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Crossing DRC - from Goma to Bangui - Is it possible? Crossing DRC - from Goma to Bangui - Is it possible?
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Photo by Sean Howman, The Pamir highway in an unseasonably cold late October, Tajikistan

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Sean Howman,
The Pamir highway in an unseasonably
cold late October, Tajikistan



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  #1  
Old 25 Jun 2009
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Crossing DRC - from Goma to Bangui - Is it possible?
okay, perhaps this is unthinkable and suicidal....but has anyone crossed over in DRC lately from Uganda/Rwanda and reached Congo? We will be around Rwanda in August and are looking for a passage to the West Coast. I am looking at various options...and doing some research right now.

Thanks for any input.

Christian
www.2aroundtheworld.com
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  #2  
Old 25 Jun 2009
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Crossing the Congo
You will have problems getting permits to cross some of the mining concessions and a few rivers will hold you up. The only crossing I know of happenend last year from Lumbombashi to Kinshasa but have a look at this first before you consider:

Radio Baobab » Bandundu Province
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  #3  
Old 25 Jun 2009
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JeanVisser View Post
You will have problems getting permits to cross some of the mining concessions and a few rivers will hold you up. The only crossing I know of happenend last year from Lumbombashi to Kinshasa but have a look at this first before you consider:

Radio Baobab » Bandundu Province
Jean

thanks for the links and info - I only see pictures however, I will revisit later.

Please post more if you find anything. we would really like to reach Bangui.
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  #4  
Old 25 Jun 2009
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Hi Jean,

I entered Goma/DRC from Gisenyi/Rwanda about 2 months ago, but didn't venture further inland. I paid some "extra money" for the visa on arrival (not sure if this would be valid in the whole country). No serious problems around Goma these days.

Recent rebel activity has been reported up north at the Sudanese border (LRA) and near Bukavu (FLN, and another group I don't remember)

As far as I understand (and as written in the previous post), you could head south via Mbuji-Maji. The roads are probably ok with a good 4x4, patience and experience. I wouldn't worry about the permits, as everything is just a question of money in that country.

I assume that the northern route via Kisangani has not been travelled lately, but I am sure it could be done, if you are prepared to cut trees, build bridges, etc.

How about crossing to the west coast on a southerly route through Zambia and Angola, via Saurimo? The only problem is getting the Angolan visa.

Good luck!
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  #5  
Old 25 Jun 2009
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Travelbug View Post

How about crossing to the west coast on a southerly route through Zambia and Angola, via Saurimo? The only problem is getting the Angolan visa.

Good luck!
yes that could be another option but I don't know if I can get an Angolean visa in Zambia? I posted another thread on this.
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Old 1 Jul 2009
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Angola Visa in Pretoria
You get the elusive 30 day Angola tourist visa in Pretoria, South Africa, without any real problems.
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  #7  
Old 4 Jul 2009
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Hey Christian,

I've done this the opposite way 3 years ago with a VW syncro. So it should be doable but it is defently not easy. The route we took was through the southern Sudan, so we weren't not only far away from electricity, gas and other cars driving but there is also the LRA around. And we've done it in the dry season.
Have a look here and ask again if you are still interested.

Cheers Peter

BTW: If you like to get such a smart map on your own website contact me, you only have to mail your tracks to Traveller-Tracks.
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Last edited by slep_afrika; 5 Jul 2009 at 00:04. Reason: forgot something
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  #8  
Old 8 Jul 2009
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Peter,

thanks for your posting. I guess there is some hope...



I will contact you later for more details (and the map option) when I get a faster connection.
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  #9  
Old 5 Sep 2009
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hi Christian,

which route have you decided on?

we're investigating the same route (CAR/DRC) but crossing from west to east.

cheers
riaan
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