville Spain which of course put an end to the dream of crossing Africa but judging from this doco I somehow think that my VW van would not have made it onto a Congolese barge or driving on those muddy roads of Africa even though I did experience all that while I was crossing the jungles of Brazil and I did manage to get my VW on a barge down the Amazon River. Thank you for this wonderful documentary which I watch thirty years later after my original journey.
I am from mexico and we really are hard working people and we have a lots of poverty in oso in centro and south america is a lot of poverty and hard work people but my god nothing compared to this people all this people have all my respect and for now on we will be really happy for what we have because we live like kings compare to all this people my god bless all of you ❤❤❤🙏🙏🙏
Its a divine energy and power to live. Trust me,you can be living in a mansion but no freedom like this!! You can wish to be in this life but not inside a jail or prison. May our God,who created us and nature to interact with continue to give us joy and smiles in the mist of these challenging life. Never ever complain.
This is so painstaking to watch them struggle to reach their destination. This documentary reminds me of other people’s sacrifices for me to appreciate what I have. They may not know how they bless others through their hardships. I cannot complain about life’s challenges compared to how they live life to the fullest despite all odds. They are more hopeful, thankful than those who live in luxury and most of all believers of God without any condition.
With this resilient and courage, I’m sure in 20 years they will be 200 times better. I remember in 90s eastern europe was very poor, but they all were very ambitious, hardworking and looking for possibilities. I visited recently few countries in Eastern Europe, not only statistically were safer 4-10x than in the US, but food, mannerism, and work-life balance was unparalleled.
Legendary river, indeed! I often make some coffee and watch documentaries like this. Fun and informative. Netflix does not interest me at all! The more I see, the more I understand where people come from. It’s no wonder people risk their lives in the Mediterannean for a prosperous life in Europe. We could help everyone, but it’s unfortunate that the bad apples ruin the whole barrel. May you all find prosperity one day 🙏🙏 :penguin-blue-waving-tear: And protect that little girl on the raft! Raise her into a wonderful woman!
Historically, on the Danube (probably also other major rivers) the DOWNSTREAM traffic were the assemblies of firmly inter-connected tree-trunks, on which people lived during entire journey (even raised crops and cattle) and the ”ship” (actually a raft) was disassembled sold upon destination (the wood sold) since it saw never meant to be returned UPSTREAM (mission impossible) … of course, the Danube has no crocs, hippos or salt-water sharks, so it was just a little bit less dangerous
Now I understand why so many car guards in South Africa are Congolese. The lowest paid person in our country earn in an hour what they earn in a day and here they think they got it bad. I felt so sorry for the lady and her grand child, and that 70 year old man walking with the truck. I feel so blessed and sorry for these people, another government failure in Africa sadly.
I still remember when they called it Zaire, and the news reports from there when I was kid. Seeing a kid with a rifle and walkie talkies. I’d love to the Congo but I don’t think I’d survive due to lack of clean water and medical care. I’m to delicate to try. But it would be a trip of a life time to ride the river like this.
I was born in DRC and now I live in North America. seeing that the people of Congo still live a life like this one, considering how Congo is extremely rich naturally, makes my heart sick. There is no one to blame but the leadership of this country. Congo’s leaders are among the most well paid leaders in the whole world, if not the top (you can google that), but they are the most incompetent leaders. This is sooo sickening to see that there’s a people who still live such a life. Congolese deserve far better than this. May be they need someone out of this context who considers that this is absolutely unacceptable for a human being to live such a life in this modern time. 😥😥 The people of Congo has been convinced that they are victims of foreign aggression and injustice, but they have to know that it solely rest under their own responsibilities to change their country into what they deserve, and how I wish this can be done as soon as possible!! cause the people have suffered more than enough. May God save this country from this situation.
The DRC is the wealthiest country in Africa in terms of resources. Already many social projects of roads, highways schools are running. We shall overcome. The value of those logs 0.5M$ alone is a good sign. The faith of the people is not in vain. The government should provide safe boats for the people and build more roads.
Hi i am from India. I am so sad to see this. We read our high school books that Congo is rich with minrals. Worlds 70% cobalt, Gold, Diamond, Copper etc. It means the leaders n burocrates are corrupt. My dear people of congo fight against him n elect a people friendly Government. God bless you all my dear brother n sisters🎉
Am Jamaican n the corruption that goes on is a sad legacy of colonial rule…we blacks across the Diaspora fought to assert our Independence, fighting against tyranny n exclusion, n we end up with OUR OWN doing the same things we fought against..cronyism, preferential treatment based on ‘class’, etc…we just experienced Hurricane Beryl, n a highway that was finished just this year,said highway washed out due to “”Based on technical assessments done, it was determined that poor material quality was the source of the problem,” the NWA says. “Minister Morgan has instructed that the bad material be removed and the road be repaired at no cost to the government. The matter is being treated as a defect under the contract for the works, which contractors China Harbour Engineering Company are mandated to fix.”
Sometimes we complain about small things that don’t really matter. Here we people just doing anything possible to make ends meet. And they are bound to respond to nature by giving birth. This child will grow up in the situation which the child did not bargain for. So the circle continues. What a tragedy of life.
It is a beautiful country and beautiful people,the government should improve the structure of the roads and fine the mine owners for polluting the rivers,this country could benefit from tourism and bring work for the people,they live perilous lives trying to feed their families,its typical of corrupt governments.
Where is all the richest people and millionaires please help all this people you won’t take all those millions to the grave and you definitely don’t need all for all your family to live wonderful life and still have a lots of extra money they don’t need so please help this people they don’t need a lots of things they just need little extra in their life and they will be really grateful and promise you welty people you will feel so good for helping this people trust me is like elon musk wye he need all the money when he died he is not going to take anything so please help this people is from your own continent africa stop trying going to mars this people need more here in earth then outside earth so please help this people ❤❤
We make the epic journey from Kinshasha, capital of the DRC (Democratic Republic of Congo in Central Africa), via Bandaka, Lisala, and Mbumba to Kisangani, the third-largest city in this vast country. The only way to move between the cities is by boat or plane. And I think it goes without saying, most people do not own or have access to a plane. So boat it is. We join 1500 people on board the ‘Gbemani’, sailing along the Congo River. Without freshwater, electricity, or medicines, it is a perilous voyage. A nurse, herself traveler on the boat, looks after her fellow passengers, even performing a terrifying operation to save a man’s foot without an anesthetic. But amongst the trials and tribulations, come moments of joy, including the birth of a baby, named after the ship. Gbemani. An awe-inspiring journey. Enjoy! Available Worldwide #freedocumentary
I have no words. Only the sons and daughters of Africa can save Africa. Study up. Stay strong. Do something impactful with your lives. Stop fighting amongst each other. Stop whining about racism, and stop fighting the White man, he’s no longer the problem. Fight for Africa. Africa needs you all, desperately.
I am a single, white female living alone in Mexico for the last ten years. I have often felt I am at the end of my rope. Then I found and started sharing this website in my little town. I know nothing of despair, faith or the kind of love the people on this website live every day. It boggles the mind.
Life is so hard on those people but they just get on with it and don’t complain. I have so much respect for them. I thought my life was tough when I was growing up hungry in the village in Swaziland but now I realise that what I went through was nothing compared to the people of Congo. I love how they always help each other out when there is a problem, for example, some people brought clothes to the new baby since mom had nothing.
I’m from guinea living in the US and this website had a doc on my country also. It’s seems like the entire continent of Africa share the same struggles. There is nothing more mystical, magical and dangerous than the life of Africans. The things I’ve experienced and witnessed in my life is beyond belief or imaginations.
Congo has enormous potential. naturally navigable waterways are a rare jewel for any nation to have plus congo has inland ports with access to the atlantic, coupled with natural reserves of valuables this nation should have more than it has if only the state was competant with a coherant social contract.
I had to laugh at loud when the man demonstrated how to squat and do your business. The narrator should receive some award. I don’t speak French but am Kenyan and understand Swahili. Some characters here are speaking in Swahili. The narrator is not doing a word for word translation,rather he does an imaginative translation. He had me in stitches when describing the sounds from the nurse’s stethoscope. The storytelling is epic. Free documentary, please consider giving us a behind the scenes view of what goes on in the making of these documentaries.
My heart broke for the ill children who are sick because they have nothing but river water to drink, which we just saw a dead body floating in. I feel sad for the mother that gave birth but can’t be happy for the blessing of her baby because she knows she can’t provide for it after being robbed 😭 I do love that everyone rallies together and support each other because they’re in the same both metaphorically and literally 👏👏👏 fantastic work again, team at Free Documentary!!!!
Whatching this you can’t help but get excited to see a village being formed by what started out as strangers. They have their ups and downs while the film crew is with them and you’re left with a feeling that when the crew leaves you’re hopeful that they’ll all come together in the end for one goal, to get anywhere safe… EDIT: Spelling.
The women giving supplies to the mother who just gave birth reminds me of the ethos of a few communities I’ve encountered abroad. Where people are just getting by but no one is rich and people are more aware of how precarious survival can be, they quickly react to someone in greater need than they because they know how quickly things can change and that they may be needing help from others in the future. In our society there’s often too much responsibility put solely on the individual to manage their own recovery. People often feel ashamed to ask for help and undignified for accepting. Some kids learn that at an early age; when I’ve seen students embarrassed to ask for help I’ve worked to talk them out of that self-defeating attitude.
I’m so hurt by how others are forced to live. Stuff we take for granted is like gold to others. I don’t have much at all, I don’t own a house, don’t even have a car atm BUT I have a roof over my head, I’m able to feed my 4 kids, and we have good health. The lady talking about helping the mother who gave birth, that made me cry. Here that lady is who probably doesn’t have much herself, however she’s finding a way to help this new mother in need. That just warmed my heart.
A brilliantly made film! A wonderful glimpse of ‘real’ life in another country – scary but fascinating. I sure hope the film crew wore their life-jackets and always stayed above deck! All in all – I think I’d feel safer playing Russian Roulette! Things were already deadly – BEFORE the medical prodedures!
Watching this vedio makes me realized that not everyone on this earth are lucky to have such food on the table. I should be grateful for having this kind of life I have right now. I am very grateful that God give us This kind of life Not rich but HAPPY . GODBLESS PEOPLE AROUND THE WORLD. MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL. HI FROM PHILIPPINES🥰🥰
In order to make up for lost time, captain bermani has decided to take some enormous risks. He decided to sail at night with no electricity onboard. He may as well wear a blindfold and steer. Wouldn’t make one bit of difference. Next morning when the sun comes up, they find the ship run aground and on top of a bunion tree
the narrators voice is amazing. I been perusal other documentaries on this website with other narrators voices. However this guy is my absolute favorite because the others are very plain like a dead fish. This guys voice clear but he puts some good emotions in his voice which hearing gives me suspension of disbelief making me believe I am there.
I have been to West Africa a few times as a Merchant Marine Sailor.. Beautiful yet dangerous part of the world..Senegal, Sierra Leone,Ghana was a memorable and enjoyable stopover..Accra the capital was a great time..Then on to Monrovia, Capitol of Liberia..at that time the middle 1980’s was advised to not disembark and explore..Abidjan,Ivory Coast was quite pleasant indeed.Yes fond memories I have from these voyages.
This and such documentaries should and must be a mandatory pensum in every school in the west! So from day one children see and learn how other children and other people in the world live! Thus, they will learn the two most important lessons in life, the first is not to be obscure but to be grateful that they live in prosperity, and the second is perhaps more important to see what corruption does to society and how corrupt people destroy themselves!
Free Documentary. If you can, please verify when this article was made. The Deadliest Road series is fantastic and I don’t mind when they were filmed as they are a great source of how people have coped over the years. I also like how your articles are so down to earth, warts and all. I live in Australia but haven’t seen that one yet. I have driven some terrible roads over the years. The scariest roads being the very remote roads, the condition they are in and also the terrible heat in summer. These days folks have mobile or satellite phones so a call for help is possible.
I never knew we how we take life for granted. Complaining for non issues whereas such countries goes thru hell as a means of commuting/travelling. My fellow Kenyans from Mombasa always count your blessings. You even have floating bridge. Camera man&narrators thanks &May the good Lord see as they really worship him&no prayers is in vain.
What a fascinating documentary, amazing skill from the Captain.1700km of pilot knowledge, in a river, constantly shifting mud banks and debris and no navigational markers.. that’s pretty impressive. There’s a lot of people in the west who moan about their lot..well that lady exited a month to get on the boat, she’s run out of food and has nothing but river water to live off.. for 2 weeks…. perhaps people will be a bit more grateful for what they have rather than moan about what they don’t have?
The best part about this documentary is that the captain is the only one who can navigate the river without crashing the boat on all of the underwater obstacles hidden just beneath the surface, despite all of these taking down countless boats, because nobody has ever bothered to make a map. Sums up, africa, pretty well tbh.
The nurse turned doctor part was a bit scary, now I might be prejudiced in my opinion but I was skeptical with her quick diagnosis regarding Typhoid without any real tests . But Maybe having worked in Congo she knows something that we non medical people don’t. But it was scary on the surface of it. I was also suprised to see an out of work nurse walking about with Typhoid injection – unless offcourse she was praticing as a freelancer. The midnight stiching was real good work.
If you have course on how to plan, film and storyboard your documentary, I will glad pay for it….. So amazing work you do. I just wonder how much you tip each of this people you interview to allow you to film them. Am learning alot and I will try creating small chops of documentaries like this. Well done God bless. Love from Nigeria