The climate is tropically hot and humid
in the lower western and central regions, which frequent heavy rains from
October or November through May south of the equator and from April to November
in the north, whilst along the equator itself there is only one season. The
higher regions of the east, though, have fairly temperate weather. Average
annual temperatures are 25°C (77°F) in the low central basin and
17° to 20°C (63° to 68°F) at altitudes of 5,000 ft. Average
annual rainfall in Kinshasa is 56 inches while in Lubumbashi it is 45
inches.
Visas are required by all
visitors and they are expensive. You may to be asked to show you have
sufficient funds to support your stay . Passports are required by everyone with
the exception of children under 6 years of age, travelling on their parents
passports as long as they are accompanied by the passport holder.
The main railway line serves Lumbumbashi to Ilebo, with a branch to
Kalemie via Kabalo and Kisangani.
River:
There are boats and barges travelling up the Congo river from
Kinshasha to Kisangani, which you can jump onto at Lisala or Bumba. This is a
wonderful way to see the country if you are not limited on time. There are no
regular timetables and often the boats run out of fuel or get stuck on sand
banks. Many people rely on the river for their livelihood, they meet the boats
in canoes ("piroques") to sell food and wares to passengers.
Road conditions are extremely poor, at the best of times but during the rains
they are for the most part impassable with many bridges down. Driving is on the
right hand side and an International Driving Licence is required. There are few
car hire companies, and they are probably the best source of information with
regards to restrictions of travel for tourists.
If you need medical care whilst in
Dem.Rep. Congo, it is best to be aware that medical providers may not accept
payment through your insurance company. In these circumstances you will have to
pay in full after your treatment and file a claim with your insurance company
for reimbursement. Therefore you should have access to cash, either from a
credit card or by wire transfer. If you need assistance contact the country's
local embassy or representative.
To be compensated you must be treated
by licensed medical personnel and provide your insurance company with proper
documentation and receipts.
It is advisable to always ensure you have a
comprehensive travel insurance policy which covers you for repatriation to your
home country.
You can check out the following websites which specialise
in long term travellers, adventure travellers, backpackers and workers based
abroad.
Insure and Go - UK Travellers whether it's for a one
off holiday or if you travel many times over the year, if you're off
backpacking before university or you're retired and looking to explore the
world; if you're after winter sports cover or if it's for a business trip, a
wedding abroad or a golfing weekend away, we have a policy at the right price
to ensure you have the peace of mind that you are covered for the unexpected
while you're away.
- UK Travellers Offering a full range of policies,
single trip, young travellers, long stay, annual cover for UK residents. Get
your quote and policy on-line....
Insure My Trip - USA travellers offer 63 different
travel insurance plans from 14 different companies - no other site has such
product depth or comparison features. You can compare each policy giving you
the information you need to make an informed decision about your travel
insurance needs. .
Downunder Insurance - UK - Australia and New Zealand
Travellers offers travel insurance to travellers and residents in the
UK, Australia and New Zealand. Our cover ranges from basic to highly
comprehensive, with affordable policies aimed at backpackers and gap-year
students, but with cover available to travellers and holiday makers up to 55
years of age.
