Getting to DR Congo
Where the Congo River meets the sea
DR Congo safari guide
Currency exchange
Recommended vaccinations
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus. The virus is primarily spread when an uninfected (and unvaccinated) person ingests food or water that is contaminated with the feces of an infected person. The disease is closely associated with a lack of safe water, inadequate sanitation and poor personal hygiene. Every year there are an estimated 1.4 million cases of hepatitis A worldwide. Hepatitis A vaccines are given in two doses. Anyone two years of age or older may receive the first dose. The timing of the second dose depends upon which manufacturer’s vaccine is administered. Both hepatitis A vaccines have pediatric and adult formulations.
- We recommend this vaccination when you go to:
- Botswana
- DR Congo
- Gabon
- Kenya
- Madagascar
- Malawi
- Mozambique
- Namibia
- Rwanda
- South Africa
- Tanzania
- Uganda
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
- Chad
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is transmitted from one person to another through blood and body fluids, and primarily infects the liver. Worldwide, it is most commonly spread to infants by their infected mothers. Most people should get three doses of the hepatitis B vaccine. All newborns should receive a dose of hepatitis B vaccine at birth.
- We recommend this vaccination when you go to:
- Botswana
- DR Congo
- Gabon
- Kenya
- Madagascar
- Malawi
- Mozambique
- Namibia
- Rwanda
- South Africa
- Tanzania
- Uganda
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
- Chad
MMR
Measles, mumps and rubella are highly infectious viruses that can have serious complications, including meningitis, swelling of the brain (encephalitis) and deafness. They can also lead to complications in pregnancy that affect the unborn baby and can lead to miscarriage. As a general rule, adults born before 1957 are considered immune to measles and mumps. For many adults born in 1957 or afterward, the MMR vaccine is advised. Most people who receive the MMR vaccine will have no problems from it. Others may have minor problems, such as soreness and redness where the shot was given, or fevers. Serious problems from receiving the MMR are rare.
- We recommend this vaccination when you go to:
- Botswana
- DR Congo
- Gabon
- Kenya
- Madagascar
- Malawi
- Mozambique
- Namibia
- Rwanda
- South Africa
- Tanzania
- Uganda
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
- Chad
Typhoid
Typhoid (typhoid fever) is a serious disease. It is caused by bacteria called Salmonella Typhi. Typhoid causes a high fever, fatigue, weakness, stomach pains, headache and loss of appetite. Generally, people get typhoid from contaminated food or water. Typhoid strikes about 21 million people a year around the world and kills about 200,000. There are two vaccines to prevent typhoid. One is an inactivated (killed) vaccine administered as a shot; the other is a live, attenuated (weakened) vaccine which is taken orally (by mouth).
- We recommend this vaccination when you go to:
- Botswana
- DR Congo
- Gabon
- Kenya
- Madagascar
- Malawi
- Mozambique
- Namibia
- South Africa
- Tanzania
- Uganda
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
- Chad
Tetanus
Tetanus (Lockjaw) is caused by toxin-producing spores of a bacterium, Clostridium tetani that inhabit the soil and the bowels of animals and humans. When they enter a deep flesh wound, spores of the bacteria may produce a powerful toxin, tetanospasmin, which actively impairs motor neurons, nerves that control muscles. The tetanus toxin causes severe muscle contractions, or spasms. Fever, sweating, elevated blood pressure, and rapid heart rate may also occur. A multitude of tetanus vaccines are available.
- We recommend this vaccination when you go to:
- Botswana
- DR Congo
- Gabon
- Kenya
- Madagascar
- Malawi
- Mozambique
- Namibia
- Rwanda
- South Africa
- Tanzania
- Uganda
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
Yellow fever
Yellow Fever is a virus that is spread via the bite of a mosquito and is found in parts of Africa and in South America. It is a serious disease that may result in death if left untreated. The vaccination is a live, weakened version of the virus. People who will be travelling need to allot at least two weeks after their vaccination to ensure they do not develop any severe reactions to the vaccination. It is recommended to get vaccinated at least a month prior to departure. Upon receiving the vaccination, patients will receive a certificate that is good for 10 years. This certificate may be needed to gain entry into certain countries and should be kept with passports. It is now believed that a single vaccination is good for life.
- We recommend this vaccination when you go to:
- Botswana
- DR Congo
- Gabon
- Kenya
- Namibia
- South Africa
- Tanzania
- Uganda
- Chad
Voltage and plug type
Type C (220V)
Type D (220V)
Type E (220V)
About DR Congo
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC or DR Congo) is truly the heart of Africa in every sense of the word. It is the second largest country in Africa, after Algeria, and is centrally located on the African continent. Its location puts it in the middle of the tropic zone and both dense, tropical jungles and savannah plains can be found here.
DRC is a country that has undergone and is still undergoing a great amount of change. Prior to May 1997, DRC was known as Zaire. It was changed it from The Democratic Republic of Congo to Zaire in 1971 by then-president Sese Seko Mobutu. General Laurent Kabila was responsible for changing Zaire’s name back to DRC, the name it held prior to 1971.
DR Congo has ocean access via the might Congo River. The Congo River is the deepest river in the world and nearly 5000 km or 3000 miles long. The river winds through the Congo rainforest and provides homes for many of the country’s wildlife. The rainforests house a great many species and are where the few number of safaris occur. Animals including gorillas, chimpanzees, rhinos and a wide range of birds can be found in this little-travelled country. In fact, DRC is one of only three African countries in which the mountain gorilla can be viewed. The other two are Rwanda and Uganda. Companies which offer safari expeditions down the Congo River are starting to crop up and guests will be able to view animals and some of the major cities along the river on these excursions.
DRC is not advisable for first-time safari goers. Its large size and severely damaged and underdeveloped infrastructure make for long and, often, rough journeys. It is recommended that all people who are considering visiting this gorgeous country take all necessary precautions and check with their local travel advisory services first.
Garamba National Park was established in 1938 and is one of the first national parks in Africa. This 4,920 km² (1,900 miles²) area in the northeastern corner of Congo transitions from savanna to de… read more
Located in the northeast corner of DR Congo, Virunga National Park is part of Virunga Conservation Area along with Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and Uganda’s Mgahinga National Park. It was est… read more
Kinshasa is the capital of DR Congo and is receives the bulk of international flights. Kinshasa is located in the western portion of DR Congo, far from Virunga and Garamba National Park. Given the poor infrastructure of DR Congo, flying into Kinshasa and then driving to a park will take considerable time and be very uncomfortable. There are flights from Kinshasa to Beni, which is located just outside of Virunga National Park. Garamba is not serviced by commercial airlines, and driving from Beni to Garamba will take at least an entire day.
The following airlines travel to DR Congo
Asky Airlines is a passenger airline founded on the initiative of West African governments, and has its head office in Lomé, Togo. It operates across several West and Central African countries, operating out of its hub at Lomé-Tokoin Airport Visit website
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The flag carrier and largest airline of Canada. Air Canada is Canada's largest full-service airline and the largest provider of scheduled passenger services in the Canadian market, the Canada-U.S. transborder market and in the international market to and from Canada. Together with its Air Canada Express regional partners, Air Canada serves close to 35 million passengers annually and provides direct passenger service to more than 175 destinations on five continents. Air Canada is a founding member of Star Alliance, the world's most comprehensive air transportation network. Visit website
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The French flag carrier. Air France, stylized as AIRFRANCE, is the French flag carrier headquartered in Tremblay-en-France,. It is a subsidiary of the Air France-KLM Group and a founding member of the SkyTeam global airline alliance. As of 2013 Air France serves 36 destinations in France and operates worldwide scheduled passenger and cargo services to 168 destinations in 93 countries (including Overseas departments and territories of France. Visit website
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Airlink is a privately-owned, BBBEE Level 4 business and regional airline serving a comprehensive network of smaller destinations throughout Southern Africa. We are now operating independently under our own unique 4Z flight code offering more freedom, more choices and more travel opportunities. Visit website
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Brussels Airlines, member of Lufthansa Group and a Star Alliance member, is the Belgian airline that offers the widest choice of flights to and from the capital of Europe, Brussels Airport. The company has more than 3,500 employees and 49 aircraft operating some 300 flights daily, connecting the Capital of Europe to over 90 European and African destinations, as well as two destinations in the USA (New York JFK and Washington D.C.). In addition to its 19 long haul destinations in Africa and the US, Brussels Airlines and its intercontinental partners also offer long-haul codeshare flights to the United Arab Emirates, China, Thailand, India, North America and Canada. We want to be the most personal airline, bringing people together and making travel a pleasure. Visit website
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Domestic and international operations in DRC. Compagnie Africaine D'Aviation, CAA, was created on February 5, 1991. From the transport of Blattner Group company employees, business has been extended on commercial passenger on secondary destinations in the DRC. From 2009 the fleet is modernized and the network complemented by the introduction of Fokker 50 and 320 AIRBUS last generation, providing a complete home network to customers. End of 2012 marks a new step in the CAA's growth strategy by signing a commercial agreement with technical flyCongo. Thus putting the foundation for the international expansion of the company. Visit website
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Major American airline, with its headquarters Atlanta, Georgia. What started as a humble, little aerial crop dusting operation called Huff Daland Dusters in 1924 has now grown into one of the worlds largest global airlines, helping more than 160 million travelers get to the places they want to go to each year. Delta flies to more than 350 destinations on 6 continents, serving more than 160 million passengers each year. It's an important job, that's why we have 70,000 dedicated employees who are up to the task every day, on every flight. Visit website
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Based in Kampala, operates scheduled and charter services across eastern and central Africa. Eagle Air is a Private Ltd Company specialising in the provision of Charter and Schedule Air services both within Uganda and around the East & Central Africa Region. Eagle Air was incorporated as an air operator in June 1994. Visit website
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Ethiopian Airlines (Ethiopian) is the flag carrier of Ethiopia. During the past seventy plus years, Ethiopian has become one of the continent's leading carriers, unrivalled in Africa for efficiency and operational success, turning profits for almost all the years of its existence. Operating at the forefront of technology, the airline has also become one of Ethiopia's major industries and a veritable institution in Africa. It commands a lion's share of the pan African network including the daily and double daily east-west flight across the continent. Ethiopian currently serves 100 international and 21 domestic destinations operating the newest and youngest fleet. Visit website
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The second largest airline of the United Arab Emirates. Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has in just ten years established itself as the worlds leading airline. Etihad is the Arabic word for union. Etihad Airways was established by Royal (Amiri) Decree in July 2003. It commenced operations in November 2003 and has developed into one of the fastest growing airlines in the history of commercial aviation. Visit website
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The flag carrier airline of the Netherlands. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines was founded on 7 October, 1919 to serve the Netherlands and its colonies. KLM is today the oldest airline still operating under its original name. KLM has been part of the AIR FRANCE KLM group since the merger in 2004. KLM is the core of the KLM Group, which further includes the wholly-owned subsidiaries KLM Cityhopper, transavia.com and Martinair. Visit website
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The flag carrier of Kenya. Kenya Airways was established in February 1977 following the breakup of the East African Community and subsequent disbanding of the jointly-owned East African Airways. KQ now flies to over 60 destinations around the world with over 40 being in Africa. The network expands to many more destinations with partnerships from Codeshare partners. Our Vision is to consistently be a Safe & Profitable Airline that Guarantees World Class Service. Visit website
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Reginal scheduled airline flying from Kinshasa. KIN-AVIA has 5 aircrafts LET 410 UVP, with 18 passengers seats. The LET 410 UVP-E, made in Czech Republic, equipped with 2 american engines General Electric, is a very modern airplane, very comfortable and suitable to international standards of civil aviation. Its performance and robustness allow it to land on runways of 700 meters. This is the ideal aircraft for the country. From the first flight, you will be convinced of the reliability and safety of this aircraft operated by professionals. Visit website
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Aviation in Scotland has a brave and pioneering heritage, and Loganair is proud to maintain a pioneering spirit that has set the pattern for the airlines reputation. From modest beginnings Loganair has developed into a regional commuter airline with a comprehensive network of scheduled services, and is now one of the longest established airlines in the United Kingdom. It is the continued support and enthusiasm of the people we serve which has given us the strength to expand, and which is the foundation of our success. Loganair began in 1962 as the air taxi service of the Logan Construction Company Ltd, operating a single Piper Aztec from Edinburgh. After a 14 year franchise association with British Airways, Loganair forged a new franchise partnership with Europe's largest regional carrier, Flybe, in July 2008. The airline's unique pattern of operation and current success is based on the skill and dedication of the professionals who have been involved in the services for many years. Visit website
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The Moroccan national carrier founded in 1957. Royal Air Maroc has been awarded the prize of Best Regional Airline for Africa by Skytrax. The evaluation is the result of an online, airline satisfaction survey in which more than 18 million customers in more than 160 countries took part between August 2013 and May 2014. The campaign plans to use the existing destinations from Casablanca to North America, Europe and Africa as well as new lines. Visit website
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RwandAir is the flag carrier airline of Rwanda. We serve most East African Community capital cities as well as Johannesburg and Dubai with daily flights. Recently, we introduced Flights to Lagos in Nigeria, Accra in Ghana, Juba in South Sudan and intend to expand to Doula in Cameroon. Our Current destinations include Nairobi, Entebbe, Mombasa, Bujumbura, Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro, Nyungwe Forest National Park, Johannesburg, Brazzaville, Dubai, Lagos, Accra and Juba. We have codeshare agreements with SN Brussels on the Kigali-Brussels Sector and Ethiopian Airlines on the Kigali-Addis Ababa Sector. Visit website
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Domestic airlines in South Africa. SA Express is a domestic and regional, passenger and cargo carrier established on 24 April 1994. SA Express has since become one of the fastest growing regional airlines in Africa. As a regional airline with route networks covering major local and regional cities, SA Express plays a significant role in the countrys hospitality, travel and tourism industry and is vital contributor to the countrys socio-economic development. The airlines head office is based at Airways Park in Johannesburg. SA Express has a growing fleet of aircraft and implements self-technical maintenance for all its fleet types at OR Tambo International Airport. An integrated, sustainable regional airline connecting secondary and main airports. Visit website
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The state-owned flag carrier of Angola. TAAG Angola Airlines was founded in 1938 and is based in Angolas capital city: Luanda. For over 70 years TAAG has served Angola by operating flights both domestically and internationally and by serving its passengers with a top quality level of service. TAAG is dedicated to expanding its services and improving the customer experience: the airline is acquiring state-of-the-art aircraft, improving its booking system, and instituting a customer loyalty program. TAAG is proud of its past and looks forward to continuing to serve Angola and achieve Excellence in all areas of the Company. Visit website
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The national flag carrier airline of Turkey. Turkish Airlines, one of the most preferred leading European air carrier with global network coverage thanks to its strict compliance with flight safety, reliability, product line, service quality and competitiveness while maintaining its identity as the flag carrier of Turkey. Visit website
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373 Destinations (airports served) 233 Domestic destinations (airports served) 140 International destinations (airports served) 60 Countries Served 5,055 Daily Departures 138 Million passengers in 2014 Visit website
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