https://hitchwiki.org/en/api.php?action=feedcontributions&user=Thumbingmyway&feedformat=atomHitchwiki - User contributions [en]2024-03-19T04:37:13ZUser contributionsMediaWiki 1.32.3https://hitchwiki.org/en/index.php?title=Democratic_Republic_of_the_Congo&diff=61903Democratic Republic of the Congo2012-06-21T18:26:25Z<p>Thumbingmyway: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{infobox Country<br />
|country = of_the_Democratic_Republic_of_the_Congo<br />
|map = <map lat="-2.6531907779834" lng="22.226453530122" zoom="7" view="0" float="right" /><br />
|language = French<br />
|capital = [[Kinshasa]]<br />
|pop = 71,712,867<br />
|currency = Franc Congo <br />
|hitch = <rating country='cd' /><br />
}}<br />
<br />
The '''Democratic Republic of the Congo''' is a country in central Africa bordering [[Angola]], the [[Republic of the Congo|Republic of Congo]], the [[Central African Republic]], [[South Sudan]], [[Uganda]], [[Rwanda]], [[Burundi]], [[Tanzania]] and [[Zambia]].<br />
<br />
The Democratic Republic of the Congo, often called DR Congo, RDC or Congo-Kinshasa is not to be confused with its neighbour to the north the Republic of the Congo (often called Congo-Brazzaville).<br />
<br />
== Background ==<br />
The second Congo war, known as The African World War in the countries involved, officially came to and end in 2003. In five years of combat, more than 5,4 million people died making in the deadliest war since world war 2.<br />
The aftermath of that war is not over yet. The UN and the armies of several neighboring countries (although most deny it) are heavily represented in DR Congo harvesting the natural resources.<br />
The areas of the country not under the control of foreign forces are mostly run by local militias (Mai-Mai, Hutu etc.), terrorist forces (Lord's Resistance army etc.), European/Zimbabwean mercenaries, or the Congolese Army, of which whole brigades has disbanded forming their own Colonel Kurz style parallel societies.<br />
<br />
Congo is widely recognized as the richest country in the world in terms of natural resources, but it currently has the second lowest GDP per capita in the world.<br />
<br />
It's needless to say, that traveling solo in Congo can be ridiculously dangerous, and is not recommended for anyone.<br />
<br />
== Safe Areas ==<br />
There are 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 Congo. 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!<br />
<br />
Experience in 2012 from member [[User:Thumbingmyway|Thumbingmyway]] goes to show that the above paragraph is not up to date, with all due respect. One can hitch-hike across the DRC from Lubumbashi to Kinshasa in 2 or 3 weeks, weather, road conditions, and vehicle reliability taken into account. The drivers of vehicles will expect payment. The mere presence of a westerner makes instantly far wealthier than more than 80% of the population, which is incredibly impoverished. However, hitch-hiking long distances is more than possible.<br />
<br />
== Hitchhiking in Kinshasa ==<br />
<br />
Kinshasa is a huge city a population of more than 10 million. It is considered on the same level as high risk African capitals as Lagos or Nairobi. <br />
<br />
"Hitchhiking" is the main way anyone without a car gets around in Kinshasa, as there is no public transit system. When waving at the cars you will get a ride in a matter of seconds, although at busy time there will be 15 other people on every corner, also waiving at cars. If you are travelling within Kinshasa, it helps if you ask for the hand signal for your destination neighbourhood. Drivers will look for people signalling for the same destination as them and may not waste their time stopping otherwise. You will be expected to pay for your ride.<br />
<br />
Experience in 2012 from member [[User:Thumbingmyway|Thumbingmyway]] goes to show that the above paragraph is not up to date, with all due respect. There is public transport in Kinshasa, in the form of motorcycle taxis, shared minibuses, buses, and shared car taxis. It may not be "publi transport" in the truest sense as it's mostly privately owned and not government provided, but in that respect it conforms with the rest of Africa in transport forms. The writer of this post found that the majority of the Kinshasa public uses one of these forms of transport, and also used it many times himself, finding it safe and reliable. Hitching within the city is possible.<br />
<br />
== Hitchhiking in the West ==<br />
<br />
Many Congolese will tell you that the road shown on maps connecting Kinshasa in the west to Lumbumbashi in the south does not exist or is impassable. In 2011 Hitchwiki member [http://hitchwiki.org/community/members/Notapalooka/ Alyssa] hitched the route. It took about 25 days of being on the road every day (or sometimes being stuck in the mud, but still on the road). There were very few vehicles passing - maybe 5 a day, all bug trucks in terrible condition that were extremely overloaded. At one point a hitched ride in a truck took 6 days to go 200 km due to mechanical problems and mud. There were few security issues and contrary to popular belief about African police, they did not insist on bribes, instead generally offering food and help hitching onwards.<br />
<br />
Experience in 2012 from member [[User:Thumbingmyway|Thumbingmyway]] confirms that the above paragraph is accurate in the description of hitching long distances in the DRC.<br />
<br />
== Hitchhiking in the East ==<br />
In early 2010 Hitchwiki member [http://hitchwiki.org/community/members/JeppeRobert/ JeppeRobert] tried hitching in the region. Feel free to send my any questions you might have considering Congo.<br />
<br />
The town of Goma is controlled by the UN. It lies on the border to Rwanda, and is divided from the Rwandan city of Gisenyi by a wall. Because of the huge amount of UN personnel in the town, it is quite easy to get a free ride around town or a few kilometers out of it. If you plan to visit the mountain gorillas in the nearby Volcanos National park, you might get lucky hitching a ride with fellow backpackers. Ask around in the bars or hotels in town. <br />
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.<br />
<br />
Further to the north. The part of the Oriantale province bordering the West-Nile region of Uganda is safe. Day trips from Nebbi or Arua in Uganda are okay. Any further and things become difficult.<br />
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. <br />
<br />
== Hitch-hiking in the South ==<br />
Experience in 2012 from member [[User:Thumbingmyway|Thumbingmyway]] hitching in the south, coming in from [[Kitwe]], [[Zambia]], is as follows: [[Kasumbalesa]] to [[Lubumbashi]], DRC: As you get to the border town, the human & vehicular chaos is intense. There are many scammers and touts offering to escort you through the border, get you a taxi to Lum'bashi etc, be firm and politely ignore them. I found most of them to be Congolese, and that's no judgement on the people or country, just the facts. Don't listen to the lies that you can't change Zambian Kwacha in Lum'bashi, you can. If you want, you can also change at the border at a bureau, or from a private person, if the rate is better.<br />
Leaving [[Kasumbalesa]], [[Zambia]], is easy. Stamp out at the immigration counter (walk around to the back of the building) and that's it. Walk through no-man's land to the the DRC border post. you will be greeted by sentries at the boom-gate. One will will out your details in a register and another will escort you inside where the bribery will begin. They will take you to a room full of men and ask for a fictitious "entry fee" of $20. I refused, and after a while they let me go, but they tried every trick. They then tried to make me pay for injections I didn't need, like Cholera and Typhoid innoculations. I have my Yellow-Fever one so that was fine, but they tried to bribe me there too, even saying I must just pay for the stamps to say that I've had them. I refused and didn't pay. When I eventually got to the immigration counter so the guy could stamp me in to the country, he asked me directly to give him money and I refused. Eventually he stamped me in, but I dug my heels in and left the compound. The sentry whom I first met at the boom-gate then tried to get me a taxi as I was leaving but I declined saying I was hitching. I was in the compound for 45min to an hour, it was tough going, but I refused to be robbed of myn money.<br />
Side note: I got my visa for the DRC in [[South Africa]], from the embassy in [[Pretoria]]. It was about $148 for a 1-month tourist visa. Sent photos, completed application, invitation letters, proof of payment. They rejected my first application as they said I wasn't allowed to hitch in the country. My second stated road transport via cars, and then some flights and they granted me the visa.<br />
<br />
Leaving the border post and heading to [[Lubumbashi]]: Walk out the border compound past all the trucks on your right hand side to the boom-gate and you are in the DRC. The trucks are waiting for their papers to clear and as they come past hitch a ride to [[Lubumbashi]]. Some may have to wait at a customs clearing station a few km up the road for a day or two, so if there is space for you and you are happy to sleep in a truck for a few days, go for it. Of course you can also hitch rides with all the cars and pickups, and 4x4's headed to the city. I got a lift with 3 Americans in a Land Cruiser, and they gave me the front seat, so that was nice of them, and a relaxing trip for me. Leave Kitwe early when heading to this border, you don't want to be stranded here looking for a place to sleep at night because you arrived too late!<br />
<br />
From [[Lubumbashi]] to [[Kolwezi]]: Hitching out of this city may be a problem, it was my first time to [[Kolwezi]], so I had to find out a lot of information etc, and the local concept of hitch-hiking is to take a truck (camion) that is packed with loads of goods, with a but of space for peopple in the front of back, or on top. They pay for their place beforehand, and sometimes the truck only leaves in a few days. <br />
Best to head north out of Lubumbashi to the peage (toll-gate) area and hitch rides from people in cars, 4x4's, trucks going north to [[Likasi]], [[Kolwezi]], etc from there. As there is an army base nearby, the security at the toll-gate consists of soldiers and not police. They are chilled and polite. It's a better bet to hitch from the toll-gate, as you may find space on a truck that has come straight from the border that morning and you can ride in the passenger seat. There is a lay-by just before the toll-gate on the left, so you can approach drivers if they stop there.<br />
As for me, a soldier with an AK-47 said I must let him find me a ride after he saw me speaking to a few truck drivers. He asked three businessmen in the mining industry to take me to Likasi, which they did willingly.<br />
<br />
From [[Likasi]] to [[Kolwezi]]: I was dropped near the main bus/taxi station in town. From there, ask locals about the road to Kolwezi and they will show you. I got a ride in a small truck. It was mostly a dirt road, and quite bad in some places, but otherwise ok.<br />
<br />
== General Tips ==<br />
The Ugandan Shilling and Rwandan franc are the standard currencies in the areas of Congo bordering these places.<br />
<br />
If you get "arrested" by local militias US dollars can buy you out of any trouble. Always have a 10 or 20 dollar note in an easily accessible pocket and at least 50 dollars hidden in your shoes or underwear.<br />
<br />
Get the phone number of someone who can help you.<br />
<br />
Don't be seen hitching a ride with white people in none-NGO cars. They are most likely mercenaries and are hated by the locals.<br />
<br />
Give your country's embassy in Uganda or DR Congo your contact details. It is the fastest way to get info on a sudden chance in the security situation.<br />
<br />
Check, double check and triple check the security situation in any area of the Congo you want to go. Humanitarian NGO's are good for this.<br />
<br />
<br />
__NOTOC__<br />
{{IsIn|Central Africa}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Africa]]</div>Thumbingmywayhttps://hitchwiki.org/en/index.php?title=Democratic_Republic_of_the_Congo&diff=61902Democratic Republic of the Congo2012-06-21T18:18:45Z<p>Thumbingmyway: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{infobox Country<br />
|country = of_the_Democratic_Republic_of_the_Congo<br />
|map = <map lat="-2.6531907779834" lng="22.226453530122" zoom="7" view="0" float="right" /><br />
|language = French<br />
|capital = [[Kinshasa]]<br />
|pop = 71,712,867<br />
|currency = Franc Congo <br />
|hitch = <rating country='cd' /><br />
}}<br />
<br />
The '''Democratic Republic of the Congo''' is a country in central Africa bordering [[Angola]], the [[Republic of the Congo|Republic of Congo]], the [[Central African Republic]], [[South Sudan]], [[Uganda]], [[Rwanda]], [[Burundi]], [[Tanzania]] and [[Zambia]].<br />
<br />
The Democratic Republic of the Congo, often called DR Congo, RDC or Congo-Kinshasa is not to be confused with its neighbour to the north the Republic of the Congo (often called Congo-Brazzaville).<br />
<br />
== Background ==<br />
The second Congo war, known as The African World War in the countries involved, officially came to and end in 2003. In five years of combat, more than 5,4 million people died making in the deadliest war since world war 2.<br />
The aftermath of that war is not over yet. The UN and the armies of several neighboring countries (although most deny it) are heavily represented in DR Congo harvesting the natural resources.<br />
The areas of the country not under the control of foreign forces are mostly run by local militias (Mai-Mai, Hutu etc.), terrorist forces (Lord's Resistance army etc.), European/Zimbabwean mercenaries, or the Congolese Army, of which whole brigades has disbanded forming their own Colonel Kurz style parallel societies.<br />
<br />
Congo is widely recognized as the richest country in the world in terms of natural resources, but it currently has the second lowest GDP per capita in the world.<br />
<br />
It's needless to say, that traveling solo in Congo can be ridiculously dangerous, and is not recommended for anyone.<br />
<br />
== Safe Areas ==<br />
There are 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 Congo. 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!<br />
<br />
Experience in 2012 from member [http://hitchwiki.org/community/members/Thumbingmyway/ Thumbingmyway] goes to show that the above paragraph is not up to date, with all due respect. One can hitch-hike across the DRC from Lubumbashi to Kinshasa in 2 or 3 weeks, weather, road conditions, and vehicle reliability taken into account. The drivers of vehicles will expect payment. The mere presence of a westerner makes instantly far wealthier than more than 80% of the population, which is incredibly impoverished. However, hitch-hiking long distances is more than possible.<br />
<br />
== Hitchhiking in Kinshasa ==<br />
<br />
Kinshasa is a huge city a population of more than 10 million. It is considered on the same level as high risk African capitals as Lagos or Nairobi. <br />
<br />
"Hitchhiking" is the main way anyone without a car gets around in Kinshasa, as there is no public transit system. When waving at the cars you will get a ride in a matter of seconds, although at busy time there will be 15 other people on every corner, also waiving at cars. If you are travelling within Kinshasa, it helps if you ask for the hand signal for your destination neighbourhood. Drivers will look for people signalling for the same destination as them and may not waste their time stopping otherwise. You will be expected to pay for your ride.<br />
<br />
Experience in 2012 from member [[User:Thumbingmyway|Thumbingmyway]] goes to show that the above paragraph is not up to date, with all due respect. There is public transport in Kinshasa, in the form of motorcycle taxis, shared minibuses, buses, and shared car taxis. It may not be "publi transport" in the truest sense as it's mostly privately owned and not government provided, but in that respect it conforms with the rest of Africa in transport forms. The writer of this post found that the majority of the Kinshasa public uses one of these forms of transport, and also used it many times himself, finding it safe and reliable. Hitching within the city is possible.<br />
<br />
== Hitchhiking in the West ==<br />
<br />
Many Congolese will tell you that the road shown on maps connecting Kinshasa in the west to Lumbumbashi in the south does not exist or is impassable. In 2011 Hitchwiki member [http://hitchwiki.org/community/members/Notapalooka/ Alyssa] hitched the route. It took about 25 days of being on the road every day (or sometimes being stuck in the mud, but still on the road). There were very few vehicles passing - maybe 5 a day, all bug trucks in terrible condition that were extremely overloaded. At one point a hitched ride in a truck took 6 days to go 200 km due to mechanical problems and mud. There were few security issues and contrary to popular belief about African police, they did not insist on bribes, instead generally offering food and help hitching onwards.<br />
<br />
Experience in 2012 from member [[User:Thumbingmyway|Thumbingmyway]] confirms that the above paragraph is accurate in the description of hitching long distances in the DRC.<br />
<br />
== Hitchhiking in the East ==<br />
In early 2010 Hitchwiki member [http://hitchwiki.org/community/members/JeppeRobert/ JeppeRobert] tried hitching in the region. Feel free to send my any questions you might have considering Congo.<br />
<br />
The town of Goma is controlled by the UN. It lies on the border to Rwanda, and is divided from the Rwandan city of Gisenyi by a wall. Because of the huge amount of UN personnel in the town, it is quite easy to get a free ride around town or a few kilometers out of it. If you plan to visit the mountain gorillas in the nearby Volcanos National park, you might get lucky hitching a ride with fellow backpackers. Ask around in the bars or hotels in town. <br />
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.<br />
<br />
Further to the north. The part of the Oriantale province bordering the West-Nile region of Uganda is safe. Day trips from Nebbi or Arua in Uganda are okay. Any further and things become difficult.<br />
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. <br />
<br />
== Hitch-hiking in the South ==<br />
Experience in 2012 from member [[User:Thumbingmyway|Thumbingmyway]] hitching in the south, coming in from [[Kitwe]], [[Zambia]], is as follows: [[Kasumbalesa]] to [[Lubumbashi]], DRC: As you get to the border town, the human & vehicular chaos is intense. There are many scammers and touts offering to escort you through the border, get you a taxi to Lum'bashi etc, be firm and politely ignore them. I found most of them to be Congolese, and that's no judgement on the people or country, just the facts. Don't listen to the lies that you can't change Zambian Kwacha in Lum'bashi, you can. If you want, you can also change at the border at a bureau, or from a private person, if the rate is better.<br />
Leaving [[Kasumbalesa]], [[Zambia]], is easy. Stamp out at the immigration counter (walk around to the back of the building) and that's it. Walk through no-man's land to the the DRC border post. you will be greeted by sentries at the boom-gate. One will will out your details in a register and another will escort you inside where the bribery will begin. They will take you to a room full of men and ask for a fictitious "entry fee" of $20. I refused, and after a while they let me go, but they tried every trick. They then tried to make me pay for injections I didn't need, like Cholera and Typhoid innoculations. I have my Yellow-Fever one so that was fine, but they tried to bribe me there too, even saying I must just pay for the stamps to say that I've had them. I refused and didn't pay. When I eventually got to the immigration counter so the guy could stamp me in to the country, he asked me directly to give him money and I refused. Eventually he stamped me in, but I dug my heels in and left the compound. The sentry whom I first met at the boom-gate then tried to get me a taxi as I was leaving but I declined saying I was hitching. I was in the compound for 45min to an hour, it was tough going, but I refused to be robbed of myn money.<br />
Side note: I got my visa for the DRC in [[South Africa]], from the embassy in [[Pretoria]]. It was about $148 for a 1-month tourist visa. Sent photos, completed application, invitation letters, proof of payment. They rejected my first application as they said I wasn't allowed to hitch in the country. My second stated road transport via cars, and then some flights and they granted me the visa.<br />
<br />
Leaving the border post and heading to [[Lubumbashi]]: Walk out the border compound past all the trucks on your right hand side to the boom-gate and you are in the DRC. The trucks are waiting for their papers to clear and as they come past hitch a ride to [[Lubumbashi]]. Some may have to wait at a customs clearing station a few km up the road for a day or two, so if there is space for you and you are happy to sleep in a truck for a few days, go for it. Of course you can also hitch rides with all the cars and pickups, and 4x4's headed to the city. I got a lift with 3 Americans in a Land Cruiser, and they gave me the front seat, so that was nice of them, and a relaxing trip for me. Leave Kitwe early when heading to this border, you don't want to be stranded here looking for a place to sleep at night because you arrived too late!<br />
<br />
From [[Lubumbashi]] to [[Kolwezi]]: Hitching out of this city may be a problem, it was my first time to [[Kolwezi]], so I had to find out a lot of information etc, and the local concept of hitch-hiking is to take a truck (camion) that is packed with loads of goods, with a but of space for peopple in the front of back, or on top. They pay for their place beforehand, and sometimes the truck only leaves in a few days. <br />
Best to head north out of Lubumbashi to the peage (toll-gate) area and hitch rides from people in cars, 4x4's, trucks going north to [[Likasi]], [[Kolwezi]], etc from there. As there is an army base nearby, the security at the toll-gate consists of soldiers and not police. They are chilled and polite. It's a better bet to hitch from the toll-gate, as you may find space on a truck that has come straight from the border that morning and you can ride in the passenger seat. There is a lay-by just before the toll-gate on the left, so you can approach drivers if they stop there.<br />
As for me, a soldier with an AK-47 said I must let him find me a ride after he saw me speaking to a few truck drivers. He asked three businessmen in the mining industry to take me to Likasi, which they did willingly.<br />
<br />
From [[Likasi]] to [[Kolwezi]]: I was dropped near the main bus/taxi station in town. From there, ask locals about the road to Kolwezi and they will show you. I got a ride in a small truck. It was mostly a dirt road, and quite bad in some places, but otherwise ok.<br />
<br />
== General Tips ==<br />
The Ugandan Shilling and Rwandan franc are the standard currencies in the areas of Congo bordering these places.<br />
<br />
If you get "arrested" by local militias US dollars can buy you out of any trouble. Always have a 10 or 20 dollar note in an easily accessible pocket and at least 50 dollars hidden in your shoes or underwear.<br />
<br />
Get the phone number of someone who can help you.<br />
<br />
Don't be seen hitching a ride with white people in none-NGO cars. They are most likely mercenaries and are hated by the locals.<br />
<br />
Give your country's embassy in Uganda or DR Congo your contact details. It is the fastest way to get info on a sudden chance in the security situation.<br />
<br />
Check, double check and triple check the security situation in any area of the Congo you want to go. Humanitarian NGO's are good for this.<br />
<br />
<br />
__NOTOC__<br />
{{IsIn|Central Africa}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Africa]]</div>Thumbingmywayhttps://hitchwiki.org/en/index.php?title=Democratic_Republic_of_the_Congo&diff=61901Democratic Republic of the Congo2012-06-21T18:18:09Z<p>Thumbingmyway: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{infobox Country<br />
|country = of_the_Democratic_Republic_of_the_Congo<br />
|map = <map lat="-2.6531907779834" lng="22.226453530122" zoom="7" view="0" float="right" /><br />
|language = French<br />
|capital = [[Kinshasa]]<br />
|pop = 71,712,867<br />
|currency = Franc Congo <br />
|hitch = <rating country='cd' /><br />
}}<br />
<br />
The '''Democratic Republic of the Congo''' is a country in central Africa bordering [[Angola]], the [[Republic of the Congo|Republic of Congo]], the [[Central African Republic]], [[South Sudan]], [[Uganda]], [[Rwanda]], [[Burundi]], [[Tanzania]] and [[Zambia]].<br />
<br />
The Democratic Republic of the Congo, often called DR Congo, RDC or Congo-Kinshasa is not to be confused with its neighbour to the north the Republic of the Congo (often called Congo-Brazzaville).<br />
<br />
== Background ==<br />
The second Congo war, known as The African World War in the countries involved, officially came to and end in 2003. In five years of combat, more than 5,4 million people died making in the deadliest war since world war 2.<br />
The aftermath of that war is not over yet. The UN and the armies of several neighboring countries (although most deny it) are heavily represented in DR Congo harvesting the natural resources.<br />
The areas of the country not under the control of foreign forces are mostly run by local militias (Mai-Mai, Hutu etc.), terrorist forces (Lord's Resistance army etc.), European/Zimbabwean mercenaries, or the Congolese Army, of which whole brigades has disbanded forming their own Colonel Kurz style parallel societies.<br />
<br />
Congo is widely recognized as the richest country in the world in terms of natural resources, but it currently has the second lowest GDP per capita in the world.<br />
<br />
It's needless to say, that traveling solo in Congo can be ridiculously dangerous, and is not recommended for anyone.<br />
<br />
== Safe Areas ==<br />
There are 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 Congo. 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!<br />
<br />
Experience in 2012 from member [http://hitchwiki.org/community/members/Thumbingmyway/ Thumbingmyway] goes to show that the above paragraph is not up to date, with all due respect. One can hitch-hike across the DRC from Lubumbashi to Kinshasa in 2 or 3 weeks, weather, road conditions, and vehicle reliability taken into account. The drivers of vehicles will expect payment. The mere presence of a westerner makes instantly far wealthier than more than 80% of the population, which is incredibly impoverished. However, hitch-hiking long distances is more than possible.<br />
<br />
== Hitchhiking in Kinshasa ==<br />
<br />
Kinshasa is a huge city a population of more than 10 million. It is considered on the same level as high risk African capitals as Lagos or Nairobi. <br />
<br />
"Hitchhiking" is the main way anyone without a car gets around in Kinshasa, as there is no public transit system. When waving at the cars you will get a ride in a matter of seconds, although at busy time there will be 15 other people on every corner, also waiving at cars. If you are travelling within Kinshasa, it helps if you ask for the hand signal for your destination neighbourhood. Drivers will look for people signalling for the same destination as them and may not waste their time stopping otherwise. You will be expected to pay for your ride.<br />
<br />
Experience in 2012 from member [http://hitchwiki.org/community/members/Thumbingmyway/ Thumbingmyway] goes to show that the above paragraph is not up to date, with all due respect. There is public transport in Kinshasa, in the form of motorcycle taxis, shared minibuses, buses, and shared car taxis. It may not be "publi transport" in the truest sense as it's mostly privately owned and not government provided, but in that respect it conforms with the rest of Africa in transport forms. The writer of this post found that the majority of the Kinshasa public uses one of these forms of transport, and also used it many times himself, finding it safe and reliable. Hitching within the city is possible.<br />
<br />
== Hitchhiking in the West ==<br />
<br />
Many Congolese will tell you that the road shown on maps connecting Kinshasa in the west to Lumbumbashi in the south does not exist or is impassable. In 2011 Hitchwiki member [http://hitchwiki.org/community/members/Notapalooka/ Alyssa] hitched the route. It took about 25 days of being on the road every day (or sometimes being stuck in the mud, but still on the road). There were very few vehicles passing - maybe 5 a day, all bug trucks in terrible condition that were extremely overloaded. At one point a hitched ride in a truck took 6 days to go 200 km due to mechanical problems and mud. There were few security issues and contrary to popular belief about African police, they did not insist on bribes, instead generally offering food and help hitching onwards.<br />
<br />
Experience in 2012 from member [[User:Thumbingmyway|Thumbingmyway]] confirms that the above paragraph is accurate in the description of hitching long distances in the DRC.<br />
<br />
== Hitchhiking in the East ==<br />
In early 2010 Hitchwiki member [http://hitchwiki.org/community/members/JeppeRobert/ JeppeRobert] tried hitching in the region. Feel free to send my any questions you might have considering Congo.<br />
<br />
The town of Goma is controlled by the UN. It lies on the border to Rwanda, and is divided from the Rwandan city of Gisenyi by a wall. Because of the huge amount of UN personnel in the town, it is quite easy to get a free ride around town or a few kilometers out of it. If you plan to visit the mountain gorillas in the nearby Volcanos National park, you might get lucky hitching a ride with fellow backpackers. Ask around in the bars or hotels in town. <br />
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.<br />
<br />
Further to the north. The part of the Oriantale province bordering the West-Nile region of Uganda is safe. Day trips from Nebbi or Arua in Uganda are okay. Any further and things become difficult.<br />
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. <br />
<br />
== Hitch-hiking in the South ==<br />
Experience in 2012 from member [[User:Thumbingmyway|Thumbingmyway]] hitching in the south, coming in from [[Kitwe]], [[Zambia]], is as follows: [[Kasumbalesa]] to [[Lubumbashi]], DRC: As you get to the border town, the human & vehicular chaos is intense. There are many scammers and touts offering to escort you through the border, get you a taxi to Lum'bashi etc, be firm and politely ignore them. I found most of them to be Congolese, and that's no judgement on the people or country, just the facts. Don't listen to the lies that you can't change Zambian Kwacha in Lum'bashi, you can. If you want, you can also change at the border at a bureau, or from a private person, if the rate is better.<br />
Leaving [[Kasumbalesa]], [[Zambia]], is easy. Stamp out at the immigration counter (walk around to the back of the building) and that's it. Walk through no-man's land to the the DRC border post. you will be greeted by sentries at the boom-gate. One will will out your details in a register and another will escort you inside where the bribery will begin. They will take you to a room full of men and ask for a fictitious "entry fee" of $20. I refused, and after a while they let me go, but they tried every trick. They then tried to make me pay for injections I didn't need, like Cholera and Typhoid innoculations. I have my Yellow-Fever one so that was fine, but they tried to bribe me there too, even saying I must just pay for the stamps to say that I've had them. I refused and didn't pay. When I eventually got to the immigration counter so the guy could stamp me in to the country, he asked me directly to give him money and I refused. Eventually he stamped me in, but I dug my heels in and left the compound. The sentry whom I first met at the boom-gate then tried to get me a taxi as I was leaving but I declined saying I was hitching. I was in the compound for 45min to an hour, it was tough going, but I refused to be robbed of myn money.<br />
Side note: I got my visa for the DRC in [[South Africa]], from the embassy in [[Pretoria]]. It was about $148 for a 1-month tourist visa. Sent photos, completed application, invitation letters, proof of payment. They rejected my first application as they said I wasn't allowed to hitch in the country. My second stated road transport via cars, and then some flights and they granted me the visa.<br />
<br />
Leaving the border post and heading to [[Lubumbashi]]: Walk out the border compound past all the trucks on your right hand side to the boom-gate and you are in the DRC. The trucks are waiting for their papers to clear and as they come past hitch a ride to [[Lubumbashi]]. Some may have to wait at a customs clearing station a few km up the road for a day or two, so if there is space for you and you are happy to sleep in a truck for a few days, go for it. Of course you can also hitch rides with all the cars and pickups, and 4x4's headed to the city. I got a lift with 3 Americans in a Land Cruiser, and they gave me the front seat, so that was nice of them, and a relaxing trip for me. Leave Kitwe early when heading to this border, you don't want to be stranded here looking for a place to sleep at night because you arrived too late!<br />
<br />
From [[Lubumbashi]] to [[Kolwezi]]: Hitching out of this city may be a problem, it was my first time to [[Kolwezi]], so I had to find out a lot of information etc, and the local concept of hitch-hiking is to take a truck (camion) that is packed with loads of goods, with a but of space for peopple in the front of back, or on top. They pay for their place beforehand, and sometimes the truck only leaves in a few days. <br />
Best to head north out of Lubumbashi to the peage (toll-gate) area and hitch rides from people in cars, 4x4's, trucks going north to [[Likasi]], [[Kolwezi]], etc from there. As there is an army base nearby, the security at the toll-gate consists of soldiers and not police. They are chilled and polite. It's a better bet to hitch from the toll-gate, as you may find space on a truck that has come straight from the border that morning and you can ride in the passenger seat. There is a lay-by just before the toll-gate on the left, so you can approach drivers if they stop there.<br />
As for me, a soldier with an AK-47 said I must let him find me a ride after he saw me speaking to a few truck drivers. He asked three businessmen in the mining industry to take me to Likasi, which they did willingly.<br />
<br />
From [[Likasi]] to [[Kolwezi]]: I was dropped near the main bus/taxi station in town. From there, ask locals about the road to Kolwezi and they will show you. I got a ride in a small truck. It was mostly a dirt road, and quite bad in some places, but otherwise ok.<br />
<br />
== General Tips ==<br />
The Ugandan Shilling and Rwandan franc are the standard currencies in the areas of Congo bordering these places.<br />
<br />
If you get "arrested" by local militias US dollars can buy you out of any trouble. Always have a 10 or 20 dollar note in an easily accessible pocket and at least 50 dollars hidden in your shoes or underwear.<br />
<br />
Get the phone number of someone who can help you.<br />
<br />
Don't be seen hitching a ride with white people in none-NGO cars. They are most likely mercenaries and are hated by the locals.<br />
<br />
Give your country's embassy in Uganda or DR Congo your contact details. It is the fastest way to get info on a sudden chance in the security situation.<br />
<br />
Check, double check and triple check the security situation in any area of the Congo you want to go. Humanitarian NGO's are good for this.<br />
<br />
<br />
__NOTOC__<br />
{{IsIn|Central Africa}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Africa]]</div>Thumbingmywayhttps://hitchwiki.org/en/index.php?title=Democratic_Republic_of_the_Congo&diff=61900Democratic Republic of the Congo2012-06-21T18:17:03Z<p>Thumbingmyway: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{infobox Country<br />
|country = of_the_Democratic_Republic_of_the_Congo<br />
|map = <map lat="-2.6531907779834" lng="22.226453530122" zoom="7" view="0" float="right" /><br />
|language = French<br />
|capital = [[Kinshasa]]<br />
|pop = 71,712,867<br />
|currency = Franc Congo <br />
|hitch = <rating country='cd' /><br />
}}<br />
<br />
The '''Democratic Republic of the Congo''' is a country in central Africa bordering [[Angola]], the [[Republic of the Congo|Republic of Congo]], the [[Central African Republic]], [[South Sudan]], [[Uganda]], [[Rwanda]], [[Burundi]], [[Tanzania]] and [[Zambia]].<br />
<br />
The Democratic Republic of the Congo, often called DR Congo, RDC or Congo-Kinshasa is not to be confused with its neighbour to the north the Republic of the Congo (often called Congo-Brazzaville).<br />
<br />
== Background ==<br />
The second Congo war, known as The African World War in the countries involved, officially came to and end in 2003. In five years of combat, more than 5,4 million people died making in the deadliest war since world war 2.<br />
The aftermath of that war is not over yet. The UN and the armies of several neighboring countries (although most deny it) are heavily represented in DR Congo harvesting the natural resources.<br />
The areas of the country not under the control of foreign forces are mostly run by local militias (Mai-Mai, Hutu etc.), terrorist forces (Lord's Resistance army etc.), European/Zimbabwean mercenaries, or the Congolese Army, of which whole brigades has disbanded forming their own Colonel Kurz style parallel societies.<br />
<br />
Congo is widely recognized as the richest country in the world in terms of natural resources, but it currently has the second lowest GDP per capita in the world.<br />
<br />
It's needless to say, that traveling solo in Congo can be ridiculously dangerous, and is not recommended for anyone.<br />
<br />
== Safe Areas ==<br />
There are 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 Congo. 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!<br />
<br />
Experience in 2012 from member [http://hitchwiki.org/community/members/Thumbingmyway/ Thumbingmyway] goes to show that the above paragraph is not up to date, with all due respect. One can hitch-hike across the DRC from Lubumbashi to Kinshasa in 2 or 3 weeks, weather, road conditions, and vehicle reliability taken into account. The drivers of vehicles will expect payment. The mere presence of a westerner makes instantly far wealthier than more than 80% of the population, which is incredibly impoverished. However, hitch-hiking long distances is more than possible.<br />
<br />
== Hitchhiking in Kinshasa ==<br />
<br />
Kinshasa is a huge city a population of more than 10 million. It is considered on the same level as high risk African capitals as Lagos or Nairobi. <br />
<br />
"Hitchhiking" is the main way anyone without a car gets around in Kinshasa, as there is no public transit system. When waving at the cars you will get a ride in a matter of seconds, although at busy time there will be 15 other people on every corner, also waiving at cars. If you are travelling within Kinshasa, it helps if you ask for the hand signal for your destination neighbourhood. Drivers will look for people signalling for the same destination as them and may not waste their time stopping otherwise. You will be expected to pay for your ride.<br />
<br />
Experience in 2012 from member [http://hitchwiki.org/community/members/Thumbingmyway/ Thumbingmyway] goes to show that the above paragraph is not up to date, with all due respect. There is public transport in Kinshasa, in the form of motorcycle taxis, shared minibuses, buses, and shared car taxis. It may not be "publi transport" in the truest sense as it's mostly privately owned and not government provided, but in that respect it conforms with the rest of Africa in transport forms. The writer of this post found that the majority of the Kinshasa public uses one of these forms of transport, and also used it many times himself, finding it safe and reliable. Hitching within the city is possible.<br />
<br />
== Hitchhiking in the West ==<br />
<br />
Many Congolese will tell you that the road shown on maps connecting Kinshasa in the west to Lumbumbashi in the south does not exist or is impassable. In 2011 Hitchwiki member [http://hitchwiki.org/community/members/Notapalooka/ Alyssa] hitched the route. It took about 25 days of being on the road every day (or sometimes being stuck in the mud, but still on the road). There were very few vehicles passing - maybe 5 a day, all bug trucks in terrible condition that were extremely overloaded. At one point a hitched ride in a truck took 6 days to go 200 km due to mechanical problems and mud. There were few security issues and contrary to popular belief about African police, they did not insist on bribes, instead generally offering food and help hitching onwards.<br />
<br />
Experience in 2012 from member [http://hitchwiki.org/community/members/Thumbingmyway/ Thumbingmyway] confirms that the above paragraph is accurate in the description of hitching long distances in the DRC.<br />
<br />
== Hitchhiking in the East ==<br />
In early 2010 Hitchwiki member [http://hitchwiki.org/community/members/JeppeRobert/ JeppeRobert] tried hitching in the region. Feel free to send my any questions you might have considering Congo.<br />
<br />
The town of Goma is controlled by the UN. It lies on the border to Rwanda, and is divided from the Rwandan city of Gisenyi by a wall. Because of the huge amount of UN personnel in the town, it is quite easy to get a free ride around town or a few kilometers out of it. If you plan to visit the mountain gorillas in the nearby Volcanos National park, you might get lucky hitching a ride with fellow backpackers. Ask around in the bars or hotels in town. <br />
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.<br />
<br />
Further to the north. The part of the Oriantale province bordering the West-Nile region of Uganda is safe. Day trips from Nebbi or Arua in Uganda are okay. Any further and things become difficult.<br />
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. <br />
<br />
== Hitch-hiking in the South ==<br />
Experience in 2012 from member [[User:Thumbingmyway|Thumbingmyway]] hitching in the south, coming in from [[Kitwe]], [[Zambia]], is as follows: [[Kasumbalesa]] to [[Lubumbashi]], DRC: As you get to the border town, the human & vehicular chaos is intense. There are many scammers and touts offering to escort you through the border, get you a taxi to Lum'bashi etc, be firm and politely ignore them. I found most of them to be Congolese, and that's no judgement on the people or country, just the facts. Don't listen to the lies that you can't change Zambian Kwacha in Lum'bashi, you can. If you want, you can also change at the border at a bureau, or from a private person, if the rate is better.<br />
Leaving [[Kasumbalesa]], [[Zambia]], is easy. Stamp out at the immigration counter (walk around to the back of the building) and that's it. Walk through no-man's land to the the DRC border post. you will be greeted by sentries at the boom-gate. One will will out your details in a register and another will escort you inside where the bribery will begin. They will take you to a room full of men and ask for a fictitious "entry fee" of $20. I refused, and after a while they let me go, but they tried every trick. They then tried to make me pay for injections I didn't need, like Cholera and Typhoid innoculations. I have my Yellow-Fever one so that was fine, but they tried to bribe me there too, even saying I must just pay for the stamps to say that I've had them. I refused and didn't pay. When I eventually got to the immigration counter so the guy could stamp me in to the country, he asked me directly to give him money and I refused. Eventually he stamped me in, but I dug my heels in and left the compound. The sentry whom I first met at the boom-gate then tried to get me a taxi as I was leaving but I declined saying I was hitching. I was in the compound for 45min to an hour, it was tough going, but I refused to be robbed of myn money.<br />
Side note: I got my visa for the DRC in [[South Africa]], from the embassy in [[Pretoria]]. It was about $148 for a 1-month tourist visa. Sent photos, completed application, invitation letters, proof of payment. They rejected my first application as they said I wasn't allowed to hitch in the country. My second stated road transport via cars, and then some flights and they granted me the visa.<br />
<br />
Leaving the border post and heading to [[Lubumbashi]]: Walk out the border compound past all the trucks on your right hand side to the boom-gate and you are in the DRC. The trucks are waiting for their papers to clear and as they come past hitch a ride to [[Lubumbashi]]. Some may have to wait at a customs clearing station a few km up the road for a day or two, so if there is space for you and you are happy to sleep in a truck for a few days, go for it. Of course you can also hitch rides with all the cars and pickups, and 4x4's headed to the city. I got a lift with 3 Americans in a Land Cruiser, and they gave me the front seat, so that was nice of them, and a relaxing trip for me. Leave Kitwe early when heading to this border, you don't want to be stranded here looking for a place to sleep at night because you arrived too late!<br />
<br />
From [[Lubumbashi]] to [[Kolwezi]]: Hitching out of this city may be a problem, it was my first time to [[Kolwezi]], so I had to find out a lot of information etc, and the local concept of hitch-hiking is to take a truck (camion) that is packed with loads of goods, with a but of space for peopple in the front of back, or on top. They pay for their place beforehand, and sometimes the truck only leaves in a few days. <br />
Best to head north out of Lubumbashi to the peage (toll-gate) area and hitch rides from people in cars, 4x4's, trucks going north to [[Likasi]], [[Kolwezi]], etc from there. As there is an army base nearby, the security at the toll-gate consists of soldiers and not police. They are chilled and polite. It's a better bet to hitch from the toll-gate, as you may find space on a truck that has come straight from the border that morning and you can ride in the passenger seat. There is a lay-by just before the toll-gate on the left, so you can approach drivers if they stop there.<br />
As for me, a soldier with an AK-47 said I must let him find me a ride after he saw me speaking to a few truck drivers. He asked three businessmen in the mining industry to take me to Likasi, which they did willingly.<br />
<br />
From [[Likasi]] to [[Kolwezi]]: I was dropped near the main bus/taxi station in town. From there, ask locals about the road to Kolwezi and they will show you. I got a ride in a small truck. It was mostly a dirt road, and quite bad in some places, but otherwise ok.<br />
<br />
== General Tips ==<br />
The Ugandan Shilling and Rwandan franc are the standard currencies in the areas of Congo bordering these places.<br />
<br />
If you get "arrested" by local militias US dollars can buy you out of any trouble. Always have a 10 or 20 dollar note in an easily accessible pocket and at least 50 dollars hidden in your shoes or underwear.<br />
<br />
Get the phone number of someone who can help you.<br />
<br />
Don't be seen hitching a ride with white people in none-NGO cars. They are most likely mercenaries and are hated by the locals.<br />
<br />
Give your country's embassy in Uganda or DR Congo your contact details. It is the fastest way to get info on a sudden chance in the security situation.<br />
<br />
Check, double check and triple check the security situation in any area of the Congo you want to go. Humanitarian NGO's are good for this.<br />
<br />
<br />
__NOTOC__<br />
{{IsIn|Central Africa}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Africa]]</div>Thumbingmywayhttps://hitchwiki.org/en/index.php?title=Democratic_Republic_of_the_Congo&diff=61899Democratic Republic of the Congo2012-06-21T18:06:27Z<p>Thumbingmyway: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{infobox Country<br />
|country = of_the_Democratic_Republic_of_the_Congo<br />
|map = <map lat="-2.6531907779834" lng="22.226453530122" zoom="7" view="0" float="right" /><br />
|language = French<br />
|capital = [[Kinshasa]]<br />
|pop = 71,712,867<br />
|currency = Franc Congo <br />
|hitch = <rating country='cd' /><br />
}}<br />
<br />
The '''Democratic Republic of the Congo''' is a country in central Africa bordering [[Angola]], the [[Republic of the Congo|Republic of Congo]], the [[Central African Republic]], [[South Sudan]], [[Uganda]], [[Rwanda]], [[Burundi]], [[Tanzania]] and [[Zambia]].<br />
<br />
The Democratic Republic of the Congo, often called DR Congo, RDC or Congo-Kinshasa is not to be confused with its neighbour to the north the Republic of the Congo (often called Congo-Brazzaville).<br />
<br />
== Background ==<br />
The second Congo war, known as The African World War in the countries involved, officially came to and end in 2003. In five years of combat, more than 5,4 million people died making in the deadliest war since world war 2.<br />
The aftermath of that war is not over yet. The UN and the armies of several neighboring countries (although most deny it) are heavily represented in DR Congo harvesting the natural resources.<br />
The areas of the country not under the control of foreign forces are mostly run by local militias (Mai-Mai, Hutu etc.), terrorist forces (Lord's Resistance army etc.), European/Zimbabwean mercenaries, or the Congolese Army, of which whole brigades has disbanded forming their own Colonel Kurz style parallel societies.<br />
<br />
Congo is widely recognized as the richest country in the world in terms of natural resources, but it currently has the second lowest GDP per capita in the world.<br />
<br />
It's needless to say, that traveling solo in Congo can be ridiculously dangerous, and is not recommended for anyone.<br />
<br />
== Safe Areas ==<br />
There are 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 Congo. 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!<br />
<br />
Experience in 2012 from member [http://hitchwiki.org/community/members/Thumbingmyway/ Thumbingmyway] goes to show that the above paragraph is not up to date, with all due respect. One can hitch-hike across the DRC from Lubumbashi to Kinshasa in 2 or 3 weeks, weather, road conditions, and vehicle reliability taken into account. The drivers of vehicles will expect payment. The mere presence of a westerner makes instantly far wealthier than more than 80% of the population, which is incredibly impoverished. However, hitch-hiking long distances is more than possible.<br />
<br />
== Hitchhiking in Kinshasa ==<br />
<br />
Kinshasa is a huge city a population of more than 10 million. It is considered on the same level as high risk African capitals as Lagos or Nairobi. <br />
<br />
"Hitchhiking" is the main way anyone without a car gets around in Kinshasa, as there is no public transit system. When waving at the cars you will get a ride in a matter of seconds, although at busy time there will be 15 other people on every corner, also waiving at cars. If you are travelling within Kinshasa, it helps if you ask for the hand signal for your destination neighbourhood. Drivers will look for people signalling for the same destination as them and may not waste their time stopping otherwise. You will be expected to pay for your ride.<br />
<br />
Experience in 2012 from member [http://hitchwiki.org/community/members/Thumbingmyway/ Thumbingmyway] goes to show that the above paragraph is not up to date, with all due respect. There is public transport in Kinshasa, in the form of motorcycle taxis, shared minibuses, buses, and shared car taxis. It may not be "publi transport" in the truest sense as it's mostly privately owned and not government provided, but in that respect it conforms with the rest of Africa in transport forms. The writer of this post found that the majority of the Kinshasa public uses one of these forms of transport, and also used it many times himself, finding it safe and reliable. Hitching within the city is possible.<br />
<br />
== Hitchhiking in the West ==<br />
<br />
Many Congolese will tell you that the road shown on maps connecting Kinshasa in the west to Lumbumbashi in the south does not exist or is impassable. In 2011 Hitchwiki member [http://hitchwiki.org/community/members/Notapalooka/ Alyssa] hitched the route. It took about 25 days of being on the road every day (or sometimes being stuck in the mud, but still on the road). There were very few vehicles passing - maybe 5 a day, all bug trucks in terrible condition that were extremely overloaded. At one point a hitched ride in a truck took 6 days to go 200 km due to mechanical problems and mud. There were few security issues and contrary to popular belief about African police, they did not insist on bribes, instead generally offering food and help hitching onwards.<br />
<br />
Experience in 2012 from member [http://hitchwiki.org/community/members/Thumbingmyway/ Thumbingmyway] confirms that the above paragraph is accurate in the description of hitching long distances in the DRC.<br />
<br />
== Hitchhiking in the East ==<br />
In early 2010 Hitchwiki member [http://hitchwiki.org/community/members/JeppeRobert/ JeppeRobert] tried hitching in the region. Feel free to send my any questions you might have considering Congo.<br />
<br />
The town of Goma is controlled by the UN. It lies on the border to Rwanda, and is divided from the Rwandan city of Gisenyi by a wall. Because of the huge amount of UN personnel in the town, it is quite easy to get a free ride around town or a few kilometers out of it. If you plan to visit the mountain gorillas in the nearby Volcanos National park, you might get lucky hitching a ride with fellow backpackers. Ask around in the bars or hotels in town. <br />
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.<br />
<br />
Further to the north. The part of the Oriantale province bordering the West-Nile region of Uganda is safe. Day trips from Nebbi or Arua in Uganda are okay. Any further and things become difficult.<br />
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. <br />
<br />
== Hitch-hiking in the South ==<br />
Experience in 2012 from member [http://hitchwiki.org/community/members/Thumbingmyway/ Thumbingmyway] hitching in the south, coming in from [[Kitwe]], [[Zambia]], is as follows: [[Kasumbalesa]] to [[Lubumbashi]], DRC: As you get to the border town, the human & vehicular chaos is intense. There are many scammers and touts offering to escort you through the border, get you a taxi to Lum'bashi etc, be firm and politely ignore them. I found most of them to be Congolese, and that's no judgement on the people or country, just the facts. Don't listen to the lies that you can't change Zambian Kwacha in Lum'bashi, you can. If you want, you can also change at the border at a bureau, or from a private person, if the rate is better.<br />
Leaving [[Kasumbalesa]], [[Zambia]], is easy. Stamp out at the immigration counter (walk around to the back of the building) and that's it. Walk through no-man's land to the the DRC border post. you will be greeted by sentries at the boom-gate. One will will out your details in a register and another will escort you inside where the bribery will begin. They will take you to a room full of men and ask for a fictitious "entry fee" of $20. I refused, and after a while they let me go, but they tried every trick. They then tried to make me pay for injections I didn't need, like Cholera and Typhoid innoculations. I have my Yellow-Fever one so that was fine, but they tried to bribe me there too, even saying I must just pay for the stamps to say that I've had them. I refused and didn't pay. When I eventually got to the immigration counter so the guy could stamp me in to the country, he asked me directly to give him money and I refused. Eventually he stamped me in, but I dug my heels in and left the compound. The sentry whom I first met at the boom-gate then tried to get me a taxi as I was leaving but I declined saying I was hitching. I was in the compound for 45min to an hour, it was tough going, but I refused to be robbed of myn money.<br />
Side note: I got my visa for the DRC in [[South Africa]], from the embassy in [[Pretoria]]. It was about $148 for a 1-month tourist visa. Sent photos, completed application, invitation letters, proof of payment. They rejected my first application as they said I wasn't allowed to hitch in the country. My second stated road transport via cars, and then some flights and they granted me the visa.<br />
<br />
Leaving the border post and heading to [[Lubumbashi]]: Walk out the border compound past all the trucks on your right hand side to the boom-gate and you are in the DRC. The trucks are waiting for their papers to clear and as they come past hitch a ride to [[Lubumbashi]]. Some may have to wait at a customs clearing station a few km up the road for a day or two, so if there is space for you and you are happy to sleep in a truck for a few days, go for it. Of course you can also hitch rides with all the cars and pickups, and 4x4's headed to the city. I got a lift with 3 Americans in a Land Cruiser, and they gave me the front seat, so that was nice of them, and a relaxing trip for me. Leave Kitwe early when heading to this border, you don't want to be stranded here looking for a place to sleep at night because you arrived too late!<br />
<br />
From [[Lubumbashi]] to [[Kolwezi]]: Hitching out of this city may be a problem, it was my first time to [[Kolwezi]], so I had to find out a lot of information etc, and the local concept of hitch-hiking is to take a truck (camion) that is packed with loads of goods, with a but of space for peopple in the front of back, or on top. They pay for their place beforehand, and sometimes the truck only leaves in a few days. <br />
Best to head north out of Lubumbashi to the peage (toll-gate) area and hitch rides from people in cars, 4x4's, trucks going north to [[Likasi]], [[Kolwezi]], etc from there. As there is an army base nearby, the security at the toll-gate consists of soldiers and not police. They are chilled and polite. It's a better bet to hitch from the toll-gate, as you may find space on a truck that has come straight from the border that morning and you can ride in the passenger seat. There is a lay-by just before the toll-gate on the left, so you can approach drivers if they stop there.<br />
As for me, a soldier with an AK-47 said I must let him find me a ride after he saw me speaking to a few truck drivers. He asked three businessmen in the mining industry to take me to Likasi, which they did willingly.<br />
<br />
From [[Likasi]] to [[Kolwezi]]: I was dropped near the main bus/taxi station in town. From there, ask locals about the road to Kolwezi and they will show you. I got a ride in a small truck. It was mostly a dirt road, and quite bad in some places, but otherwise ok.<br />
<br />
== General Tips ==<br />
The Ugandan Shilling and Rwandan franc are the standard currencies in the areas of Congo bordering these places.<br />
<br />
If you get "arrested" by local militias US dollars can buy you out of any trouble. Always have a 10 or 20 dollar note in an easily accessible pocket and at least 50 dollars hidden in your shoes or underwear.<br />
<br />
Get the phone number of someone who can help you.<br />
<br />
Don't be seen hitching a ride with white people in none-NGO cars. They are most likely mercenaries and are hated by the locals.<br />
<br />
Give your country's embassy in Uganda or DR Congo your contact details. It is the fastest way to get info on a sudden chance in the security situation.<br />
<br />
Check, double check and triple check the security situation in any area of the Congo you want to go. Humanitarian NGO's are good for this.<br />
<br />
<br />
__NOTOC__<br />
{{IsIn|Central Africa}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Africa]]</div>Thumbingmywayhttps://hitchwiki.org/en/index.php?title=Democratic_Republic_of_the_Congo&diff=61898Democratic Republic of the Congo2012-06-21T18:02:19Z<p>Thumbingmyway: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{infobox Country<br />
|country = of_the_Democratic_Republic_of_the_Congo<br />
|map = <map lat="-2.6531907779834" lng="22.226453530122" zoom="7" view="0" float="right" /><br />
|language = French<br />
|capital = [[Kinshasa]]<br />
|pop = 71,712,867<br />
|currency = Franc Congo <br />
|hitch = <rating country='cd' /><br />
}}<br />
<br />
The '''Democratic Republic of the Congo''' is a country in central Africa bordering [[Angola]], the [[Republic of the Congo|Republic of Congo]], the [[Central African Republic]], [[South Sudan]], [[Uganda]], [[Rwanda]], [[Burundi]], [[Tanzania]] and [[Zambia]].<br />
<br />
The Democratic Republic of the Congo, often called DR Congo, RDC or Congo-Kinshasa is not to be confused with its neighbour to the north the Republic of the Congo (often called Congo-Brazzaville).<br />
<br />
== Background ==<br />
The second Congo war, known as The African World War in the countries involved, officially came to and end in 2003. In five years of combat, more than 5,4 million people died making in the deadliest war since world war 2.<br />
The aftermath of that war is not over yet. The UN and the armies of several neighboring countries (although most deny it) are heavily represented in DR Congo harvesting the natural resources.<br />
The areas of the country not under the control of foreign forces are mostly run by local militias (Mai-Mai, Hutu etc.), terrorist forces (Lord's Resistance army etc.), European/Zimbabwean mercenaries, or the Congolese Army, of which whole brigades has disbanded forming their own Colonel Kurz style parallel societies.<br />
<br />
Congo is widely recognized as the richest country in the world in terms of natural resources, but it currently has the second lowest GDP per capita in the world.<br />
<br />
It's needless to say, that traveling solo in Congo can be ridiculously dangerous, and is not recommended for anyone.<br />
<br />
== Safe Areas ==<br />
There are 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 Congo. 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!<br />
<br />
Experience in 2012 from member [http://hitchwiki.org/community/members/Thumbingmyway/ Thumbingmyway] goes to show that the above paragraph is not up to date, with all due respect. One can hitch-hike across the DRC from Lubumbashi to Kinshasa in 2 or 3 weeks, weather, road conditions, and vehicle reliability taken into account. The drivers of vehicles will expect payment. The mere presence of a westerner makes instantly far wealthier than more than 80% of the population, which is incredibly impoverished. However, hitch-hiking long distances is more than possible.<br />
<br />
== Hitchhiking in Kinshasa ==<br />
<br />
Kinshasa is a huge city a population of more than 10 million. It is considered on the same level as high risk African capitals as Lagos or Nairobi. <br />
<br />
"Hitchhiking" is the main way anyone without a car gets around in Kinshasa, as there is no public transit system. When waving at the cars you will get a ride in a matter of seconds, although at busy time there will be 15 other people on every corner, also waiving at cars. If you are travelling within Kinshasa, it helps if you ask for the hand signal for your destination neighbourhood. Drivers will look for people signalling for the same destination as them and may not waste their time stopping otherwise. You will be expected to pay for your ride.<br />
<br />
Experience in 2012 from member [http://hitchwiki.org/community/members/Thumbingmyway/ Thumbingmyway] goes to show that the above paragraph is not up to date, with all due respect. There is public transport in Kinshasa, in the form of motorcycle taxis, shared minibuses, buses, and shared car taxis. It may not be "publi transport" in the truest sense as it's mostly privately owned and not government provided, but in that respect it conforms with the rest of Africa in transport forms. The writer of this post found that the majority of the Kinshasa public uses one of these forms of transport, and also used it many times himself, finding it safe and reliable. Hitching within the city is possible.<br />
<br />
== Hitchhiking in the West ==<br />
<br />
Many Congolese will tell you that the road shown on maps connecting Kinshasa in the west to Lumbumbashi in the south does not exist or is impassable. In 2011 Hitchwiki member [http://hitchwiki.org/community/members/Notapalooka/ Alyssa] hitched the route. It took about 25 days of being on the road every day (or sometimes being stuck in the mud, but still on the road). There were very few vehicles passing - maybe 5 a day, all bug trucks in terrible condition that were extremely overloaded. At one point a hitched ride in a truck took 6 days to go 200 km due to mechanical problems and mud. There were few security issues and contrary to popular belief about African police, they did not insist on bribes, instead generally offering food and help hitching onwards.<br />
<br />
== Hitchhiking in the East ==<br />
In early 2010 Hitchwiki member [http://hitchwiki.org/community/members/JeppeRobert/ JeppeRobert] tried hitching in the region. Feel free to send my any questions you might have considering Congo.<br />
<br />
The town of Goma is controlled by the UN. It lies on the border to Rwanda, and is divided from the Rwandan city of Gisenyi by a wall. Because of the huge amount of UN personnel in the town, it is quite easy to get a free ride around town or a few kilometers out of it. If you plan to visit the mountain gorillas in the nearby Volcanos National park, you might get lucky hitching a ride with fellow backpackers. Ask around in the bars or hotels in town. <br />
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.<br />
<br />
Further to the north. The part of the Oriantale province bordering the West-Nile region of Uganda is safe. Day trips from Nebbi or Arua in Uganda are okay. Any further and things become difficult.<br />
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. <br />
<br />
== Hitch-hiking in the South ==<br />
Experience in 2012 from member [http://hitchwiki.org/community/members/Thumbingmyway/ Thumbingmyway] hitching in the south, coming in from [[Kitwe]], [[Zambia]], is as follows: [[Kasumbalesa]] to [[Lubumbashi]], DRC: As you get to the border town, the human & vehicular chaos is intense. There are many scammers and touts offering to escort you through the border, get you a taxi to Lum'bashi etc, be firm and politely ignore them. I found most of them to be Congolese, and that's no judgement on the people or country, just the facts. Don't listen to the lies that you can't change Zambian Kwacha in Lum'bashi, you can. If you want, you can also change at the border at a bureau, or from a private person, if the rate is better.<br />
Leaving [[Kasumbalesa]], [[Zambia]], is easy. Stamp out at the immigration counter (walk around to the back of the building) and that's it. Walk through no-man's land to the the DRC border post. you will be greeted by sentries at the boom-gate. One will will out your details in a register and another will escort you inside where the bribery will begin. They will take you to a room full of men and ask for a fictitious "entry fee" of $20. I refused, and after a while they let me go, but they tried every trick. They then tried to make me pay for injections I didn't need, like Cholera and Typhoid innoculations. I have my Yellow-Fever one so that was fine, but they tried to bribe me there too, even saying I must just pay for the stamps to say that I've had them. I refused and didn't pay. When I eventually got to the immigration counter so the guy could stamp me in to the country, he asked me directly to give him money and I refused. Eventually he stamped me in, but I dug my heels in and left the compound. The sentry whom I first met at the boom-gate then tried to get me a taxi as I was leaving but I declined saying I was hitching. I was in the compound for 45min to an hour, it was tough going, but I refused to be robbed of myn money.<br />
Side note: I got my visa for the DRC in [[South Africa]], from the embassy in [[Pretoria]]. It was about $148 for a 1-month tourist visa. Sent photos, completed application, invitation letters, proof of payment. They rejected my first application as they said I wasn't allowed to hitch in the country. My second stated road transport via cars, and then some flights and they granted me the visa.<br />
<br />
Leaving the border post and heading to [[Lubumbashi]]: Walk out the border compound past all the trucks on your right hand side to the boom-gate and you are in the DRC. The trucks are waiting for their papers to clear and as they come past hitch a ride to [[Lubumbashi]]. Some may have to wait at a customs clearing station a few km up the road for a day or two, so if there is space for you and you are happy to sleep in a truck for a few days, go for it. Of course you can also hitch rides with all the cars and pickups, and 4x4's headed to the city. I got a lift with 3 Americans in a Land Cruiser, and they gave me the front seat, so that was nice of them, and a relaxing trip for me. Leave Kitwe early when heading to this border, you don't want to be stranded here looking for a place to sleep at night because you arrived too late!<br />
<br />
From [[Lubumbashi]] to [[Kolwezi]]: Hitching out of this city may be a problem, it was my first time to [[Kolwezi]], so I had to find out a lot of information etc, and the local concept of hitch-hiking is to take a truck (camion) that is packed with loads of goods, with a but of space for peopple in the front of back, or on top. They pay for their place beforehand, and sometimes the truck only leaves in a few days. <br />
Best to head north out of Lubumbashi to the peage (toll-gate) area and hitch rides from people in cars, 4x4's, trucks going north to [[Likasi]], [[Kolwezi]], etc from there. As there is an army base nearby, the security at the toll-gate consists of soldiers and not police. They are chilled and polite. It's a better bet to hitch from the toll-gate, as you may find space on a truck that has come straight from the border that morning and you can ride in the passenger seat. There is a lay-by just before the toll-gate on the left, so you can approach drivers if they stop there.<br />
As for me, a soldier with an AK-47 said I must let him find me a ride after he saw me speaking to a few truck drivers. He asked three businessmen in the mining industry to take me to Likasi, which they did willingly.<br />
<br />
From [[Likasi]] to [[Kolwezi]]: I was dropped near the main bus/taxi station in town. From there, ask locals about the road to Kolwezi and they will show you. I got a ride in a small truck. It was mostly a dirt road, and quite bad in some places, but otherwise ok.<br />
<br />
== General Tips ==<br />
The Ugandan Shilling and Rwandan franc are the standard currencies in the areas of Congo bordering these places.<br />
<br />
If you get "arrested" by local militias US dollars can buy you out of any trouble. Always have a 10 or 20 dollar note in an easily accessible pocket and at least 50 dollars hidden in your shoes or underwear.<br />
<br />
Get the phone number of someone who can help you.<br />
<br />
Don't be seen hitching a ride with white people in none-NGO cars. They are most likely mercenaries and are hated by the locals.<br />
<br />
Give your country's embassy in Uganda or DR Congo your contact details. It is the fastest way to get info on a sudden chance in the security situation.<br />
<br />
Check, double check and triple check the security situation in any area of the Congo you want to go. Humanitarian NGO's are good for this.<br />
<br />
<br />
__NOTOC__<br />
{{IsIn|Central Africa}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Africa]]</div>Thumbingmywayhttps://hitchwiki.org/en/index.php?title=Democratic_Republic_of_the_Congo&diff=61897Democratic Republic of the Congo2012-06-21T17:57:46Z<p>Thumbingmyway: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{infobox Country<br />
|country = of_the_Democratic_Republic_of_the_Congo<br />
|map = <map lat="-2.6531907779834" lng="22.226453530122" zoom="7" view="0" float="right" /><br />
|language = French<br />
|capital = [[Kinshasa]]<br />
|pop = 71,712,867<br />
|currency = Franc Congo <br />
|hitch = <rating country='cd' /><br />
}}<br />
<br />
The '''Democratic Republic of the Congo''' is a country in central Africa bordering [[Angola]], the [[Republic of the Congo|Republic of Congo]], the [[Central African Republic]], [[South Sudan]], [[Uganda]], [[Rwanda]], [[Burundi]], [[Tanzania]] and [[Zambia]].<br />
<br />
The Democratic Republic of the Congo, often called DR Congo, RDC or Congo-Kinshasa is not to be confused with its neighbour to the north the Republic of the Congo (often called Congo-Brazzaville).<br />
<br />
== Background ==<br />
The second Congo war, known as The African World War in the countries involved, officially came to and end in 2003. In five years of combat, more than 5,4 million people died making in the deadliest war since world war 2.<br />
The aftermath of that war is not over yet. The UN and the armies of several neighboring countries (although most deny it) are heavily represented in DR Congo harvesting the natural resources.<br />
The areas of the country not under the control of foreign forces are mostly run by local militias (Mai-Mai, Hutu etc.), terrorist forces (Lord's Resistance army etc.), European/Zimbabwean mercenaries, or the Congolese Army, of which whole brigades has disbanded forming their own Colonel Kurz style parallel societies.<br />
<br />
Congo is widely recognized as the richest country in the world in terms of natural resources, but it currently has the second lowest GDP per capita in the world.<br />
<br />
It's needless to say, that traveling solo in Congo can be ridiculously dangerous, and is not recommended for anyone.<br />
<br />
== Safe Areas ==<br />
There are 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 Congo. 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!<br />
<br />
Experience in 2012 from member [http://hitchwiki.org/community/members/Thumbingmyway/ Thumbingmyway] goes to show that the above paragraph is not up to date, with all due respect. One can hitch-hike across the DRC from Lubumbashi to Kinshasa in 2 or 3 weeks, weather, road conditions, and vehicle reliability taken into account. The drivers of vehicles will expect payment. The mere presence of a westerner makes instantly far wealthier than more than 80% of the population, which is incredibly impoverished. However, hitch-hiking long distances is more than possible.<br />
<br />
== Hitchhiking in Kinshasa ==<br />
<br />
Kinshasa is a huge city a population of more than 10 million. It is considered on the same level as high risk African capitals as Lagos or Nairobi. <br />
<br />
"Hitchhiking" is the main way anyone without a car gets around in Kinshasa, as there is no public transit system. When waving at the cars you will get a ride in a matter of seconds, although at busy time there will be 15 other people on every corner, also waiving at cars. If you are travelling within Kinshasa, it helps if you ask for the hand signal for your destination neighbourhood. Drivers will look for people signalling for the same destination as them and may not waste their time stopping otherwise. You will be expected to pay for your ride.<br />
<br />
<br />
== Hitchhiking in the West ==<br />
<br />
Many Congolese will tell you that the road shown on maps connecting Kinshasa in the west to Lumbumbashi in the south does not exist or is impassable. In 2011 Hitchwiki member [http://hitchwiki.org/community/members/Notapalooka/ Alyssa] hitched the route. It took about 25 days of being on the road every day (or sometimes being stuck in the mud, but still on the road). There were very few vehicles passing - maybe 5 a day, all bug trucks in terrible condition that were extremely overloaded. At one point a hitched ride in a truck took 6 days to go 200 km due to mechanical problems and mud. There were few security issues and contrary to popular belief about African police, they did not insist on bribes, instead generally offering food and help hitching onwards.<br />
<br />
== Hitchhiking in the East ==<br />
In early 2010 Hitchwiki member [http://hitchwiki.org/community/members/JeppeRobert/ JeppeRobert] tried hitching in the region. Feel free to send my any questions you might have considering Congo.<br />
<br />
The town of Goma is controlled by the UN. It lies on the border to Rwanda, and is divided from the Rwandan city of Gisenyi by a wall. Because of the huge amount of UN personnel in the town, it is quite easy to get a free ride around town or a few kilometers out of it. If you plan to visit the mountain gorillas in the nearby Volcanos National park, you might get lucky hitching a ride with fellow backpackers. Ask around in the bars or hotels in town. <br />
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.<br />
<br />
Further to the north. The part of the Oriantale province bordering the West-Nile region of Uganda is safe. Day trips from Nebbi or Arua in Uganda are okay. Any further and things become difficult.<br />
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. <br />
<br />
== Hitch-hiking in the South ==<br />
Experience in 2012 from member [http://hitchwiki.org/community/members/Thumbingmyway/ Thumbingmyway] hitching in the south, coming in from [[Kitwe]], [[Zambia]], is as follows: [[Kasumbalesa]] to [[Lubumbashi]], DRC: As you get to the border town, the human & vehicular chaos is intense. There are many scammers and touts offering to escort you through the border, get you a taxi to Lum'bashi etc, be firm and politely ignore them. I found most of them to be Congolese, and that's no judgement on the people or country, just the facts. Don't listen to the lies that you can't change Zambian Kwacha in Lum'bashi, you can. If you want, you can also change at the border at a bureau, or from a private person, if the rate is better.<br />
Leaving [[Kasumbalesa]], [[Zambia]], is easy. Stamp out at the immigration counter (walk around to the back of the building) and that's it. Walk through no-man's land to the the DRC border post. you will be greeted by sentries at the boom-gate. One will will out your details in a register and another will escort you inside where the bribery will begin. They will take you to a room full of men and ask for a fictitious "entry fee" of $20. I refused, and after a while they let me go, but they tried every trick. They then tried to make me pay for injections I didn't need, like Cholera and Typhoid innoculations. I have my Yellow-Fever one so that was fine, but they tried to bribe me there too, even saying I must just pay for the stamps to say that I've had them. I refused and didn't pay. When I eventually got to the immigration counter so the guy could stamp me in to the country, he asked me directly to give him money and I refused. Eventually he stamped me in, but I dug my heels in and left the compound. The sentry whom I first met at the boom-gate then tried to get me a taxi as I was leaving but I declined saying I was hitching. I was in the compound for 45min to an hour, it was tough going, but I refused to be robbed of myn money.<br />
Side note: I got my visa for the DRC in [[South Africa]], from the embassy in [[Pretoria]]. It was about $148 for a 1-month tourist visa. Sent photos, completed application, invitation letters, proof of payment. They rejected my first application as they said I wasn't allowed to hitch in the country. My second stated road transport via cars, and then some flights and they granted me the visa.<br />
<br />
Leaving the border post and heading to [[Lubumbashi]]: Walk out the border compound past all the trucks on your right hand side to the boom-gate and you are in the DRC. The trucks are waiting for their papers to clear and as they come past hitch a ride to [[Lubumbashi]]. Some may have to wait at a customs clearing station a few km up the road for a day or two, so if there is space for you and you are happy to sleep in a truck for a few days, go for it. Of course you can also hitch rides with all the cars and pickups, and 4x4's headed to the city. I got a lift with 3 Americans in a Land Cruiser, and they gave me the front seat, so that was nice of them, and a relaxing trip for me. Leave Kitwe early when heading to this border, you don't want to be stranded here looking for a place to sleep at night because you arrived too late!<br />
<br />
From [[Lubumbashi]] to [[Kolwezi]]: Hitching out of this city may be a problem, it was my first time to [[Kolwezi]], so I had to find out a lot of information etc, and the local concept of hitch-hiking is to take a truck (camion) that is packed with loads of goods, with a but of space for peopple in the front of back, or on top. They pay for their place beforehand, and sometimes the truck only leaves in a few days. <br />
Best to head north out of Lubumbashi to the peage (toll-gate) area and hitch rides from people in cars, 4x4's, trucks going north to [[Likasi]], [[Kolwezi]], etc from there. As there is an army base nearby, the security at the toll-gate consists of soldiers and not police. They are chilled and polite. It's a better bet to hitch from the toll-gate, as you may find space on a truck that has come straight from the border that morning and you can ride in the passenger seat. There is a lay-by just before the toll-gate on the left, so you can approach drivers if they stop there.<br />
As for me, a soldier with an AK-47 said I must let him find me a ride after he saw me speaking to a few truck drivers. He asked three businessmen in the mining industry to take me to Likasi, which they did willingly.<br />
<br />
From [[Likasi]] to [[Kolwezi]]: I was dropped near the main bus/taxi station in town. From there, ask locals about the road to Kolwezi and they will show you. I got a ride in a small truck. It was mostly a dirt road, and quite bad in some places, but otherwise ok.<br />
<br />
== General Tips ==<br />
The Ugandan Shilling and Rwandan franc are the standard currencies in the areas of Congo bordering these places.<br />
<br />
If you get "arrested" by local militias US dollars can buy you out of any trouble. Always have a 10 or 20 dollar note in an easily accessible pocket and at least 50 dollars hidden in your shoes or underwear.<br />
<br />
Get the phone number of someone who can help you.<br />
<br />
Don't be seen hitching a ride with white people in none-NGO cars. They are most likely mercenaries and are hated by the locals.<br />
<br />
Give your country's embassy in Uganda or DR Congo your contact details. It is the fastest way to get info on a sudden chance in the security situation.<br />
<br />
Check, double check and triple check the security situation in any area of the Congo you want to go. Humanitarian NGO's are good for this.<br />
<br />
<br />
__NOTOC__<br />
{{IsIn|Central Africa}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Africa]]</div>Thumbingmywayhttps://hitchwiki.org/en/index.php?title=User:Thumbingmyway&diff=61895User:Thumbingmyway2012-06-21T17:48:54Z<p>Thumbingmyway: </p>
<hr />
<div><br />
== About me ==<br />
<br />
Thumbingmyway, alternatively known as Doron Du Toit, is a hitchhiker and contributor on hitchwiki.<br />
<br />
He was born in [[Blantyre]], [[Malawi]], has lived in [[Harare]], [[Zimbabwe]], and currently lives and works for food as a data analyst in [[Johannesburg]], [[South Africa]].<br />
<br />
He has hitched and travelled through [[India]], twice, also hitched and travelled in a few countries in [[Africa]]. He has also travelled as a rugby player, touring through [[Argentina]], [[Chile]] and [[Uruguay]]. He has spent some time travelling in the Middle East, namely [[Bahrain]] and the [[United Arab Emirates]], travelling through [[Dubai]]; [[Sharjah]]; [[Umm al-Quwain]] and [[Ras al-Khaimah]].<br />
<br />
== Hitchhiking Experience ==<br />
<br />
* [[Democratic Republic of the Congo]]<br />
* [[India]]<br />
* [[Kenya]]<br />
* [[Malawi]]<br />
* [[Mozambique]]<br />
* [[Rwanda]]<br />
* [[Tanzania]]<br />
* [[South Africa]]<br />
* [[Uganda]]<br />
* [[Zambia]]<br />
* [[Zanzibar]]<br />
* [[Zimbabwe]]<br />
<noinclude>[[Category:Templates]]</noinclude><br />
{{IsIn|}}<br />
__NOTOC__</div>Thumbingmywayhttps://hitchwiki.org/en/index.php?title=Democratic_Republic_of_the_Congo&diff=61061Democratic Republic of the Congo2012-05-12T19:41:20Z<p>Thumbingmyway: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{infobox Country<br />
|country = of_the_Democratic_Republic_of_the_Congo<br />
|map = <map lat="-2.6531907779834" lng="22.226453530122" zoom="7" view="0" float="right" /><br />
|language = French<br />
|capital = [[Kinshasa]]<br />
|pop = 71,712,867<br />
|currency = Franc Congo <br />
|hitch = <rating country='cd' /><br />
}}<br />
<br />
The '''Democratic Republic of the Congo''' is a country in central Africa bordering [[Angola]], the [[Republic of the Congo|Republic of Congo]], the [[Central African Republic]], [[South Sudan]], [[Uganda]], [[Rwanda]], [[Burundi]], [[Tanzania]] and [[Zambia]].<br />
<br />
The Democratic Republic of the Congo, often called DR Congo, RDC or Congo-Kinshasa is not to be confused with its neighbour to the north the Republic of the Congo (often called Congo-Brazzaville).<br />
<br />
== Background ==<br />
The second Congo war, known as The African World War in the countries involved, officially came to and end in 2003. In five years of combat, more than 5,4 million people died making in the deadliest war since world war 2.<br />
The aftermath of that war is not over yet. The UN and the armies of several neighboring countries (although most deny it) are heavily represented in DR Congo harvesting the natural resources.<br />
The areas of the country not under the control of foreign forces are mostly run by local militias (Mai-Mai, Hutu etc.), terrorist forces (Lord's Resistance army etc.), European/Zimbabwean mercenaries, or the Congolese Army, of which whole brigades has disbanded forming their own Colonel Kurz style parallel societies.<br />
<br />
Congo is widely recognized as the richest country in the world in terms of natural resources, but it currently has the second lowest GDP per capita in the world.<br />
<br />
It's needless to say, that traveling solo in Congo can be ridiculously dangerous, and is not recommended for anyone.<br />
<br />
== Safe Areas ==<br />
There are 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 Congo. 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!<br />
<br />
== Hitchhiking in Kinshasa ==<br />
<br />
Kinshasa is a huge city a population of more than 10 million. It is considered on the same level as high risk African capitals as Lagos or Nairobi. <br />
<br />
"Hitchhiking" is the main way anyone without a car gets around in Kinshasa, as there is no public transit system. When waving at the cars you will get a ride in a matter of seconds, although at busy time there will be 15 other people on every corner, also waiving at cars. If you are travelling within Kinshasa, it helps if you ask for the hand signal for your destination neighbourhood. Drivers will look for people signalling for the same destination as them and may not waste their time stopping otherwise. You will be expected to pay for your ride.<br />
<br />
<br />
== Hitchhiking in the West ==<br />
<br />
Many Congolese will tell you that the road shown on maps connecting Kinshasa in the west to Lumbumbashi in the south does not exist or is impassable. In 2011 Hitchwiki member [http://hitchwiki.org/community/members/Notapalooka/ Alyssa] hitched the route. It took about 25 days of being on the road every day (or sometimes being stuck in the mud, but still on the road). There were very few vehicles passing - maybe 5 a day, all bug trucks in terrible condition that were extremely overloaded. At one point a hitched ride in a truck took 6 days to go 200 km due to mechanical problems and mud. There were few security issues and contrary to popular belief about African police, they did not insist on bribes, instead generally offering food and help hitching onwards.<br />
<br />
== Hitchhiking in the East ==<br />
In early 2010 Hitchwiki member [http://hitchwiki.org/community/members/JeppeRobert/ JeppeRobert] tried hitching in the region. Feel free to send my any questions you might have considering Congo.<br />
<br />
The town of Goma is controlled by the UN. It lies on the border to Rwanda, and is divided from the Rwandan city of Gisenyi by a wall. Because of the huge amount of UN personnel in the town, it is quite easy to get a free ride around town or a few kilometers out of it. If you plan to visit the mountain gorillas in the nearby Volcanos National park, you might get lucky hitching a ride with fellow backpackers. Ask around in the bars or hotels in town. <br />
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.<br />
<br />
Further to the north. The part of the Oriantale province bordering the West-Nile region of Uganda is safe. Day trips from Nebbi or Arua in Uganda are okay. Any further and things become difficult.<br />
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. <br />
<br />
== Hitch-hiking in the South ==<br />
Experience in 2012 from member [http://hitchwiki.org/community/members/Thumbingmyway/ Thumbingmyway] hitching in the south, coming in from [[Kitwe]], [[Zambia]], is as follows: [[Kasumbalesa]] to [[Lubumbashi]], DRC: As you get to the border town, the human & vehicular chaos is intense. There are many scammers and touts offering to escort you through the border, get you a taxi to Lum'bashi etc, be firm and politely ignore them. I found most of them to be Congolese, and that's no judgement on the people or country, just the facts. Don't listen to the lies that you can't change Zambian Kwacha in Lum'bashi, you can. If you want, you can also change at the border at a bureau, or from a private person, if the rate is better.<br />
Leaving [[Kasumbalesa]], [[Zambia]], is easy. Stamp out at the immigration counter (walk around to the back of the building) and that's it. Walk through no-man's land to the the DRC border post. you will be greeted by sentries at the boom-gate. One will will out your details in a register and another will escort you inside where the bribery will begin. They will take you to a room full of men and ask for a fictitious "entry fee" of $20. I refused, and after a while they let me go, but they tried every trick. They then tried to make me pay for injections I didn't need, like Cholera and Typhoid innoculations. I have my Yellow-Fever one so that was fine, but they tried to bribe me there too, even saying I must just pay for the stamps to say that I've had them. I refused and didn't pay. When I eventually got to the immigration counter so the guy could stamp me in to the country, he asked me directly to give him money and I refused. Eventually he stamped me in, but I dug my heels in and left the compound. The sentry whom I first met at the boom-gate then tried to get me a taxi as I was leaving but I declined saying I was hitching. I was in the compound for 45min to an hour, it was tough going, but I refused to be robbed of myn money.<br />
Side note: I got my visa for the DRC in [[South Africa]], from the embassy in [[Pretoria]]. It was about $148 for a 1-month tourist visa. Sent photos, completed application, invitation letters, proof of payment. They rejected my first application as they said I wasn't allowed to hitch in the country. My second stated road transport via cars, and then some flights and they granted me the visa.<br />
<br />
Leaving the border post and heading to [[Lubumbashi]]: Walk out the border compound past all the trucks on your right hand side to the boom-gate and you are in the DRC. The trucks are waiting for their papers to clear and as they come past hitch a ride to [[Lubumbashi]]. Some may have to wait at a customs clearing station a few km up the road for a day or two, so if there is space for you and you are happy to sleep in a truck for a few days, go for it. Of course you can also hitch rides with all the cars and pickups, and 4x4's headed to the city. I got a lift with 3 Americans in a Land Cruiser, and they gave me the front seat, so that was nice of them, and a relaxing trip for me. Leave Kitwe early when heading to this border, you don't want to be stranded here looking for a place to sleep at night because you arrived too late!<br />
<br />
From [[Lubumbashi]] to [[Kolwezi]]: Hitching out of this city may be a problem, it was my first time to [[Kolwezi]], so I had to find out a lot of information etc, and the local concept of hitch-hiking is to take a truck (camion) that is packed with loads of goods, with a but of space for peopple in the front of back, or on top. They pay for their place beforehand, and sometimes the truck only leaves in a few days. <br />
Best to head north out of Lubumbashi to the peage (toll-gate) area and hitch rides from people in cars, 4x4's, trucks going north to [[Likasi]], [[Kolwezi]], etc from there. As there is an army base nearby, the security at the toll-gate consists of soldiers and not police. They are chilled and polite. It's a better bet to hitch from the toll-gate, as you may find space on a truck that has come straight from the border that morning and you can ride in the passenger seat. There is a lay-by just before the toll-gate on the left, so you can approach drivers if they stop there.<br />
As for me, a soldier with an AK-47 said I must let him find me a ride after he saw me speaking to a few truck drivers. He asked three businessmen in the mining industry to take me to Likasi, which they did willingly.<br />
<br />
From [[Likasi]] to [[Kolwezi]]: I was dropped near the main bus/taxi station in town. From there, ask locals about the road to Kolwezi and they will show you. I got a ride in a small truck. It was mostly a dirt road, and quite bad in some places, but otherwise ok.<br />
<br />
== General Tips ==<br />
The Ugandan Shilling and Rwandan franc are the standard currencies in the areas of Congo bordering these places.<br />
<br />
If you get "arrested" by local militias US dollars can buy you out of any trouble. Always have a 10 or 20 dollar note in an easily accessible pocket and at least 50 dollars hidden in your shoes or underwear.<br />
<br />
Get the phone number of someone who can help you.<br />
<br />
Don't be seen hitching a ride with white people in none-NGO cars. They are most likely mercenaries and are hated by the locals.<br />
<br />
Give your country's embassy in Uganda or DR Congo your contact details. It is the fastest way to get info on a sudden chance in the security situation.<br />
<br />
Check, double check and triple check the security situation in any area of the Congo you want to go. Humanitarian NGO's are good for this.<br />
<br />
<br />
__NOTOC__<br />
{{IsIn|Central Africa}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Africa]]</div>Thumbingmywayhttps://hitchwiki.org/en/index.php?title=Democratic_Republic_of_the_Congo&diff=61059Democratic Republic of the Congo2012-05-12T19:18:04Z<p>Thumbingmyway: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{infobox Country<br />
|country = of_the_Democratic_Republic_of_the_Congo<br />
|map = <map lat="-2.6531907779834" lng="22.226453530122" zoom="7" view="0" float="right" /><br />
|language = French<br />
|capital = [[Kinshasa]]<br />
|pop = 71,712,867<br />
|currency = Franc Congo <br />
|hitch = <rating country='cd' /><br />
}}<br />
<br />
The '''Democratic Republic of the Congo''' is a country in central Africa bordering [[Angola]], the [[Republic of the Congo|Republic of Congo]], the [[Central African Republic]], [[South Sudan]], [[Uganda]], [[Rwanda]], [[Burundi]], [[Tanzania]] and [[Zambia]].<br />
<br />
The Democratic Republic of the Congo, often called DR Congo, RDC or Congo-Kinshasa is not to be confused with its neighbour to the north the Republic of the Congo (often called Congo-Brazzaville).<br />
<br />
== Background ==<br />
The second Congo war, known as The African World War in the countries involved, officially came to and end in 2003. In five years of combat, more than 5,4 million people died making in the deadliest war since world war 2.<br />
The aftermath of that war is not over yet. The UN and the armies of several neighboring countries (although most deny it) are heavily represented in DR Congo harvesting the natural resources.<br />
The areas of the country not under the control of foreign forces are mostly run by local militias (Mai-Mai, Hutu etc.), terrorist forces (Lord's Resistance army etc.), European/Zimbabwean mercenaries, or the Congolese Army, of which whole brigades has disbanded forming their own Colonel Kurz style parallel societies.<br />
<br />
Congo is widely recognized as the richest country in the world in terms of natural resources, but it currently has the second lowest GDP per capita in the world.<br />
<br />
It's needless to say, that traveling solo in Congo can be ridiculously dangerous, and is not recommended for anyone.<br />
<br />
== Safe Areas ==<br />
There are 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 Congo. 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!<br />
<br />
== Hitchhiking in Kinshasa ==<br />
<br />
Kinshasa is a huge city a population of more than 10 million. It is considered on the same level as high risk African capitals as Lagos or Nairobi. <br />
<br />
"Hitchhiking" is the main way anyone without a car gets around in Kinshasa, as there is no public transit system. When waving at the cars you will get a ride in a matter of seconds, although at busy time there will be 15 other people on every corner, also waiving at cars. If you are travelling within Kinshasa, it helps if you ask for the hand signal for your destination neighbourhood. Drivers will look for people signalling for the same destination as them and may not waste their time stopping otherwise. You will be expected to pay for your ride.<br />
<br />
<br />
== Hitchhiking in the West ==<br />
<br />
Many Congolese will tell you that the road shown on maps connecting Kinshasa in the west to Lumbumbashi in the south does not exist or is impassable. In 2011 Hitchwiki member [http://hitchwiki.org/community/members/Notapalooka/ Alyssa] hitched the route. It took about 25 days of being on the road every day (or sometimes being stuck in the mud, but still on the road). There were very few vehicles passing - maybe 5 a day, all bug trucks in terrible condition that were extremely overloaded. At one point a hitched ride in a truck took 6 days to go 200 km due to mechanical problems and mud. There were few security issues and contrary to popular belief about African police, they did not insist on bribes, instead generally offering food and help hitching onwards.<br />
<br />
== Hitchhiking in the East ==<br />
In early 2010 Hitchwiki member [http://hitchwiki.org/community/members/JeppeRobert/ JeppeRobert] tried hitching in the region. Feel free to send my any questions you might have considering Congo.<br />
<br />
The town of Goma is controlled by the UN. It lies on the border to Rwanda, and is divided from the Rwandan city of Gisenyi by a wall. Because of the huge amount of UN personnel in the town, it is quite easy to get a free ride around town or a few kilometers out of it. If you plan to visit the mountain gorillas in the nearby Volcanos National park, you might get lucky hitching a ride with fellow backpackers. Ask around in the bars or hotels in town. <br />
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.<br />
<br />
Further to the north. The part of the Oriantale province bordering the West-Nile region of Uganda is safe. Day trips from Nebbi or Arua in Uganda are okay. Any further and things become difficult.<br />
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. <br />
<br />
== General Tips ==<br />
The Ugandan Shilling and Rwandan franc are the standard currencies in the areas of Congo bordering these places.<br />
<br />
If you get "arrested" by local militias US dollars can buy you out of any trouble. Always have a 10 or 20 dollar note in an easily accessible pocket and at least 50 dollars hidden in your shoes or underwear.<br />
<br />
Get the phone number of someone who can help you.<br />
<br />
Don't be seen hitching a ride with white people in none-NGO cars. They are most likely mercenaries and are hated by the locals.<br />
<br />
Give your country's embassy in Uganda or DR Congo your contact details. It is the fastest way to get info on a sudden chance in the security situation.<br />
<br />
Check, double check and triple check the security situation in any area of the Congo you want to go. Humanitarian NGO's are good for this.<br />
<br />
== Cities ==<br />
<br />
[[Kasumbalesa]]<br />
<br />
[[Lubumbashi]]<br />
<br />
[[Likasi]]<br />
<br />
[[Kolwezi]]<br />
<br />
[[Kinshasa]]<br />
<br />
[[Goma]]<br />
<br />
__NOTOC__<br />
{{IsIn|Central Africa}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Africa]]</div>Thumbingmywayhttps://hitchwiki.org/en/index.php?title=User:Thumbingmyway&diff=57469User:Thumbingmyway2011-11-22T00:27:17Z<p>Thumbingmyway: </p>
<hr />
<div><br />
== About me ==<br />
<br />
Thumbingmyway, alternatively known as Doron Du Toit, is a hitchhiker and contributor on hitchwiki.<br />
<br />
He was born in [[Blantyre]], [[Malawi]], has lived in [[Harare]], [[Zimbabwe]], and currently lives and works for food as a data analyst in [[Johannesburg]], [[South Africa]].<br />
<br />
He has hitched and travelled through [[India]], twice, also hitched and travelled in a few countries in [[Africa]]. He has also travelled as a rugby player, touring through [[Argentina]], [[Chile]] and [[Uruguay]]. He has spent some time travelling in the Middle East, namely [[Bahrain]] and the [[United Arab Emirates]], travelling through [[Dubai]]; [[Sharjah]]; [[Umm al-Quwain]] and [[Ras al-Khaimah]].<br />
<br />
== Hitchhiking Experience ==<br />
<br />
* [[India]]<br />
* [[Kenya]]<br />
* [[Malawi]]<br />
* [[Mozambique]]<br />
* [[Tanzania]]<br />
* [[South Africa]]<br />
* [[Zambia]]<br />
* [[Zanzibar]]<br />
* [[Zimbabwe]]<br />
<noinclude>[[Category:Templates]]</noinclude><br />
{{IsIn|}}<br />
__NOTOC__</div>Thumbingmywayhttps://hitchwiki.org/en/index.php?title=User:Thumbingmyway&diff=52505User:Thumbingmyway2011-05-17T12:17:12Z<p>Thumbingmyway: </p>
<hr />
<div>I can host you in [[Johannesburg]], [[South Africa]]. <br />
<br />
== About me ==<br />
<br />
Thumbingmyway, alternatively known as Doron Du Toit, is a hitchhiker and contributor on hitchwiki.<br />
<br />
He was born in [[Blantyre]], [[Malawi]], has lived in [[Harare]], [[Zimbabwe]], and currently lives and works for food as a data analyst in [[Johannesburg]], [[South Africa]].<br />
<br />
He has hitched and travelled through [[India]], twice, also hitched and travelled in a few countries in [[Africa]]. He has also travelled as a rugby player, touring through [[Argentina]], [[Chile]] and [[Uruguay]]. He has spent some time travelling in the Middle East, namely [[Bahrain]] and the [[United Arab Emirates]], travelling through [[Dubai]]; [[Sharjah]]; [[Umm al-Quwain]] and [[Ras al-Khaimah]].<br />
<br />
== Hitchhiking Experience ==<br />
<br />
* [[India]]<br />
* [[Kenya]]<br />
* [[Malawi]]<br />
* [[Mozambique]]<br />
* [[Tanzania]]<br />
* [[South Africa]]<br />
* [[Zambia]]<br />
* [[Zanzibar]]<br />
* [[Zimbabwe]]<br />
<noinclude>[[Category:Templates]]</noinclude><br />
{{IsIn|}}<br />
__NOTOC__</div>Thumbingmywayhttps://hitchwiki.org/en/index.php?title=Livingstone&diff=52501Livingstone2011-05-17T10:08:03Z<p>Thumbingmyway: </p>
<hr />
<div>'''Livingstone''' is a city in [[Zambia]]. <br />
<br />
== Hitching out ==<br />
<br />
=== North east towards [[Lusaka]] ===<br />
The distance is approximately 475km. It can easily be done in half a day or less, depending on the form of transport. Heading north out of Livingstone on the Mosi-Oa-Tunya road (Great North Road), there is a Caltex petrol station where trucks can stop and the driver can be approached and asked for a lift, but, the best place is a few km out of town. Walk about 2km out of town past the first lay-by. When heading north, there is a huge concrete water tower in the right hand side of the road to identify this point. Walk another 1 or 2km past this point until you reach a weigh-bridge for the trucks. Roughly 100m past this is a police check-point where they stop the trucks to check documentation. Don't stand there, as they think you are interfering with their job even if you are just pulling something out your backpack. Rather go another 50m down the road to the second lay-by. Directly opposite this, to identify the spot, is an SOS Children’s Village and some other government departments, like the Road Development Agency. You will see the signboards on the property. Approach the drivers at this lay-by and ask them for a lift. <br />
<br />
=== South towards [[Victoria Falls]] ===<br />
The distance is only 11km. Head south out of town along Mosi-Oa-Tunya road. Any spot on this section is fine and the road is good. Depending on how far you walk, you may pass into to national park territory, so stop after 4km max out of town in order to avoid elephants crossing the road near the national park area.<br />
<br />
== Places to avoid ==<br />
Avoid hitching near police checkpoints / roadblocks. They will ask you to move, so best stand at least 50 to 100m down the road from them.<br />
<br />
== Accommodation and Sleep ==<br />
There are plenty of options in town for various accommodation types to suit your budget.<br />
<br />
== Other useful info ==<br />
There are many mango trees in and around Livingstone, and they are an excellent source of free food, so stock up when you're there at the right time.<br />
<br />
Information provided by [[User:Thumbingmyway|Thumbingmyway]]<br />
{{IsIn|Zambia}}<br />
[[Category:Zambia]]<br />
__NOTOC__</div>Thumbingmywayhttps://hitchwiki.org/en/index.php?title=South_Africa&diff=52500South Africa2011-05-17T09:55:23Z<p>Thumbingmyway: </p>
<hr />
<div>Hitching in '''South Africa''' is possible.<br />
<br />
Hitchiking in '''South Africa''' is possible and can be easy, but not as easy as in '''Europe'''. Along main roads it can be helpful to use a cardboard sign with your destination written on it. On smaller roads through the suburbs, just thumbing it should be fine. When travelling long distances between towns and cities, hitching from gas station to gas station (called petrol stations in South Africa) will help one to avoid be dropped off in an isolated area. Approaching drivers at these petrol stations can get you lifts, or you can use the cardboard sign suggestion mentioned earlier.<br />
<br />
It is a good idea to have some knowledge of what backpackers, guest-houses, road-side lodges there are in the general area/direction you are travelling in. This is said because sometimes cars and trucks you are hitching a ride with break down, and you may still be far from your final destination. Don't be surprised if your driver stops to pick up other hithchikers, who could be locals, as it is common practice here. Engage your driver and any passengers, especially if of a different culture to your own, and you will be enriched by learning something new.<br />
<br />
Remember to bring a good hat and sunscreen with you when hithhiking to avoid sunburn. South African winters can also be very warm during the day, depending where you are, so that hat and sunscreen will be useful again including a warm jacket for the winter evenings.<br />
<br />
'''South Africa''' has 11 official languages. Trying learning a few words of one you don't know!<br />
<br />
In 2010, '''South Africa''' hosted of the FIFA World Cup. <br />
<br />
== Cities ==<br />
* [[Cape Town]]<br />
* [[Durban]]<br />
* [[East London]]<br />
* [[Johannesburg]]<br />
* [[Pretoria]]<br />
<br />
== External Links ==<br />
* How to Hitchhike in Southern Africa: 15 Tips [http://matadortrips.com/how-to-hitchhike-in-southern-africa-15-tips]<br />
<br />
<br />
{{IsIn|Southern Africa}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Africa]]<br />
[[Category:South Africa]]<br />
[[Category:East Route from North Cape to Cape of Good Hope]]<br />
<br />
[[de:Südafrika]]<br />
[[es:Sudáfrica]]</div>Thumbingmywayhttps://hitchwiki.org/en/index.php?title=User:Thumbingmyway&diff=52497User:Thumbingmyway2011-05-17T09:43:31Z<p>Thumbingmyway: </p>
<hr />
<div>I can host you in [[Johannesburg]], [[South Africa]]. <br />
<br />
== About me ==<br />
<br />
Thumbingmyway, alternatively known as Doron Du Toit, is a hitchhiker and contributor on hitchwiki.<br />
<br />
He was born in [[Blantyre, Malawi]], has lived in [[Harare, Zimbabwe]], and currently lives and works for food as a data analyst in [[Johannesburg, South Africa]].<br />
<br />
He has hitched and travelled through [[India]], twice, also hitched and travelled in a few countries in [[Africa]]. He has also travelled as a rugby player, touring through [[Argentina]], [[Chile]] and [[Uruguay]]. He has spent some time travelling in the Middle East, namely [[Bahrain]] and the [[United Arab Emirates]], travelling through [[Dubai]]; [[Sharjah]]; [[Umm al-Quwain]] and [[Ras al-Khaimah]].<br />
<br />
== Hitchhiking Experience ==<br />
<br />
* [[India]]<br />
* [[Kenya]]<br />
* [[Malawi]]<br />
* [[Mozambique]]<br />
* [[Tanzania]]<br />
* [[South Africa]]<br />
* [[Zambia]]<br />
* [[Zanzibar]]<br />
* [[Zimbabwe]]<br />
<noinclude>[[Category:Templates]]</noinclude><br />
{{IsIn|}}<br />
__NOTOC__</div>Thumbingmywayhttps://hitchwiki.org/en/index.php?title=South_Africa&diff=52493South Africa2011-05-17T09:39:49Z<p>Thumbingmyway: </p>
<hr />
<div>Hitching in '''South Africa''' is possible.<br />
<br />
Hitchiking in South Africa is possible and can be easy, but not as easy as in Europe. Along main roads it can be helpful to use a cardboard sign with your destination written on it. On smaller roads through the suburbs, just thumbing it should be fine. When travelling long distances between towns and cities, hitching from gas station to gas station (called petrol stations in South Africa) will help one to avoid be dropped off in an isolated area. Approaching drivers at these petrol stations can get you lifts, or you can use the cardboard sign suggestion mentioned earlier.<br />
<br />
In 2010, '''South Africa''' hosted of the FIFA World Cup. <br />
<br />
== Cities ==<br />
* [[Cape Town]]<br />
* [[Durban]]<br />
* [[East London]]<br />
* [[Johannesburg]]<br />
* [[Pretoria]]<br />
<br />
== External Links ==<br />
* How to Hitchhike in Southern Africa: 15 Tips [http://matadortrips.com/how-to-hitchhike-in-southern-africa-15-tips]<br />
<br />
<br />
{{IsIn|Southern Africa}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Africa]]<br />
[[Category:South Africa]]<br />
[[Category:East Route from North Cape to Cape of Good Hope]]<br />
<br />
[[de:Südafrika]]<br />
[[es:Sudáfrica]]</div>Thumbingmywayhttps://hitchwiki.org/en/index.php?title=User:Thumbingmyway&diff=52491User:Thumbingmyway2011-05-17T09:33:01Z<p>Thumbingmyway: </p>
<hr />
<div>I can host you in [[Johannesburg, South Africa]]. <br />
<br />
== About me ==<br />
<br />
Thumbingmyway, alternatively known as Doron Du Toit, is a hitchhiker and contributor on hitchwiki.<br />
<br />
He was born in [[Blantyre, Malawi]], has lived in [[Harare, Zimbabwe]], and currently lives and works for food as a data analyst in [[Johannesburg, South Africa]].<br />
<br />
He has hitched and travelled through [[India]], twice, also hitched and travelled in a few countries in [[Africa]]. He has also travelled as a rugby player, touring through [[Argentina]], [[Chile]] and [[Uruguay]]. He has spent some time travelling in the Middle East, namely [[Bahrain]] and the [[United Arab Emirates]], travelling through [[Dubai]]; [[Sharjah]]; [[Umm al-Quwain]] and [[Ras al-Khaimah]].<br />
<br />
== Hitchhiking Experience ==<br />
<br />
[[India]];<br />
[[Kenya]];<br />
[[Malawi]];<br />
[[Mozambique]];<br />
[[Tanzania]];<br />
[[South Africa]];<br />
[[Zambia]];<br />
[[Zanzibar]];<br />
[[Zimbabwe]]<br />
<noinclude>[[Category:Templates]]</noinclude><br />
{{IsIn|}}<br />
__NOTOC__</div>Thumbingmywayhttps://hitchwiki.org/en/index.php?title=User:Thumbingmyway&diff=52490User:Thumbingmyway2011-05-17T09:20:09Z<p>Thumbingmyway: </p>
<hr />
<div>I can host you in [[Johannesburg, South Africa]]. <br />
<br />
== About me ==<br />
<br />
Thumbingmyway, alternatively known as Doron Du Toit, is a hitchhiker and contributor on hitchwiki.<br />
<br />
He was born in [[Blantyre, Malawi]], has lived in [[Harare, Zimbabwe]], and currently lives and works for food as a data analyst in [[Johannesburg, South Africa]].<br />
<br />
He has hitched and travelled through [[India]], twice, also hitched and travelled in a few countries in [[Africa]]. He has also travelled as a rugby player, touring through [[Argentina]], [[Chile]] and [[Uruguay]]. He has spent some time travelling in the Middle East, namely [[Bahrain]] and the [[United Arab Emirates]], travelling through [[Dubai]]; [[Sharjah]]; [[Umm al-Quwain]] and [[Ras al-Khaimah]].<br />
<br />
== Hitchhiking Experience ==<br />
<br />
[[India]];<br />
[[Kenya]];<br />
[[Malawi]];<br />
[[Mozambique]];<br />
[[Tanzania]];<br />
[[South Africa]];<br />
[[Zambia]];<br />
[[Zanzibar]];<br />
[[Zimbabwe]]<br />
<noinclude>[[Category:Templates]]</noinclude><br />
{{IsIn|Africa, Southern Hemisphere}}<br />
__NOTOC__</div>Thumbingmywayhttps://hitchwiki.org/en/index.php?title=South_Africa&diff=52489South Africa2011-05-17T08:47:17Z<p>Thumbingmyway: </p>
<hr />
<div>Hitching in '''South Africa''' is possible.<br />
<br />
Hitchiking in South Africa is possible, but not as easy as in Europe due to the fact that there hijackings people tend to be a more scared of picking up strangers, but the truth is every hitchiking case is unique..<br />
<br />
Along main Roads its not as easy, as in smaller roads. What I would suggest is waiting at shopping malls/centres and gas stations. I normally get rides from people at gas stations... Its so much easier try it<br />
<br />
In 2010, '''South Africa''' will be the hosting country of the FIFA World Cup. <br />
<br />
== Cities ==<br />
* [[Cape Town]]<br />
* [[East London]]<br />
* [[Johannesburg]]<br />
* [[Pretoria]]<br />
<br />
== External Links ==<br />
* How to Hitchhike in Southern Africa: 15 Tips [http://matadortrips.com/how-to-hitchhike-in-southern-africa-15-tips]<br />
<br />
<br />
{{IsIn|Southern Africa}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Africa]]<br />
[[Category:South Africa]]<br />
[[Category:East Route from North Cape to Cape of Good Hope]]<br />
<br />
[[de:Südafrika]]<br />
[[es:Sudáfrica]]</div>Thumbingmywayhttps://hitchwiki.org/en/index.php?title=Zambia&diff=52351Zambia2011-05-12T12:14:37Z<p>Thumbingmyway: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{infobox Country<br />
|country = of Zambia<br />
|language = English<br />
|capital = [[Lusaka]]<br />
|pop = 13,000,000<br />
|currency = Zambian kwacha<br />
|hitch = <br />
|map = <map lat='-13.5' lng='28.2' zoom='5' view='0' float='right' /><br />
}}<br />
[[Hitchhiking]] is common in '''Zambia'''. However, as a white foreigner you might be expected to pay for rides. Hitchhiking for locals works along the following unwritten rules. Touts stand around truck lay-bys finding passengers for passing trucks and cars. It's an unofficial job for them, and they can get a little rowdy and disagreeable when looking for passengers and negotiating the fees. They negotiate a fee with the passenger based on the destination, and then the truck / car driver who stops pays the tout the fee he agreed with the passenger. The driver will then charge the passenger a fee which will cover what he paid the tout and add on an extra amount for himself. <br />
<br />
From the conversations I had with truck drivers in Zambia, they earn roughly between $150 to $180 per month. Sometimes their wages are even less than $150 per month, as they get paid more when carrying a load i.e. busy transporting and not waiting at the depot. I'm not sure whether this is the general way truckers are paid, or if it was just the norm for the companies that employed the drivers that gave me lifts.<br />
At any rate, this is what they must support their families on, and as one confided to me, this is why they all supplement their income by charging hitchhiking passengers. A lot of this money gets taken away from them by the police who extract a "fee" at check-points along the road, knowing that the truckers are carrying these extra passengers, and therefore extra cash too.<br />
<br />
If your personal hitch-hiking philosophy means not paying the truckers this fee, be prepared to stand on the side of the road and wait, sometimes up to 3 hours or more for a ride that will accept you. The companies the truckers work for already pay the fuel costs, so in theory it doesn't cost them to give you a ride. They will try to get $10 out you on average for distances greater or less than 500km.<br />
<br />
==Cities==<br />
* [[Lusaka]]<br />
* [[Mpulungu]]<br />
* [[Livingstone]]<br />
<br />
==Borders==<br />
* [[Angola]]<br />
* [[Botswana]]<br />
* [[Democratic Republic of the Congo]]<br />
* [[Malawi]]<br />
* [[Mozambique]]<br />
* [[Namibia]]<br />
* [[Tanzania]]<br />
* [[Zimbabwe]]<br />
<br />
{{IsIn|Africa}}<br />
[[Category:Africa]]</div>Thumbingmywayhttps://hitchwiki.org/en/index.php?title=Mpulungu&diff=52349Mpulungu2011-05-12T11:53:25Z<p>Thumbingmyway: </p>
<hr />
<div>'''{{Mpulungu}}''' is a city in [[Zambia]]. <br />
<br />
== Hitching out ==<br />
<br />
=== South towards [[Lusaka]] ===<br />
If you're heading back south through Zambia, head along the main road through town over to the harbour compound. Mpulungu is Zambia's only port, and is on Lake Tanganyika. Trucks queue outside the compound waiting to off-load or load their freight in the harbour and often leave town the same day. You can ask the drivers here about their destinations. If there are no trucks around you can walk a little way into town and try for any vehicle headed south. <br />
If you want a truck (given they generally travel longer distances), another option is to enter the harbour compound and politely ask the security staff to check their log-books for departing trucks that may still be in the compound, somewhere out of sight. I thought this best and tried it, and it worked. There is also a little bench nearby where you can sit and wait for the truck. Again, be patient, it pays. As this is a good place for information, remember to be polite and respectful to the harbour staff, because it's right and also so that they will continue to be helpful to other travellers.<br />
<br />
=== North on Lake Tanganyika towards [[Tanzania]] or [[Burundi]] ===<br />
The M.V. Liemba is a ferry that travels up and down Lake Tanganyika between Mpulungu and Kigoma, Tanzania. From Kigoma you can easily continue over-land on to other points, like north to Burundi which is not far away. Ask the harbour staff for details on the Liemba's schedule, as it often changes without much notice.<br />
It will take some skill to hitch a ride on the ferry, and if you do, be prepared to sleep on the roof or near the steam stacks, under the stars.<br />
<br />
=== South east over-land towards [[Tanzania]] ===<br />
Hitch from the same point outside the harbour at Mpulungu and take trucks going to Nakonde, on the Zambia-Tanzania border. If you get stuck in this town (Nakonde), which is unlikely, as there are many trucks at the border post, you can always catch the Tazara train which goes all the way to Dar Es Salaam.<br />
<br />
== Places to avoid ==<br />
Don't walk to far out of town before you start hitchhiking. On exiting Mpulungu when headed south, the road follows a steep, winding course through the hills, and the truckers are less likely to stop for you once they've picked up momentum.<br />
<br />
== Accommodation and Sleep ==<br />
Various budget accommodation options in town and along the lake.<br />
<br />
== Other useful info ==<br />
<br />
<noinclude>[[Category:Templates]]</noinclude><br />
{{IsIn|Region or Country}}<br />
__NOTOC__</div>Thumbingmywayhttps://hitchwiki.org/en/index.php?title=Lusaka&diff=52345Lusaka2011-05-12T11:33:58Z<p>Thumbingmyway: </p>
<hr />
<div>'''{{Lusaka}}''' is a city in [[Zambia]]. <br />
<br />
== Hitching out ==<br />
<br />
=== North towards [[Mpulungu]] or [[Tanzania]]===<br />
The distance is roughly 1150km. One of the best lay-bys for hitchhiking north out of Lusaka is just outside the town centre. Head north along the Great North Road towards the Independence Stadium. As you approach, you will know you are nearby when you see a huge concrete arch over the road with the message "Celebrating 45 years of Independence" painted on it. As you pass under it, you go over the hill and over to your left you will see the spotlights of the stadium to identify the point. About 50m down the road is a major lay-by where you can approach the truck drivers who've stopped here to ask for a ride. You can wait a long time until you find a truck that's going to your destination, but patience pays in Africa.<br />
<br />
== Places to avoid ==<br />
Avoid passing through the pedestrian walk-way tunnels around the railways tracks in the city centre towards sunset. This is just a common sense saftey hint, and would apply in any city and country.<br />
<br />
== Accommodation and Sleep ==<br />
Lusaka has many types of accommodation, depending on your budget. These range from top end hotels to backpackers lodges.<br />
<br />
== Other useful info ==<br />
Locals say that the best time to start hitchhiking is in the early morning once the truckers have put fuel in at the depots and then want to hit the road as early as possible to get a head start. <br />
<noinclude>[[Category:Templates]]</noinclude><br />
{{IsIn|Region or Country}}<br />
__NOTOC__</div>Thumbingmywayhttps://hitchwiki.org/en/index.php?title=Zambia&diff=52343Zambia2011-05-12T11:15:15Z<p>Thumbingmyway: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{infobox Country<br />
|country = of Zambia<br />
|language = English<br />
|capital = [[Lusaka]]<br />
|pop = 13,000,000<br />
|currency = Zambian kwacha<br />
|hitch = <br />
|map = <map lat='-13.5' lng='28.2' zoom='5' view='0' float='right' /><br />
}}<br />
[[Hitchhiking]] is common in '''Zambia'''. However, as a white foreigner you might be expected to pay for rides. Hitchhiking for locals works along the following unwritten rules. Touts stand around truck lay-bys finding passengers for passing trucks and cars. It's an unofficial job for them, and they can get a little rowdy and disagreeable when looking for passengers and negotiating the fees. They negotiate a fee with the passenger based on the destination, and then the truck / car driver who stops pays the tout the fee he agreed with the passenger. The driver will then charge the passenger a fee which will cover what he paid the tout and add on an extra amount for himself. <br />
<br />
From the conversations I had with truck drivers in Zambia, they earn roughly between $150 to $180 per month. Sometimes their wages are even less than $150 per month, as they get paid more when carrying a load i.e. busy transporting and not waiting at the depot. I'm not sure whether this is the general way truckers are paid, or if it was just the norm for the companies that employed the drivers that gave me lifts.<br />
At any rate, this is what they must support their families on, and as one confided to me, this is why they all supplement their income by charging hitchhiking passengers. A lot of this money gets taken away from them by the police who extract a "fee" at check-points along the road, knowing that the truckers are carrying these extra passengers, and therefore extra cash too.<br />
<br />
If your personal hitch-hiking philosophy means not paying the truckers this fee, be prepared to stand on the side of the road and wait, sometimes up to 3 hours or more for a ride that will accept you. The companies the truckers work for already pay the fuel costs, so in theory it doesn't cost them to give you a ride. They will try to get $10 out you on average for distances greater or less than 500km.<br />
<br />
==Cities==<br />
* [[Lusaka]]<br />
* [[Mpulungu]]<br />
* [[Livingstone]]<br />
<br />
==Borders==<br />
* [[Malawi]]<br />
* [[Mozambique]]<br />
* [[Zimbabwe]]<br />
* [[Angola]]<br />
* [[Democratic Rebublic of the Congo]]<br />
* [[Tanzania]]<br />
<br />
{{IsIn|Africa}}<br />
[[Category:Africa]]</div>Thumbingmywayhttps://hitchwiki.org/en/index.php?title=Livingstone&diff=52342Livingstone2011-05-12T11:08:05Z<p>Thumbingmyway: </p>
<hr />
<div>'''{{Livingstone}}''' is a city in [[Zambia]]. <br />
<br />
== Hitching out ==<br />
<br />
=== North east towards [[Lusaka]] ===<br />
The distance is approximately 475km. It can easily be done in half a day or less, depending on the form of transport. Heading north out of Livingstone on the Mosi-Oa-Tunya road (Great North Road), there is a Caltex petrol station where trucks can stop and the driver can be approached and asked for a lift, but, the best place is a few km out of town. Walk about 2km out of town past the first lay-by. When heading north, there is a huge concrete water tower in the right hand side of the road to identify this point. Walk another 1 or 2km past this point until you reach a weigh-bridge for the trucks. Roughly 100m past this is a police check-point where they stop the trucks to check documentation. Don't stand there, as they think you are interfering with their job even if you are just pulling something out your backpack. Rather go another 50m down the road to the second lay-by. Directly opposite this, to identify the spot, is an SOS Children’s Village and some other government departments, like the Road Development Agency. You will see the signboards on the property. Approach the drivers at this lay-by and ask them for a lift. <br />
<br />
=== South towards [[Victoria Falls]] ===<br />
The distance is only 11km. Head south out of town along Mosi-Oa-Tunya road. Any spot on this section is fine and the road is good. Depending on how far you walk, you may pass into to national park territory, so stop after 4km max out of town in order to avoid elephants crossing the road near the national park area.<br />
<br />
== Places to avoid ==<br />
Avoid hitching near police checkpoints / roadblocks. They will ask you to move, so best stand at least 50 to 100m down the road from them.<br />
== Accommodation and Sleep ==<br />
There are planty of options in town for various accommodation types to suit your budget.<br />
== Other useful info ==<br />
There are many mango trees in and around Livingstone, and they are an excellent source of free food, so stock up when you're there at the right time.<br />
<noinclude>[[Category:Templates]]</noinclude><br />
{{IsIn|Region or Country}}<br />
__NOTOC__</div>Thumbingmywayhttps://hitchwiki.org/en/index.php?title=Zambia&diff=52338Zambia2011-05-12T10:08:19Z<p>Thumbingmyway: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{infobox Country<br />
|country = of Zambia<br />
|language = English<br />
|capital = [[Lusaka]]<br />
|pop = 13,000,000<br />
|currency = Zambian kwacha<br />
|hitch = <br />
|map = <map lat='-13.5' lng='28.2' zoom='5' view='0' float='right' /><br />
}}<br />
[[Hitchhiking]] is common in '''Zambia'''. However, as a white foreigner you might be expected to pay for rides.<br />
<br />
==Cities==<br />
* [[Lusaka]]<br />
* [[Mpulungu]]<br />
* [[Livingstone]]<br />
<br />
==Borders==<br />
* [[Malawi]]<br />
* [[Mozambique]]<br />
* [[Zimbabwe]]<br />
* [[Angola]]<br />
* [[Democratic Rebublic of the Congo]]<br />
* [[Tanzania]]<br />
<br />
{{IsIn|Africa}}<br />
[[Category:Africa]]</div>Thumbingmyway