The two Congos have a lot of potential as holiday destinations. They share the mighty river that gives them their name. They have mountain gorillas and chimps and all manner of other primates. Beyond their natural attractions, they have fascinating cultures and intriguing – if harsh – recent histories. But… Continue reading
Is the Democratic Republic of Congo safe to visit as a traveller or tourist? It’s a tricky one. The answer depends on what part of this massive country you intend to visit. But it also depends on your stamina for hard travel. If you’re idea of a good time is… Continue reading
Ever since Sir David Attenborough famously sat with gorillas in the late 1970s for the BBC, gorilla trekking has topped bucket lists. At the time it was unheard of and a pretty DIY affair. The good news is that seeing wild mountain and lowland gorillas has never been easier. Here… Continue reading
Killer beauty There is so much building work going on in Luanda I hardly recognise the place by the afternoon. Its centre is the perfect place for architecture buffs, with buildings of every era spanning the waters of Luanda bay along the Marginal. Square dirty 70s blocks sit next to… Continue reading
Windhoek, Nambia; a beautiful city I shouldn’t be in Once I stop thinking about the mess I’m in I sleep well. I must fly to Windhoek, the first friendly visa-free destination I can reach, and do so via flights to Nairobi and Johannesburg. A total travelling time of 9hr 50min… Continue reading
It feels like I should stay longer in Brazzaville. It calls to me – the European feel of the city. There is really nothing more to keep me. The only reason I can think of for not going to Kinshasa immediately is that it involves going to Kinshasa. Brazzaville’s port… Continue reading
The road to Congo is more like a country track, a little wider than a single lane, and composed of earth. At one of several Gabonese checkpoints a woman says to me: “And now you have to pay to cross the frontier”. “How much is it?” I ask, I’m not… Continue reading
