Lualaba Democratic Republic Of The Congo Travel Guide
Kolwezi does not have an organized public transit system like a metro, buses, or trams. Instead, informal options serve the population. These mainly consist of shared taxis, locally known as "ketch" or "wewa," and motorcycle taxis, called "moto-taxis." These are the most common ways locals move around the city.
Shared taxis are often older, heavily used vehicles that pick up multiple passengers heading in the same general direction. Moto-taxis are motorcycles that carry one or sometimes two passengers. There are no formal route maps for these informal transport options; drivers typically follow common routes and connect major intersections, markets, and neighborhoods.
Always agree on the fare before starting your journey to avoid disputes with chauffeurs, especially for private hires.
Ride-sharing taxis are often crowded; prepare for close quarters and a bustling environment.
For visitors, using private, pre-arranged taxis or drivers is a safer and more comfortable option than shared taxis or moto-taxis.
Strongly pre-arrange airport transfers at your hotel or a trusted local contact.
This ensures a secure pick-up upon arrival at Kolwezi Airport (KWZ).
When using a taxi on arrival, negotiate the fare explicitly before getting into the car.
Clearly confirm your destination to the driver.
Rental options in Kolwezi are very limited, especially for independent travelers. Self-driving is highly discouraged as a result of demanding road conditions, traffic, and security concerns. Prioritizing safe and reliable transport with local drivers is .
Tour buses and hop-on-hop-off services are not available; the city does not cater to mass tourism.
Kolwezi is a landlocked city without access to major navigable rivers for boat taxis or water transportation.
The city does not feature cable cars, funiculars, or other unique forms of public transport.
Walking and cycling in Kolwezi come with specific obstacles and safety considerations. The urban area is not designed with pedestrians or cyclists in mind, lacking dedicated infrastructure and presenting various risks.
Avoid walking or cycling anywhere at night; visibility is poor, and security risks are higher.
High Risk
Stay away from isolated or poorly lit streets, especially outside the main commercial zones.
Increased Danger
Do not walk or cycle near government buildings, military installations, or mining sites due to security restrictions.
Forbidden
Navigating Kolwezi's informal transport options calls for clear communication and adherence to security tips. While convenient for locals, shared taxis and moto-taxis carry risks for international visitors.
There are no formal route maps for Kolwezi's informal transport options; communication with chauffeurs is .
Major markets and well-known crossroads serve as informal hubs where you can find available transport options.
Always bargain taxi and moto-taxi fares directly with the driver before beginning your journey.
For safety and comfort, take private, pre-arranged taxis instead of shared taxis or moto-taxis whenever possible.
The city's infrastructure does not support the array of specialized transport options found in more developed tourist destinations.
