sign in sign up
<<
Home , Libreville, Republic of the Congo

GABON, CENTRAL AFRICAN , DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF & THE CONGO January 09 to 22, 2021 Led by Michel Behar

Can be combined with a post trip to ( Jan 22-Jan 30, 2021) Travel to some of the least explored parts of on this journey visiting these beautiful countries: , , Democratic Repub- lic of Congo & The Congo. Gabon features internationally celebrated masks, such as the n’goltang (Fang) and the reliquary figures of the Kota. A small population, as well as oil and mineral reserves have helped Gabon become one of Africa’s wealthier countries. The country has generally been able to maintain and conserve its pristine rainforest and rich biodiversity. The CAR consists of Sudano-Guinean , but the country also includes a Sahe- lo-Sudanian zone in the north and an equatorial zone in the south. What is today the Central African Republic has been inhabited for millennia. However, the country’s current borders were established by , which ruled the country as a colony starting in the late 19th century. Experience the wonderful city of in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Once a site of fishing and trading villages, Kinshasa is now a mega-city with an estimat- ed population of over 11 million. Kinshasa also has a flourishing music scene which has operated under the of the city’s elite since the 1960’s. In Congo, the culture has been influenced by a wide variety of natural landscapes, stretching from the savannah plains in the North, the Niari flooded , the great , the rugged mountains and forests of , and including 106 miles of beaches along the Atlantic coast. The presence of numerous ethnic groups and various political structures (Kongo Empire, , Kingdom Teke, and northern chiefdoms) once provided an enormous amount of diversity in the traditional cultures as well as in many ancient artistic expressions. Ihab Zaki

Saturday, January 09 in this forest, including the famous Okomé plant, the of the Arrive in (GABON) forest. After spending an hour or so in the park, you’ll head on- wards to the entry point of Bolokoboué Village just at the end of Upon arrival, you will be picked up at the airport by one of our the Raponda Arboretum. At the junction ahead lies a ramshackle representatives and transferred to the Park Inn by Radisson (or market of palm wine and vegetables that faces the newly built similar) for briefing, buffet dinner and overnight (assuming that School of Tourism. From here, we leave the paved road and take your arrival time is in the late afternoon or evening). (D) a 15 – 20 minute drive along an unpaved road towards Boloko- boué Village where the Bwiti sacred forest and temple reside. Sunday, January 10 The highlights you’ll see along the way include the chieftaincy Libreville to Lambarene courtyard of the Benga people where, on July 23rd, 2019, the actor, Samuel L. Jackson, was recognized and awarded Gabonese After breakfast, you will be picked up by your guide and driven citizenship by the Gabonese president and the king of the Benga to Lambarene (4 hour drive). Upon arrival, you will check in to people, having recently discovered his own ancestral roots to the the Ogooue Palace Hotel and have lunch. After lunch, you’ll vis- Benga people. Another highlight is a vast poultry farm that lies it the Albert Schweitzer Museum and the old hospital. Dr. Sch- along the way. The poultry farm was initiated by the Gabonese Insti- weitzer became especially famous for giving benefit concerts and tute of Development Support, and consists of five livestock buildings lectures in as a means of fundraising for his hospital in nursing more than 2,500 laying hens and farm chickens. Adjacent to Africa. His philosophy, he often stated, was built upon the prin- the poultry farm there is a hectare of 10 market gardens. Upon arrival ciple of a “reverence for life” and the religious and ethical imper- in the village of Bolokoboue, you’ll meet the Bwiti priest and undergo atives of helping others. After visiting the museum, you will take the preliminary rituals required for non-initiated people to enter the a short tour of Lambarene city, the lakeside fish market and the sacred forest. Then, under the leadership of one of the most influen- François-Xavier Cathedral. Return to your hotel for dinner and tial members of the Bwiti secret society, you’ll embark on an exclusive overnight. (B,L,D) forest expedition for the collection of sacred plants that will be used for the performance of the Bwiti in the afternoon. During this walk, the Monday, January 11 Bwiti society member will explain the use of each plant collected and Lambrene to Libreville (Evaro Island) after spending one to two hours gathering the necessary ingredients for the ceremony, you’ll trek back to the village and drive to the nearby Today, after breakfast, you’ll enjoy a thrilling day trip in a motorized Dounia Park Restaurant in Cape Estérias for a break and a buffet lunch. pirogue over the lakes of Onague, Ezanga and Evaro, including After lunch, you’ll drive back to the Bwiti shrine where you’ll be privy to to Evaro Island. This trip is wonderful for bird-watching. You can a series of spectacular Bwiti ceremonies including dance, initiation, also enjoy a brief visit to the riverside town, or unwind by the casting of spell, healing, evocation of spirits, and so on. By dusk, and serene lakeside. After lunch, you’ll embark on the 4 hour return after a very full and exciting day, you’ll start the drive back to Libreville drive to Libreville, arriving in the late afternoon. Return to your for dinner and overnight at your hotel. (B,L,D) hotel in Libreville for dinner and overnight. (B,L,D) NB: The Bwiti Ceremony for one day visitors is essentially a Tuesday, January 12 demonstration only. And authentic Bwiti experience requires at Libreville (Raponda Walker Arboretum and least a few days and one whole night, and the real performance usu- Bolokoboue Bwiti ceremony) ally takes place in the middle of the night when the spirits are more amenable. A Bwiti performance is always aimed at a specific issue After a very early breakfast, you’ll leave the hotel, driving past the such as healing a sick person, evoking an ancestor, to bless a sterile Commune monument and the Chinese Stadium, and woman, to find out the cause of the death of someone and so on. continue until we reach the Raponda Walker Arboretum where you will dive into the rainforest. The arboretum is located less Wednesday, January 13 than a one hour drive north of Libreville. It is a massive, thick and Libreville to (CONGO) well-preserved forest that was dedicated to the Gabonese writer and conservationist, André Raponda Walker, who dedicated part This morning, after breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport of his life struggling for the preservation of this forest, long before for your morning flight toBrazzaville (3 hour flight). Upon arrival the authorities decided to convert 85% of the country’s forest to at the Maya Maya International Airport, at about 1:00PM, you will protected areas. The Arboretum consists of short, medium and have to manually check out of the airport, (as is in most Central long walking trails through the depth of rainforest. You’ll take a African countries, so it may take some time to clear immigration short trail today, crossing clear water streams, while receiving an and customs) before you’ll meet your guide in the Arrivals Hall. extensive lecture on the endemic species and other plants found You will then be transferred to Mikhail’s Hotel or the Ledger Plaza Hotel where you will have a late lunch. The rest of the day can be derstand that it can take weeks for them to arrive at their destina- spent at leisure, until dinner and overnight at the hotel. (B,L,D) tions, you will appreciate just how adventurous these travelers are. Brazzaville is a great place for Congolese music, both canned and Thursday, January 14 live, and dancing, as well, especially on weekends. Several city bars Brazzaville (City Tour) are the preferred hang outs of “sapeurs” (members of the society of “elegantly dressed people”) and certainly one of Congo’s more in- First thing in the morning, after breakfast, you’ll visit the “Tank teresting cultural phenomena. At the end of this busy and exciting Graveyard”; fields of decaying tanks and military machinery, day, return to your hotel in Brazzaville for overnight. (B,L,D) abandoned by the Ethiopians after the “Great War of Africa” over the Congo. After this, you’ll embark on a day tour of the city of Friday, January 15 Brazzaville. Our first stop in Brazzaville should be the museum and Brazzaville to Pointe Noire memorial to the 19th century Italian-born Count de Brazza, who is credited with Brazzaville’s founding for France, as well as for es- After an early breakfast, you’ll transfer to the airport for your one tablishing French sovereignty over much of western . hour domestic flight to Pointe Noire, the second largest city in the Many newly independent countries were quick to change their . Upon arrival in Pointe Noire, your guide will names or those of their important cities if they reflected their pre- meet you and immediately drive to the Kouilou region where you’ll vious colonial masters. Brazzaville did not, which speaks volumes visit the Diosso Gorges and the adjacent ethnographic museum. about de Brazza’s character and the respect in which he is still held. The gorges are stunning and consist of dramatic pink cliffs, reach- The remains of de Brazza, as well as those of his wife and children, ing as high as 164 feet, surrounded by a verdant forest full of birds were moved to Brazzaville’s museum to commemorate its open- but, unfortunately, suffering negative effects of human activities. The ing a few years ago. Brazzaville’s local markets are open every day museum is a collection of ancient objects and modern tools that but are in full swing on weekends. Poto-Poto Market, located in represent the history of the Kingdom of Loango, dating back from a “quartier” (quarter) of the city with the same name, and among the days of slavery to contemporary days. It is located a ten min- the liveliest of Brazzaville, has an entire street devoted to beauti- ute drive from the gorges and is surrounded by a field of palm trees ful West African fabrics from which both Congolese women and and a thick rainforest. From the museum, you’ll head back to Pointe men fashion their colorful clothing. Another of its street is devoted Noire, driving past the Grand Marché, the post office, the port and to tailors. Poto-Poto Quarter is a good place to look for West Afri- the railway station along the way. Time allowing, we may stop at the can music CD’s, among other things. Total Market sells primarily craft market for few minutes. Check in to the Atlantic Palace Hotel vegetables and household sundries, but you will also come across (or similar) for dinner and overnight. (B,L,D) protein in the form of fruit bats and caterpillars. Both of these mar- kets are jammed with people. Between the crowds, heat, refuse, Saturday, January 16 and noise they are not destinations for the faint of heart but are, Pointe Noire - Brazzaville – Kinshasa (D.R.C.) nevertheless, an immensely rewarding cultural experience. Sunday is a perfect day to visit Brazzaville’s Basilica St. Anne’s, or any church This morning, you’ll leave the hotel early and transfer to the airport you come across on your walk. You will be welcomed inside where for your return domestic flight to Brazzaville, departing at about the beautiful hymn singing will not fail to move you. The artisanal 8:00-9:00AM on Canadian Airways Congo. Upon arrival in Brazza- market is open all week, a tin-roofed collection of dark, ramshackle ville, you’ll immediately drive to Ngobila Beach (Kinshasa Harbor) stalls selling your best bets for souvenirs. Some of the vendors offer where you’ll board a motor coach and drive northward past the old Congolese artefacts, as well. city as we embark on an excursion to the ‘Lola Ya Bonobo’ and the Lukaya, Ma Vallée Lake that lies an hour away from Kinshasa. NB: if you buy wooden products in the R.O.C. then you MUST This site is made up of a good number of bonobos, an ape close- purchase a customs clearance in order to take them out of ly related to , known not only for its high levels of the country. sexual behavior, but also because it is the closest extant relative The National Theatre and the C.F.R.A.D (the Centre de Formation to humans. Sex functions in conflict appeasement, affection, so- et La Recherche en Art Dramatique) are the places to go to watch cial status, excitement, and stress reduction. After a guided tour the practices of traditional dance troupes, or sign up for drum or of the sanctuary and a quick visit of the adjacent Lukaya Falls, senza (thumb piano) lessons. Private performances can be arranged. you’ll leave the land of bonobos and drive back to Kinshasa, ar- L’ Ecole des Beaux Arts in Poto-Poto is well worth a stop to look at the riving in the early afternoon. Check in to Hotel du Fleuve Congo students’ paintings, which are for sale and superior to anything you can (or similar) for dinner and overnight. (B,L,D) buy on the streets. Five miles out of Brazzaville is Les Rapides, which marks where the Congo River meets its tributary, the River. Sunday, January 17 These are the same rapids which stopped Victorian era explorers Stan- Kinshasa (Zongo Falls and Kisantu) ley and de Brazza in their quest to find a navigable trade route from the into the heart of Africa. Les Rapides is a popular place Early in the morning, after breakfast, you’ll leave for the Bas-Congo on weekends for beers, local foods and music. . Our first stop of the day, in the late morning / early after- noon, will be at the Zongo waterfalls near the city of Kisantu, NB: Please be considerate and do not photograph the peo- located 87 miles from Kinshasa. The falls offer a unique and spec- ple who bath and wash clothes along the river. Nor should tacular cascade at over 213 feet high, and fall dramatically down you give money to the hardy youngsters who dive off the riv- a rocky ridge creating a natural shower reaching a distance of erbank and ride the rapids in the hopes of your handouts. Just about 33 feet. As we continue the drive onwards, passing by pic- enjoy all the local color. turesque landscape, you’ll come across habitats and tribal cul- Brazzaville’s Mpila Quartier is where the ports are located for the tures with several photo opportunities along the way. You’ll enjoy large barges which ply the Congo and Ubangui Rivers. The port lunch at the Seli Safari Lodge after visiting the falls. After lunch, is a hectic place, but should you stop by you might be lucky you’ll drive to the picturesque town of Kisantu that lies about enough to catch sight of one of these barges, preferably loaded for 44 miles ahead. It’s about a two hour drive over an unpaved but imminent departure. There are some intrepid souls who book pas- well-maintained road. Kisantu is named after the Eponym River sage on these barges. Once you see the barges for yourself and un- that traverses it and is one of the oldest entities in the province that has preserved its colonial past backed by numerous Bel- gian-colonial style buildings, built with metallic armature or dance. Return to the airport for your onward flight to . baked earth bricks. An imposing cathedral, built in the old roman Upon arrival at the M’poko International Airport, Bangui, in the ear- style, over a hilly settlement, is the major landmark of the town. ly evening, your guide will meet and transfer you to Ledger Plaza The fresh food market is worth a quick detour, as it boasts an im- Hotel (Bangui) (or similar) for dinner and overnight. (B,L,D) pressive collection of locally grown tropical fruits. You’ll drive to Insinki River, at the mouth of the Congo River, and stop at the Wednesday, January 20 hydroelectric dam. You’ll also visit the famous Botanical Garden Bangui (Boali) of Kisantu. The garden was founded in 1900 by the Jesuit Brother Reverend Gullet, and includes a reservoir containing more than Today, after breakfast, you will enjoy a day trip to Boali and the 200 endemic and non-endemic species. In the afternoon, you’ll famous Boali Falls. The trip will take you 62 miles north of Ban- take the road back to Kinshasa, arriving 3-4 hours later. (B,L,D) gui. The road to Boali is completely paved making the journey a smooth and breathtaking ride through landscapes of forests Monday, January 18 and villages along the banks of the main road. At 164 feet high, Kinshasa (Kinkole) the Boali falls are among the most awe-inspiring natural won- ders of the C.A.R. Adjacent to the falls is the Boali hydraulic dam After breakfast, you’ll head to the port of Kinkole and board a mo- which you’ll also visit before driving back to Bangui. Lunch will torized boat for a breathtaking ride over the majestic Congo River be en route at a nearby restaurant. In the afternoon, you’ll take a where you’ll spend the greatest part of your morning. Kinkole is locat- city tour of the capital of the C.A.R. Welcoming you to the city of ed some 14 miles east of Kinshasa and is -renowned for its fish Bangui is a Romanesque white arch with green trimmings, called market that boasts a wide range of slow water fish species. Whether L’Arche Blanche Triomphale. It was built in 1979 by the late dic- smoked, fresh, cooked, fried or salted, you will have abundant fish on tator Jean Bedel Bokasa. This monument is the gateway to the display in this market. During the boat ride, you may visit some of city and ushers you into La Place de la Republique which is a the fishermens’ villages that lie on the banks of the river, as well as a busy, bustling neighborhood. Close by is the beautiful La Palais series of islets dotted along the river, including the M’bamou Island. Presidentiel, formerly called Bokassa Palace. Other attractions in The Congo River is the longest river in the sub-Sahara Africa and the the city include the Marche Central, Cathedrale Notre Dame de second longest in the continent, after the River Nile. As such, it is a Bangui, Musee de Boganda and the Central Mosque. Return to vital asset for the people from both countries; not only as their main your hotel in Bangui for dinner and overnight. (B,L,D) means of transportation to connect or convey goods from hinterland Thursday, January 21 to the main cities, but also as it provides them with important eco- Bangui (M’baiki) nomical income from transport, fishing, sand digging and power, just to name few. During this tour, you will encounter such highlights as This morning you’ll leave Bangui early and drive to M’baiki, anoth- fishermen going or coming from fishing, intercity transportation of er town that lies 62 miles from the capital. The road to M’baiki is people and goods, people harvesting sand and so on, and you will very scenic through thick tropical rainforest. You’ll drive past coffee have opportunity to interact with the local dwellers, as well. In the plantations, and the villages of the Bantu people, including the afternoon, you’ll head back to the pier and board our car for your Lobaye tribes. A striking encounter along the way will be the nu- transfer back to the hotel for lunch. After lunch, you will embark on an merous Pygmy settlements that lie on both sides of the road as of Kinshasa. A sightseeing tour of Kinshasa and its vicinity we make our way closer to M’baiki which we will reach by the ear- consists of a journey through a series of historical vestiges spread out ly afternoon. There are a few Babinga Pygmy settlements around around the D.R.C. capital. These include the National Institute of Art Lobaye, and we will be visiting one of them, called Kenga. After (guided tour by the conservator will enable you to best understand spending some time with our Pygmy hosts, we take the road back the history/foundation/genesis of the D.R.C.), the Kabila , to Bangui with a stop at Pissa where you can visit the cascades craft market, the old Presbyterian church, the Boboto Center, the of M’beko, found at the end of a forest walk. You’ll return to your Gombe Avenue, the Symphony of Art, the Square hotel in Bangui in the late evening for overnight. (B,L,D) and much more. Kinshasa is known as a very old city, founded in 1890. It began as a mere fishing village, but today is home to more Friday, January 22 than 11,000 inhabitants. The town itself doesn’t offer too much to see Bangui (Ubangui River) – Fly to USA tourism-wise, but there are numerous interesting places at which to This morning you’ll embark on a pirogue ride for an excursion on experience the daily life of the ‘Kinois’. By dusk, you’ll drive back to the mighty Ubangui River, visiting a few fishermans’ villages along your hotel for dinner and night. (B,L,D) the way. You may be able to sail upstream further on the Uban- Tuesday, January 19 gui River where it meets the Upper M’poko River and here, be re- Kinshasa to Bangui (C.A.R.) warded by the spectacular views of the M’bi Falls. Being a major tributary of the mighty Congo River and a popular spot for boat After an early breakfast, you will transfer to the Njili International races and fishing, the Ubangui River traverses the city of Bangui Airport for your 9:20AM Asky flight toBangui (Central African Re- and defines the border between the Central African Republic and public), stopping in Lomé, . the Democratic Republic of Congo. You’ll enjoy a picnic lunch on Please note: If the layover is short (3 hours or less, we will remain the river and then sail back to Bangui in the afternoon. Depending in the airport. If, however, the layover for the service stop is long (8-9 on your onward flight departure time, you’ll be picked up at your hours), you’ll have the option to spend that time touring Lomé while hotel a couple of hours prior to your international flight and trans- you wait for your connecting flight. ferred to the airport for your return flight to the USA.(B,L) Optional Lomé Day Tour: Upon arrival in Togo, you’ll be picked up Libreville city tour – return flight to USA “We reserve the right to change the order of activities or and taken on a day tour of Lomé, visiting the Fetishes Market of Ako- places visited due to unforeseen schedule conflicts or in dessewa (the most famous Voodoo market in the world), the Lomé order to make the itinerary run smoothly Art Village Market, the Assigame Big Market, a couple of museums (the Museum of and/or the National Museum) as well as driving through some lively places such as the Place de L’indépen- Tour Cost (Land only): $9,950.00 per person sharing in double occupancy Single Supplement: $1,550.00 Price based on group size minimum of 6 participants and maximum of 16 participants Trip Grade: II Lodging Level: ***

Tour includes: Tour does not include:

• Meet & greet and hotel/airport transfers • International flights from USA to Libreville and out of Bangui • Overland transportation (in bus & 4WD) to USA. • Accommodation in 3-4* hotels on a full board basis • Cost of obtaining the 4 visas. (breakfast, lunch and dinner) • Drinks/beverages (other than water) • English-speaking guide, staff and local fixers • Meals not specified in the itinerary • All pirogue excursions and boat transfers • Any expenses resulting from unforeseen circumstances including • All domestic flights between the cities flight delays or cancelations, or required day-use rooms or • All visits, tours and entrance fees to sites, museums, parks additional transfers. as described in the tour • Cost of hotel transfers outside of the trip dates (eg: if you arrive • Day tour in Lomé, Togo the day before) • Approvals required to obtain your various visas • Other services not specified as included (different than the visa costs) • Laundry, telephone, email expenses etc • Mineral water on touring days in the vehicles. • Trip surcharge to operate below required minimum participants. • All tips and gratuities to guides, drivers, etc. • Travel protection insurance (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED)

Trip Grade: II Active: Some hikes, slightly more demanding walks at or to sites, comfortable but busy schedule and some long rides. Many walks into villages entail walks in muddy areas, over dirt piles, and unpaved paths. The trip requires a reasonable good physical stami- na in order to participate in all the activities. Some flexibil- ity is also required as perhaps we can alter or change the sequence of the program for any unforeseen conditions.

Lodging Level: ***Superior: Lodges and hotels with additional amenities, refined service and comfort level acceptable to western standards. With a few ex- ceptions you can expect properties to be suitable and matching western standards though a couple of smaller properties in towns and villages to be a bit simpler while still rooms with private bathroom and when necessary air-conditioning. In general you will find your hotel has a restaurant and/or bar. We require that all the properties and transport we use comply fully with local regulations, but we do not guarantee the same standards as in your home country. (3 or 4 stars) About your lecturer... Michel Behar boasts an impressive list of credentials, and just reading through it makes you want to meet this person and share the road with him. A Dutch citizen, after his studies of Russian and Arabic in the Netherlands, he studied advanced Arabic at the University of in . Fluent in 12 languages, including Farsi, English, Turkish, and Hebrew, he has an understanding of 7 others. He has been a tour manager since 1987 leading groups for US, Dutch, Swiss, German, and British companies. He has accompanied custom tours as a leader/ photographer for many prestigious institutions such as the American Museum of Natural History, the Harvard Mu- seum of Natural History, the American Institute of Archaeology, and the universities of Berkeley, Stanford, Harvard, Northwestern, Princeton and Wellesley. He has traveled extensively throughout the world and, for the last 20 years, has turned his passion for photography into a second career. Touring has afforded him the opportunity to capture stirring images from out-of-the-way places in Iran, Pakistan and Mongolia, just to name a few. His work has been exhibited in museums in the Netherlands and New York. He currently lectures on current affairs related to Afghanistan, Pakistan and Central Asia and the ethnic groups inhabiting this region. During this same period he has dabbled in journalism, writing for several European newspapers on topics as varied as technology and economics. He maintains a travel blog, has done freelance work for travel guides, and likes (of course, what else?) world music.

Special Notes on Travel to Gabon, CAR, DRC & Congo:

If you have any special dietary requirements you must notify us at the Health: In Gabon, malaria is common, so visitors should take malaria time of booking. While we will make every effort to cater for you, we pills. Some areas of Bangui have clean and filtered drinking water, so it cannot guarantee that this will be possible. Anyone in good health can is safe to drink water served at some restaurants and bars. However, the join this trip. Many of the activities do not require previous experience purity of the water is not reliable and thus we provide bottled water in and are not fitness related. Participating in this trip necessitates being in all countries. In DRC You will need a yellow fever vaccination in order to reasonable health and able to climb steps, walk on uneven terrain and enter the country. In the Republic of Congo the likelihood of contract- handle sightseeing in warm weather. ing malaria is high if effective, preventative medication is not taken.

Hotels: Hotel accommodation provided will be of moderate standard. Government: remains a serious problem in all countries Rooms will be en-suite with a private bathroom. Generally hotel ac- among the security forces, some members of which have harassed commodation options are limited. Please note that on occasions you travelers for bribes. At night, the roads in the capitals are often manned may not always be allocated a double or twin room, as some hotels with impromptu checkpoints, at which police or soldiers ask motor- have designated single rooms. These may be smaller in size. However, ists and travelers for money. Police manning checkpoints will demand the supplement payable takes this into consideration. Services at such bribes, expect no less than US$5; in Republic of the Congo, armed sol- hotels can be rather inefficient at some hotels and should not be com- diers or national police may conduct vehicle searches and check pas- pared to western style properties. sengers for identity papers. These roadblocks often are poorly marked, and local authorities may target foreigners to solicit bribes. Roads: There are lots of paved roads in Gabon, if you are staying in one of the major cities. Roads to outlying cities are usually unpaved and in Safety: No incidents of crime involving tourists have been reported on poor condition, with large potholes. You will encounter unpaved roads the road from Bangui to Dzanga Sangha and many diplomats frequent throughout CAR with large potholes and degraded asphalt. In the Re- the region on holiday. Keep in mind that the DRC remains among the public of Congo, most roads are dirt tracks and require an off-road ve- poorest (but most developing) countries in Africa and compared to hicle. In DRC, outside of main cities, most roads are not drivable, even the locals, most white people are perceived as rich. In Brazzaville, petty with an off-road vehicle. Road conditions are poor. street crime targeting foreigners is rare. There are, of course, occasional crimes of opportunity, like muggings and pick pocketing at night, and Photography: In Gabon, taking photographs of the , sometimes in the Congolese neighborhoods surrounding Brazzaville’s airport, and military or other government buildings is strictly forbidden. city center. That said, the city feels relaxed and largely safe even at night. In CAR, taking photographs of police or military installations, airports, or Flights & transportation: Please note that the flights might change and any other government buildings is prohibited. Unauthorized photog- we will have to rearrange the itinerary to fit the correct flights. Ferry raphy may result in the seizure of photographic equipment by the CAR service between Brazzaville and Kinshasa may close completely with authorities. Locals in the CAR may be very sensitive to all photography; minimal notice. A visa for the destination country (Republic of Congo you should obtain permission first. In the Republic of the Congo and or DRC) is required to cross the Congo River between Brazzaville and in DRC, it is illegal to take pictures of government buildings, military Kinshasa. installations, key infrastructure such as ports, train stations, and airports, and along border areas. Please be warned: you could be detained or The bottom line is that to participate in this trip you need to be toler- arrested, fined, and have equipment confiscated. Do not take photos ant and flexible and have an easy going attitude and we expect par- of Congolese, adults or children without their permission. If a confron- ticipants to accept any last minute changes and show an adventurous tation occurs, it can be easily diffused by apologizing profusely and not spirit. Anyone who feels they can easily get uptight and annoyed at engaging in the argument. Sometimes a small bribe might be needed facing any inconveniences should not join this sort of pioneering tour. to “grease the wheels”, too.

Spiekermann Travel Service, Inc. 18421 East Nine Mile Road, Eastpointe, MI 48021 Phone: 1-800-645-3233 Fax: 586-775-9556 www.mideasttrvl.com [email protected]