The Congos 2010
Travels through the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Republic of Congo
Travels through the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Republic of Congo
A three-week journey by plane, bus, land cruiser, dug-out canoe and foot, with my sister Elizabeth, in search of bonobos, western lowland gorillas and forest elephants.
In the Republic of Congo we travelled north by bus to Ndoki Nouabale, a remote forest reserve where the borders with Cameroon and the Central African Republic converge at the Sangha River. In DRC we headed to the Lola Ya Bonobo sanctuary, a couple of hours' drive from Kinshasa, where rescued bonobos are prepared for re-introduction into the wild.
Along the way we navigated our way past corrupt police and soldiers, venemous snakes and the mighty Congo River. They're not easy countries to travel in, but they are immensely rewarding. And Kinshasa is one of the most fun, vibrant African cities I've ever visited.
In the Republic of Congo we travelled north by bus to Ndoki Nouabale, a remote forest reserve where the borders with Cameroon and the Central African Republic converge at the Sangha River. In DRC we headed to the Lola Ya Bonobo sanctuary, a couple of hours' drive from Kinshasa, where rescued bonobos are prepared for re-introduction into the wild.
Along the way we navigated our way past corrupt police and soldiers, venemous snakes and the mighty Congo River. They're not easy countries to travel in, but they are immensely rewarding. And Kinshasa is one of the most fun, vibrant African cities I've ever visited.