Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo |
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Kinshasa is definitely not the backpackers paradise and difficult to figure out for a newcomer to the DRC. People are friendly so long as they are getting something out of it. Relatively safe with petty crime.
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First, as a backpacker or traveler there really is no good reason to come to Kinshasa. The city is painfully poor with the effect of disease (malaria, polio, various pox), war (missing limbs), and cheigui (homeless children, abanndoned by parents as young at 3). Kinshasa is also a terrible transit point as the airport is not quite a disaster, the rail system is completely unreliable, and taxis are almost unheard of for non-Congolese.
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The Gombe district of Kinshasa is the only real place a westerner should stay in. There are other areas of course, but suggest to avoid these. No real dangerous crime in Kinshasa. The stadium where Mohammad Ali fought in 196? for the Rumble in the Jungle could be fun if it was kept up. A real trash pit now. There are a few good Indian restaurants in Gombe, unfortunately, nothing on the river. For westerners, Friday evenings at the British Ambassadors house. BBQ!
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I hate to be so down on a place, but there is little to really like. The locals are great, if you could tell what they were talking to you for. Always an agenda here. Always have to be on edge. Again, not for personal safety...but the rule generally is, they are out for something. Bloody poor place, so it is natural.
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| Sights: |
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Congo River at sun down...nada else...
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| Accommodations: |
The two main hotels are:
Memling Hotel,
Grand Hotel.
There are several bed and breakfast type places I heard are quite good in Gombe. Check it out.
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| Restaurants: |
Chez Nicks has fantastic pizza made by an Italian (expensive, but good).
Cafe Mona Lisa.
Taj Mahal. (very good)
Alaise (Belgian club)
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Drive out to Zongo Chutes. Beautiful. Bonobos as well. They are the closest genetically to humans. 1.5 hour drive from Gombe.
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Published on Monday April 30th, 2007 by sven_ak
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