Bukavu South Kivu, Democratic Republic Of The Congo Travel Guide
Kahuzi-Biega National Park is an UNESCO World Heritage site and a critical conservation area for Eastern Lowland Gorillas.
Waste management is rudimentary. Reduce waste and avoid single-use plastics. Carry a reusable water bottle and shopping bag.
Access to clean drinking water is a challenge. Be mindful of personal water usage during your visit.
Protecting Bukavu's natural environment is important for its future and its endangered species.
Local and international NGOs address deforestation, illegal mining, and wildlife protection in the South Kivu region.
Few formally certified eco-friendly accommodations exist. Inquire about tour operators' commitment to responsible tourism and conservation.
Seek operators actively partnering with local communities, providing fair wages, and ensuring direct economic benefits.
Support organizations dedicated to protecting ecosystems and wildlife.
Carry a reusable water bottle and shopping bag to minimize plastic waste.
Explore zero-waste productsConsider offsetting your flight emissions through reputable carbon offset programs.
Calculate your carbon footprintReduce your plastic footprint. Carry a reusable water bottle and filter it or fill it with purified water. Decline plastic bags at markets.
A culturally sensitive approach deepens your understanding of local traditions.
Support local artisans plus heritage crafts.
Politeness, patience, and humility foster positive exchanges. Learn basic greetings in French or Swahili.
Always ask for permission before photographing people, especially children. Avoid military, police, government buildings, or sensitive installations.
Dress modestly when visiting churches or mosques. Remove what you wear on your feet if entering a mosque or specific sacred areas. Maintain quiet and respectful demeanor during services.
Ensure your travel contributes positively to the local economy and avoids harmful practices.
Seek operators who partner with locals for fair wages and direct benefits.
Stay in locally owned hotels, eat at local restaurants, and hire local guides.
Do not give money directly to children; support reputable charities.
Responsible travel contributes positively to the local economy.
Pick tour operators that actively partner with local communities, provide fair wages, and ensure direct financial rewards to the population.
Stay in locally owned guesthouses, eat at local restaurants (malewa), and hire local guides and drivers.
Purchase souvenirs directly from local artisans rather than large resellers. This ensures a larger portion of the money reaches the producer.
Avoid giving money directly to children. This practice can encourage begging and school absenteeism. Instead, support reputable local charities.
Be aware of resource exploitation in the DRC and its impact. Avoid purchasing items linked to conflict or unethical sourcing.
Understand the history of resource exploitation in the DRC.
Avoid items associated with conflict minerals or unethical practices.
Make conscious purchasing decisions to minimize negative impacts.
