Backpacking or travelling in Congo-Kinshasa?

• Congo-Kinshasa is a country of extremes, where untouched nature and vibrant cities come together. Discover the mystical rainforests of the Congo Basin, the second largest rainforest in the world, and venture onto the mighty Congo River, the lifeblood of the country. What makes Congo-Kinshasa truly special is the feeling of being in one of the last remaining wildernesses on earth, with a culture that is as deeply rooted as the trees in the jungle.
• Activities to spot: gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park; boat trip on the Congo River; hike to the top of the Nyiragongo volcano; safari in Garamba National Park; visit the Boyoma Falls; soak up culture in Kinshasa; walk through the Kisantu Botanical Gardens; experience the traditional villages; swim in Lake Kiva. Spotting animals: mountain gorillas, okapi, forest elephants, bonobos, hippos, African lions, crocodiles, African grey parrots, water buffalos, colobus monkeys.
• Spotting food: moambé (cup and palm nut stew), fufu (dough dish made from cassava or cornmeal), saka-saka (pounded cassava leaves), liboke (fish or meat in banana leaf), ngulu yako tuma (a mouthful), makemba (plantain!), mikate (sweet dough balls), kwanga (fermented cassava bread).

Studying in Congo-Kinshasa?

• Studying in Congo-Kinshasa may not mean the best and most prestigious universities, but it does mean a rich experience. There is a relatively wide range of studies to be found. Think for example of theology, political science, economics & management, computer science and much more, but also culture and nature specific studies. In addition to your studies, there is a lot to do, especially in nature. Trips are also often organized by the university.
• Study cities: Kinshasa.
• Language: French is the main language, so practice your “bonjour” and “mon chien a mangé mes devoirs”

Internship in Congo-Kinshasa?

• There are various internships available, although it is useful to speak French and prepare yourself for a very challenging environment. Educational and adventurous, an internship in Congo-Kinshasa is anything but boring! Whether you choose an NGO, nature conservation, engineering or even agriculture, you will gain unforgettable experiences

Volunteer work in Congo-Kinshasa?

• Congo-Kinshasa is very marked by war. There is a lot of poverty, the standard of living and life expectancy are low and there are many orphans. It is also not safe to work everywhere. But there is a lot to do!
• Think for example of helping orphans, education, improving access to health care. In Congo-Kinshasa, it is mainly about helping children and adults and improving living conditions.

Working in Congo-Kinshasa?

• As a foreigner, you will mainly find jobs with NGOs and for short-term projects, for example. From engineers to healthcare and education, there are plenty of options. There are also jobs to be found in the country's gigantic mining industry.
• Work culture: informal, but often hierarchical. Patience is a virtue!
• Working as a digital nomad in Congo-Kinshasa?
• Few people take on that challenge, but for real adventurers it is a nice and cheap option. Kinshasa is one of the fastest growing cities in the world and although the internet can still be a challenge, it is getting better and better. There is also a lot to experience outside of work in nature.
• Favorite locations: Kinshasa, Lubumbashi.

Living in Congo-Kinshasa?

• Congo-Kinshasa is known for its beautiful, raw and ancient nature, which makes it ideal for nature lovers. The people are incredibly friendly and the culture is almost as diverse as nature. However, there are also many challenges to take into account. A high-risk, high-reward country.
• Education: there are international schools for families with children, especially in Kinshasa and Lubumbashi. Local schools teach in French and the quality can vary greatly.
• Expat community: the expat community is small but close-knit. Expats often meet each other through activities such as hiking, sports, bird watching. There are also expat communities and clubs that you can join, but above all make friends among the locals. They are very hospitable and warm and it gives you the opportunity to get to know the country and the culture better.
• Safety: safety varies greatly by region, city and even neighborhood. Large cities such as Kinshasa and Lubumbashi are safer, while mining areas and certain regions often experience conflicts. So keep a close eye on local advice.
• Infrastructure: not well developed, both in terms of transport, water and electricity. 
• Culture and religion: the culture is full of music, dance and zest for life. So you won't be bored! Furthermore, Christianity is the largest religion and there are also Muslim communities and local belief systems. Religion often plays a major role in daily life, and people respect each other's religions.
• Climate: diverse! Hot and humid with two rainy seasons. There are cooler and hotter areas.
• Health insurance: there are quite a few diseases that you can contract in Congo-Kinshasa. Make sure you are well prepared for this. Health care is not well developed, so make sure you have your own good health insurance.