South Kivu Democratic Republic Of The Congo Travel Guide
Vodacom, Airtel, and Orange provide mobile services. SIM cards require passport registration. Wi-Fi is available in hotels it can be inconsistent.
French plus Swahili are dominant. Mashi is spoken locally. An English-only speaker will find a language barrier.
Basic French phrases are beneficial for daily interactions.
Swahili is widely spoken in Eastern DRC and Bukavu.
Government offices operate Monday-Friday. Shops and markets open early and close late, often seven days a week. Eateries usually open for lunch and dinner.
Banking hours are Monday-Friday. Public holidays close government services and banks; shops may have reduced hours.
ATMs are only for major bank branches in central Bukavu. Use during daylight hours with awareness of surroundings.
Always carry sufficient money in small denominations. Card payments are rare outside major hotels.
The DRC observes Independence Day (June 30), Christmas, New Year's Day, Martyrs' Day (Jan 4), and May Day (in many countries) (May 1).
Bukavu is not a place for rushing. Allow extra time for journeys and unforeseen delays to completely appreciate the experience.
Navigating local customs respectfully deepens your experience.
Handshakes are common. Use formal greetings. Dressing modestly is advised, especially for women travelers. Cover shoulders and knees at religious sites.
Eat with the right hand if sharing. Wait for an invitation to eat. Tipping is customary for amenities.
Always seek permission to photograph people, notably for children. Avoid military, police, government buildings, or sensitive installations.
Avoid discussing Congolese politics, conflict, or ethnic issues. Do not openly display wealth.
Learn basic Speaking speaking french or Swahili greetings. Be polite, patient, and humble in your interactions to foster positive exchanges.
Accessibility for travelers with disabilities is very limited in Bukavu.
Bukavu's infrastructure has significant challenges: uneven roads, lack of ramps, non-accessible public transport, and basic hotels.
Few, should any exist, attractions or transportation are specifically designed to be accessible. No specific services exist for visual or hearing impairments.
Bukavu's terrain and public works demand careful consideration for mobility.
International tour operators with experience in challenging destinations are the best resource.
A trusted local contact can offer practical assistance.
Travelers requiring specific accessibility considerations should contact specialized international travel operators that have experience in challenging destinations.
