Around Bukavu, Democratic Republic of The Congo 🇨🇩
Intro
During my time trekking with the Gorillas in the Democratic Republic of The Congo, I had the opportunity to explore a bit of Bukavu. Part of the reason for driving around the town was looking for a Congolese football shirt (I try to collect one from every country). I have to say, Bukavu is a very unique town and one that I highly recommend. Although, I wouldn't walk outside at night on your own as a foreigner.
The Experience
Bukavu is one of the most Eastern towns in the DRC, located a few kilometers from the Rwanda-Ruzizi border. It's a place like no other I have experienced, in a way that the closest thing I could resemble it to is the African version of Old Delhi. There is a hustle and bustle to the city, with bumper-to-bumper traffic, people driving like their life is worth nothing, and people crossing roundabouts with cars driving 40 km/hr 😅. I LOVE IT
However, the one aspect to understand if you are planning to drive around is just how horrible the roads are. Minus the main road running through town, there are very few roads that are actually paved. Trucks with tonnes of supplies patrol the streets, and as a person from the West, you wonder how these trucks do not tip over.
My tip: do not drive here if you have never driven in a city like this, it is not worth it!
However, this place is just like any other major African city in terms of what it offers. Shops and restaurants fill the streets, and a rough part and a nice part fill the town. Hospitals are scattered everywhere, and the architecture displays the old system of Belgium.
However, Tuktuks fill the streets, beeping constantly as if you were in India.
Side note, the traffic is horrible. Think Bali vibes 😉.
Overall, it's a town I felt safe visiting when walking during the day. While all of the pictures I took were from the car, that is just out of respect for the citizens of the Congo; I don't want to get in trouble for taking pics. I was free to walk around during the day by myself; heck, I even got accused of shoplifting 🤣. However, common sense is required, and I recommend you stay back at Hotel Nediva at night.
Final Thoughts
If you are thinking about visiting the Democratic Republic of The Congo, Bukavu is a place that you cannot miss. The hustle and bustle is rival to only Old Delhi and perhaps Dhaka in that regard (but with an African twist). The roads are abysmal, the traffic is horrific, but I promise you that it is a city you will never forget.
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