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The Democratic Republic of the Congo, often called DR Congo, RDC or Congo-Kinshasa is not to be confused with it's neighbor to the north the Republic of the Congo (often called Congo-Brazzaville).
== Background ==
It's needless to say, that traveling solo in Congo can be ridiculously dangerous, and is not recommended for anyone.
== Safe Areas ==
There is currently only three relatively small areas safe for tourists, backpackers and hitchhikers. Those are the capital Kinshasa in western Congo, the town of Goma on the border to Rwanda in eastern Congo and the bush land of the easternmost part of the Orientale province in north-eastern congoCongo. There are few roads and plenty of militias between these areas, and trying to get from one to another overland will cost you months of traveling and most likely your life. It's not worth trying!
== Hitchhiking in the West ==
Kinshasa is a huge city a population of more than 10 million. It is considered quite safe on the same level as high risk African capitals as Lagos or Nairobi.
When waving at the cars you will get a ride in a matter of seconds. You will be expected to pay for your ride.
== Hitchhiking in the East ==
Going more than 15-20 kilometers away from the town is very dangerous. There is plenty of rebel activity in the area, and the local warlords will do anything to make the UN look bad. Hence attacks on foreigners is quite common.
Further to the north. The part of the Oriantale province bordering the West-nile Nile region of Uganda is safe. Day trips from Nebbi or Arua in Uganda are okay. any further and things become difficult.
Hitchhiking is the same as in [[Uganda]]. Every single vehicle passing by will pick you up, but only the ones driven by NGO's or the UN will be free. Everyone else will expect a payment.
== General Tips ==