The Democratic Republic of Congo: The Land of Birdsong

D.R.C. has suffered instability for nearly 20 years since the First Congo War in 1996 and the Second Congo War from 1997-2003. Whilst peace was achieved in 2003, the war left a legacy that continues to be felt as a result of ethnic violence, authoritarian leadership and extreme poverty. Between 2012-2016, in addition to ongoing violence driven by armed groups such as M23 in the east, a conflict commenced in the Kasai region which led to the country’s most recent large-scale humanitarian crisis. Political tensions escalated more recently (2016-2019), when elections were delayed by 2 years, which led to the resignation of President Joseph Kabila.

A large part of the ongoing violence is centred around the province of Ituri, with more remote corners of North and South Kivu being home to a number of armed groups. Violence is usually targeted at Congolese and is a result of the legacy of earlier conflicts leading to intercommunal violence.

To counter risk of violence and kidnap within D.R.C., we rely on a network of contacts, both local and international. We do not travel after daylight hours and will be predominantly centred around Goma and Bukavu, avoiding areas impacted by conflict. Through working with Michael and a team of local guides with nearly 20 years of experience of navigating eastern D.R.C., we are able to stay abreast of any changes to the security situation. At ISHKAR ensuring the safety of our travellers is at the heart of what we do. For more information surrounding our approach to security read this page.

In order to protect both our travellers and those that our travellers come into contact with, we mandate a strict set of COVID-19 protocols which include social distancing, usage of hand sanitiser and the wearing of face coverings.   Our COVID-19 procedures are based on up to date advice from the World Health Organisation in addition to following local requirements. Along with our security information, we ensure to send out our COVID-19 procedures document to every traveller.

All travellers (regardless of vaccination status) are required to obtain a negative PCR test result within 72 hours prior to departure.  Within 24 hours prior to departure travellers (regardless of vaccination status) must also obtain proof of a negative rapid antigen test result.   Proof of both these tests must be sent to ISHKAR prior to departure, and its cost will covered by the traveller, not ISHKAR.

Should ISHKAR decide to cancel a trip as a result of COVID-19 or should a traveller be unable to take part in the trip as a result of COVID-19, you will be offered options including a full refund as per our COVID-19 Travel Policy.  Any further questions, please take a look at our COVID-19 Travel FAQs, and our generic COVID-19 Protocols, or contact a member of the team: explore@ishkar.com

Yes, a good level of fitness is required. On one of the days we will be walking for up to 6 hours uphill in order to reach our campsite at 3000m. This will be a height gain of approximately 1400m over the course of 9km.  The terrain is rough under foot and in particular the descent can at times be slippery.

D.R.C. is a trans-equatorial country which means temperatures remain fairly consistent throughout the year. At lower altitudes such as in Goma (1500m) the average daytime temperature sits between 20-25°C in February. Humidity is high throughout the year and therefore can result in temperatures rising to 35°C, but if at altitude it can drop to 10°C overnight (for example when camping overnight on the volcano.) DRC has been known to have some of the highest frequencies of thunderstorms in the world, and there are on average 16 days of rainfall in February.  Whilst hiking up the volcano there is a likelihood that it may rain, but the temperature will remain mild.

We do not publish our itinerary online for security reasons. We will give further information on the itinerary on enquiry. Please note that the exact itinerary is subject to change.  Write to explore@ishkar.com to request the trip information pack.

The cost includes domestic flights, all accommodation, guiding, transport/transfers in D.R.C., breakfast, lunch and dinner and entrance fees. It does not include international flights into and out of Goma, visa fees (invoiced separately), insurance, excess luggage charges, cameras, alcohol, additional food and drinks, medical expenses, tipping, or trips to the gorillas.

As early as possible, this trip is likely to be booked up fast. A deposit of $650 will secure your place, and the final balance needs to be paid 60 days prior to departure. You can pay this online, or via bank transfer directly to us.

We will provide you with additional documentation to help with your visa application, along with advice specific to your country of residence.

Throughout the trip, you will be accompanied by a local guide who speaks fluent English amongst seven other languages.  He has worked for the UN’s stabilisation mission in D.R.C. and World Vision, along with being a leading reporter and field producer for a range of media outlets since 1996.  He is well connected across the region and knows his country like the back of his hand.  You will also be accompanied throughout by Michael, with his working knowledge of the region, and an ISHKAR representative to support all your needs.

You are required to have full travel insurance specific to the region and the activities.  This will need to include suitable Kidnap, Ransom & Extortion Insurance.

If you are unsure if your existing travel insurance policy will cover you, we can suggest specialist insurance companies.

We use Battleface and highly recommend it. Other options include (but are not limited to): Clements, World Nomads, Petersen, Cambell Irvine or The Universal Insurance Co Ltd.

We will stay as a group for the duration of the trip. You may choose to travel on your own before the start or after the finish of the trip, but whilst travelling with ISHKAR you are requested to remain with the group.

You will be required to present a yellow fever certificate on arrival in D.R.C.  Please speak with your doctor to ensure you have the correct vaccinations & malaria prevention for remote travel in D.R.C.  Further information can be found at https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/.

We will send you a more detailed handbook before leaving, including recommended reading and clothing.

We will be staying in a mixture of hotels and guesthouses in addition to huts whilst visiting the volcano. There is not an option to share rooms unless you are a couple.

Yes of course! Individuals and small groups are equally welcome. Personally, we also think this could be the perfect trip to experience with a friend, parent, child, or partner!

All meals are included.  Cuisine varies widely from more western oriented restaurants, to menus centred around cassava, fufu (balls of puree white yams, sweet potatoes, or plantain)  rice, plantain and potatoes with side dishes.  Fresh fruit and snack food will also be available throughout.   Why not try “Poulet à la Moamba” - chicken in a peanut sauce.

If you are thinking of applying, please email us at explore@ishkar.com and we will send you the flights you will need to book, in order to ensure that all travellers’ arrivals into Goma are coordinated.

Yes of course, our travellers always come from a mix of different countries. You will just need to arrive at Addis Ababa in time to catch the flight to Goma.

No absolutely not.  There will be plenty of opportunities to explore the region without your camera, and Michael will be happy to provide tips only if you wish to have them.

No, feel free to bring any camera you wish, including just using the camera on your phone.