Going to the Congo! Advise?

Truelove

Truelove

Joined
Aug 16, 2005
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149
I have a remarkable opportunity to travel, by river, from Kinshasa to the Atlantic next year. This will be just my father and myself as well as a guide, cook, and mechanic.

Me: an ER nurse with years of experience and in good fitness.
My father: experienced world traveler, speaks French, also fit.

What skills should I acquire in the next year? What, very minimal, gear should I (at times literally) carry?
I'm thinking this will be a three weeks journey consisting of mostly heat, mud and exotic illnesses. I am not having fantasies of romance, righting historical wrongs, or flashing the First World's latest and greatest gear (I'm thinking of a couple of Douk-Douks for example.)

Any advise is greatly appreciated!
 
Make sure your immu shots are up, build a kit to cover you 4 basic needs, shelter, fire, water, first aid. Keep in on a belt pack, or somewhere it won't get drug off. I would say take the biggest knife you can handle effectively, and smaller blade for fine work. Have a good backup like and Izula, ESKABAR or ESEE 3 in your all the time kit. Have a great time and post pics on the journey. Moose

PS, water pure tabs and filters.
 
Awsome. I have never been to Africa but did get the chance to do some out of the way travel. Take a comprehensive medical kit, you will likely see some folks that need your help. Also I would take some small items to gift to folks that you become friends with. Something like fire steels or other small useful item would be really nice. (I am getting ready to make a large order of these from goingear.com and spoke to Marshall there about a bulk discount.) And dont forget a good hat and tons of pics to post when you get back.
Josh
 
Adventure medical makes a small kit with sterile syringes in it for traveling to rough places. Might be nice if you ever needed it. You never know what medical supplies are available in the Congo if you ever got really sick or hurt. Nice having an ER nurse.

Bring some cool american trinkets to trade with locals. Pins. Toys. Maybe a bunch of small cheap digital watches. You'd be surprised how much you can get with things like this.
 
I would suggest learning some of the local customs to avoid offending people or appearing offended by what they consider normal behavior. Knowing basic courtesies in the local language could also help.
 
Here's some advice I gave to someone a couple of years ago on a tactical forum. I'll add more to it when I have time.

OKAY, I'M GOING TO AMEND SOME OF THIS INFO AS IT'S OUT OF DATE AND I'LL DO IT ALL IN CAPS. KEEP IN MIND THIS ORIGINAL POST WAS IN A TACTICAL FORUM GEARED TOWARDS SOMEONE DOING SECURITY WORK IN AFRICA.

"Africa is huge and extremely diverse. You have everything from dense jungle to desert to savannah and everything in between. Packing for something as diverse as that is difficult to say the least.

Medical considerations:

Try really really really hard not to get sick or hurt! Impossible but the best advice I can give you. Medical help is beyond primitive over most of Africa (South Africa isn't too bad). If you do need medical attention seek it through the US Embassy, if at all possible.
MEDICAL NEEDS ARE NOW BETTER MET IN SOME OF THE BIGGER CITIES IN AFRICA, BUT FOR THE MOST PART THIS STILL HOLDS TRUE.

Consider bringing your own syringes and suture kit (but have a doctor's note so they don't think that your a drug user!). Reusing needles is still a common practice in many Third World coutries, and many of the medical facilities there are less than sterile. You can get these and medical kits made specifically for the 3rd World from Adventure Medical Kits.
I STILL HIGHLY RECOMMEND BRINGING YOUR OWN NEEDLES AND CATHETERS FOR IVs. IN THE MORE PRIMITIVE AREAS OF AFRICA (AND MUCH OF THE CONGO RIVER BASIN IS VERY VERY PRIMITIVE) REUSING NEEDLES IS STILL A COMMON PRACTICE.

Immodium AD and lots of it.
EXPLAIN TO YOUR PHYSICIAN WHAT YOU ARE DOING AND HAVE HIM/HER WRITE YOU A SCRIP FOR LIMOTIL AND FLAGYL AS THESE WILL BE MUCH MORE EFFECTIVE. ALSO CONSIDER A BROAD SPECTRUM ANTIBIOTIC

If you have allergies bring everything that you need to combat them, including an Atropine Auto-Injector if you require it (also with a doctor's note).

Consider buying a water filter, or at least some water treatment chemicals like Polar Pur (beware of using iodine for long periods of time, as it effects your thyroid. Bleach is a better alternative, plus it kills some bacteria in your system [although it kills beneficial bacteria also]).
NOW I WOULD RECOMMEND NON-IODINE CHEMICAL TREATMENTS LIKE CHLORINE DIOXIDE (KATADYN MP-1) AS MORE EFFECTIVE. I ALSO NOW USE A UV PURIFIER FOR THE HOTEL ROOM, ETC. GOOD FOR YOUR TEETH BRUSHING WATER, ETC. NOT GOOD FOR DIRTY WATER, SO YOU'LL STILL NEED A PHYSICAL FILTER AND I RECOMMEND THE PUR BACKPACKER FOR ITS DURABILITY AND RELIABILITY.

I may spark a debate but don't take your malarial meds unless you're in the Nile River Basin or the Congo River Basin. It's usually better to treat the malaria if you get it instead of taking the preventative meds, which have a lot of horrible side effects.
TAKE YOUR MALARIAL MEDS. THE NEWER MEDS ARE SO MUCH BETTER THAN WHAT I HAVE USED IN THE PAST. FIND OUT THE BEST KIND FOR THE AREA YOUR TRAVELLING TO AND TAKE IT RELIGIOUSLY.

Other things to consider:

Synthetic clothing (polyester or nylon) dries better, wicks sweat, is lighter and is more durable than cotton. Look for clothing from good quality hiking and climbing clothing companies like The North Face, Mountain Hardwear, Columbia, Royal Robbins, Ex Officio, etc. Campmor.com, sierratradingpost.com, rei.com, mgear.com, killerdeals.com, and travelsmith.com are some good sources for that.
EX OFFICIO HAS ITS PREMETHRIN TREATED CLOTHING LINE, THAT'S SUPPOSED TO BE VERY EFFECTIVE. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND PREMETHRIN, BUT IT MAY DAMAGE SOME SYNTHETICS. TREAT YOUR TENT FLY, ANY COTTON CLOTHING, BACK PACK, ETC. IT DOESN'T JUST REPEL BUGS IT KILLS THEM. DO NOT APPLY IT DIRECTLY TO YOU SKIN UNLESS YOU WANT A QUICK TRIP TO THE HOSPITAL (SAW A SOLDIER WHO DID THAT DOWN IN PANAMA). IT LASTS A COUPLE OF WEEKS AND THROUGH SEVERAL WASHES.

A large brimmed hat like a boonie hat is a life saver. Columbia makes a great one made of supplex nylon that has mesh around the crown for venting and the underside of the brim is black to prevent glare.

Pacsafe makes a lot of great security stuff to protect your things. They make a steel net that covers your pack/bags that is slash resistent and you can lock it to your bed, the roof of a bus, etc. I leave it on my pack when I'm walking too, to prevent slash and grabs (IF YOU DON'T USE ONE OF THESE THEN LEAVE A RAIN COVER ON YOUR PACK AS THIS MAKES IT MORE DIFFICULT FOR PICK POCKETS TO GET INTO YOUR PACK WHEN IN THE AIRPORT, BUS STATION, MARKETS, ETC. THEY ALSO MAKE IT SO THAT THIEVES CAN'T SEE WHERE THEY NEED TO SLASH FOR A SLASH AND GRAB. LESSON LEARNED THROUGH EXPERIENCE). They also make a fanny pack that has a steel cable that runs through the waist belt so that it can't be slashed and stolen (a common tactic in Africa and Asia).
I ALSO LIKE THE RETRACTABLE CABLE PAD LOCKS. THEY'RE NOT THE BEST LOCKS AND CAN BE PRETTY EASILY DEFEATED, BUT GREAT FOR WHEN YOU'RE AT A BUS STATION TO LOCK TO A BENCH, TO LOCK YOUR PACK ON TOP OF A BUS WHEN TRAVELLING, ETC.

A pack is better than luggage because it frees your hands to defend yourself and it keeps your things close to your body so it's harder to lose.

Get a thin waist pouch that goes inside your pants to protect some of your important things like your passport (in a ziploc bag), extra money, etc. You can find these at most luggage stores, a lot of outdoor stores, and places like Walmart in the travel section. But don't put all of your eggs in one basket. Put some money under your insoles in your shoes, in your socks, etc. The waist pouches are very common so many thieves are aware of them and may look for them when they're robbing you. Don't use a neck pouch, as those are choke hazards. I saw thieves in Italy choke tourists with their own neck pouches while they were robbing them.

Carry a dummy wallet with a day's worth of money and 1 or 2 dead credit cards. If someone robs you, hand that over and and you've lost very little. If you're a tourist and you don't have a credit card in your wallet the thieves may search you further to get them and that may expose your other hiding spots.
I STASH SPARE CASH IN MULTIPLE PLACES, LIKE UNDER THE INSOLES OF MY SHOES, IN THE BOOK YOUR READING, ETC. THAT WAY IF YOU ARE ROBBED YOU'LL HOPEFULLY HAVE SOMETHING TO GET YOU TO THE NEXT PLACE.

If you are not with the military avoid military gear, especially if it is camo. This is illegal in some areas and makes you a target in other areas.

Don't drink anything unless you opened it.
Ice cubes may not be made of clean water so avoid them.
Don't eat salads unless you're in a reputable, preferably European, area.
Thick skinned fruits (bananas, oranges, etc) are usually okay, but thin skinned fruits (apples, peaches, etc) are usually not.
Beware of road-side food stands and food stalls in bazaars.
Eat all meats well-done. I like a restaurant to cut off the horns, slap it on the butt and send it on out to me, but this is a dangerous thing in Africa.
IF YOU'RE AN ADVENTUROUS EATER YOU CAN GET IT ALL THERE. GOAT WAS THE MOST COMMON MEAT I SAW THERE, BUT "BUSH MEAT" CAN BE ANYTHING FOUND IN THE JUNGLE FROM MONKEY AND GORILLA, TO LITTLE RED AND BLUE DEER TO RAT. I'VE EATEN PLENTY OF BUGS THERE TOO , BUT THEY WERE ALL BOILED AND ABSOLUTELY REPULSIVE (THEY'RE MUCH BETTER FRIED, SOUTH EAST ASIA STYLE.

If it's expensive it will be stolen, so just don't bring it.

Bring a padlock if you're staying in hostels as these are required for the cheap ones which don't have locks on the outside. Door stops can also be used as an improvised lock from the inside.
I NEVER TRAVEL WITHOUT DOOR STOPS. THEY'RE A UNIVERSAL LOCK FOR YOUR HOTEL ROOM, PUBLIC BATHROOM, ETC. I CARRY 2-3 STACKABLE DOOR STOPS SO THAT THEY CAN BE STACKED FOR DOORS THAT HAVE A LOT OF CLEARANCE UNDER THEM.

Premethrin on your clothes actually kills many insects and lasts for 2 weeks and several washings, but don't put it on your skin unless you want a quick trip to the hospital. DEET is the most effective insect repellant, but may be hazardous to your health. There are some natural alternatives that use eucalyptus, lemon, etc., but you have to apply them a lot more often.

Wear light colored clothes so that you can easily see insects (and they're cooler in the sun). Wear long sleeve shirts and pants in malaria-prone areas. Bring a headnet (Outdoor Research makes a great one with a steel ring that goes around your head to keep the mesh off of your face so that you can't get bit through the mesh), and wear it in the morning and in the evening when mosquitos are most active.

Take Chris's advice on body armor, if you need it. You will get shot with a FN FAL or an AK there, not a handgun.
I DOUBT VERY MUCH YOU'LL NEED BODY ARMOR FOR YOUR PURPOSES, PLUS YOU WOULD NEED BULKY RIFLE PLATES. THE GUY I ORIGINALLY SENT THIS TOO WAS GOING INTO HARMS WAY AND WAS GOING TO BE ARMED. BODY ARMOR WOULD PROBABLY MAKE YOU MORE OF A TARGET.

2 small pieces of cardboard covered in duct tape or 100mph tape makes a great sheath for a small kitchen knife or paring knife, which you can find for cheap at any bazaar or corner market. This makes a usable defense weapon that you can chuck when you no longer need it. Just slip the improvised sheath into your back pocket and it's readily accessible. You can also find box cutters everywhere, which don't stab well or slash through thick material well, but are still effective, as a few Islamist extremists demonstrated on 9/11.
AFRICAN MACHETES, CALLED PANGAS, ARE REALLY PRETTY DECENT (EXCEPT THE SHEATHS), INEXPENSIVE AND READILY AVAILABLE. YOU'LL DEFINITELY WANT A MACHETE FOR THE CONGO RIVER BASIN. I WISH I WOULD HAVE TAKEN A COUPLE OF THEM BACK WITH ME, BUT I ALWAYS GAVE THEM TO THE LOCALS WHEN I LEFT. THEY'RE A COOL SOUVENIR THAT YOU CAN ACTUALLY USE TOO.

Always be aware of your surroundings and never let up your vigilence. Beware of excessive alcohol, which will dull your senses and make you an easy mark.
PERSONALLY, I WOULD AVOID ALCOHOL AND DRUGS AT ALL. NOTHING BUT TROUBLE.

KEEP IN MIND THAT THE KINSHASA HIGHWAY IS ALSO CALLED THE AIDS HIGHWAY AND IS DIRECTLY BLAMED FOR THE SPREAD OF SIV, WHICH TURNED INTO HIV/AIDS, AN ANCIENT AND PRIMITIVE VIRUS, FROM REMOTE AFRICA TO THE REST OF THE WORLD. IT'S ALSO HOW THE CDC AND USAMRIID BELIEVE EBOLA AND A COUPLE OF OTHER HEMORRHAGIC FEVERS SPREAD. NOT HERE TO JUDGE BUT IF YOU WANT TO PARTY IT UP WITH LOCAL GIRLS OR LIKE PROSTITUTES YOU PROBABLY WON'T FIND CONDOMS FOR A THOUSAND MILES SO BUYER BEWARE.
I'm sure that I'm forgetting a lot of stuff, but I hope this helps.

Good luck!"
 
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improvised oral rehydration salts... quick dry footwear... waterproof copy of birth certificate/passport/shot records,contact numbers with US embassy in a money belt...possibly rent a satphone
 
If you're going to get body armor, make sure it's Class 3. Take along a good Swiss Army Knife (with a saw and scissors). Have GREAT water purification gear with you. This part of Africa is rough (terrain). I've flown the Congo from Kinshasha down to the Atlantic a lot. I worked for a number of years in that part of Africa (Angola, DRC/Zaire, People's Republic of the Congo). I always had my SAK and my Randall Model 14 knife with me. Once you clear the hills and are in the last stretch of the River, it's several miles wide in places, with islands in the main channel. At the mouth, the channel is almost 3,000 ft. deep, and the current is quite strong. You willl see acre+ size floating "islands" being pushed out to sea. The Congo is one of the most impressive river systems you will ever see, my friend! Wait till you see the rapids above Matadi (DRC) and Noqui (Angola)! They are amazing!

Just my $0.02 worth,
Ron
 
Some good posts! From several of my travels, a few good mosquito nets are worth their weight in gold.

As mentioned, take some trade goods (cheap knives such as Mora's, Bic lighters, etc).

Avoid any US or American clothing...keep a low profile. Heck, I'd get a few Latvia or Portuguese shirts/hats. I travel paranoid, but that's my training and background:D

Make sure you have an extra camera just in case...we expect some great pictures after your trip:thumbup:

ROCK6
 
You can get insurance for medical issues that is very reasonable. They will get you out (helicopter, I believe) and get you to a country with real medical care. I had a diplomat associate at a previous job that always recommended it.
 
I would also take a PLB too! cost some money less than a SAT Phone but may save your bacon.
 
storl, while that is good advice, I wouldn't count on a helicopter getting to you in a medical emergency downriver of Kinshasha on the Congo.

As you are an ER Nurse, Truelove, you know what to take in case of medical emergency. I HIGHLY recommend a good malaria prophylaxis, for both you and your father...you might wish to look into getting a prescrition for Malarone. It is 98% effective against all the various forms of malaria, including the hemmorhagic types. I cannot emphasize how essential this will be for a safe journey for you.

Ron
 
Kage covered it pretty well. Under the circumstances, I think body armor is impractical. Level III soft body armor won't stop a 7.62mm anyway.

Antibiotic ointments like neosporin, anti-fungals, benadryl and oral antibiotics would be good additions to your kit. I would probably leave the syringes at home. A good anti-diarrhea medicine might be your best friend. They have over the counter products there that contain tincture of morphine that work well.

Aside from the food, the bugs have the best chance of getting to you. I have a lot of fond memories of sub-Saharan Africa but tick bite fever isn't one of them. Years later, I still have an odd scar on my forearm as a reminder.

Looking forward to a lengthy report with pics.
 
Gerberblades, I respectfully disagree about the syringes and needles. In that part of Africa, were I to have an injection, I would want to supply my own syringe and needle. I am basing this on first-hand experience with medical clinics in that specific region of the continent.

Regards,
Ron
 
The most important kit ..... a positive attitude and a big smile!

All the advise on body armour ....laugh and move on ... if you need body armour you could use a platoon of Marines better. When the shooting starts, you should be miles away.

Meds - Basic first aid kit and make sure Imodium and Valoid's are in there as well as a local anti-bacterial salf ...I like Bactroban but your call. Get a broad spectrum antibiotic as well. Plasters, tweezers always work well. Take a personal IV and injection kit ...if you need medical attention, the hospitals do re-use these and you could end up much worse with AIDS, Hepatitus or such. Make sure you have a valid yellow innoculation card and get all your shot ....3 months before you travel and boosters before you leave if you can ....take the cholera shots ...... yes, do take the cholera shots!! Cholera is around so a few bags of rehydrate works wonders.

Take out a solid medical insurance thab will airlfit you out. DRC has flights to South Africa daily ....... you don't want a local doctor to even look at you. Stabilise and EVAC ...... make sure you are covered! Make sure you have their local contact details in a safe place.

Basic hygiene is very important. Don't drink untreated water and in remote areas, don't even trust bottled water. Some clever souls buy caps and fill with local water ...don't learn the hard way. I carry drops to purify everything .. I am paranoid, I know but I am still alive!!

Malaria area ...... if you are not on meds I would take meds as a precaution,. Yes, if you live there, taking meds has long term bad affects but for 3 weeks ... it is the safest option. Avoid being bitten ....DEET, mosquito nets and long clothes all helps ...... don't mess about with this!

Food ...... if you don't peel it, don't eat it. If you cannot cook it, walk away! Salads are washed in untreated water ..... don't do!! Drinks .....Coke is everywhere and straight from the bottle .... ice is untreated water so stay well clear of ice.

On gifts ...... don't do it!! The next poor white traveller will be chased down for the gifts. Pay a fair price for a fair piece of work or service. Some say bring candy .....yes and how far do you think their dentist is? Don't travel in 3rd world areas with a 1st world mentality. Your 9-5 job, dual income and 2.4 kids have no bearing here.

Africa can be violent but normally concentrated around big cities/towns. Do some homework before departure and avoid those areas. As for local language and customs ...forget it!! DRC has about 30+ dialects so French will work just fine. You are white so you will be cut some slack ... they expect you to be an idiot so if you do do something offending they will most likely laugh and tell you not to do it again. Apologise and learn ..... Africans are some of the most friendly people you will ever encounter.

Keep personal documents on you at all times, Get a waterproof carrier and have certified copies of all passports and CC's at a safe location. If you do loose documents, the US Embassy will be much more helpful if you can give some proof that you are indeed who you claim to be.

Don't take anything you cannot afford to loose. Knives and kit may be lost, stolen or liberated. A good combo if you do jungle trekking is a machete, a 4 inch knife, multitool and a headlamp. Taker spare batteries for your lights. A SAK always works well and doesn't atract a lot of attention. Carrying water on your person is a must in the bush. Add a SS cup and you can also boil food/water. Make sure you also have way of starting a fire and purifying water. One of those hammock that are rolled into a fist size is very hand. You can sleep off the ground if you have to, use it as a gear carrier and even fish with it.


Insect repellant is a must and I prefer 70% DEET (Uncle Ben's) I am sure there are others that works well but do you want to travel all that way and find out it doesn't ;-)

Dress ....... Indiana Jones style and you are asking to be mugged. Tone it down. A solid rain jacket as it will rain ..... it is a tropical forrest. Quick drying shirts and pants will be great. Jungle boots that protects your ankles is always a winner. Don't take new kit .....blisters will pop and become septic. A hat that can be crushed into a ball when not needed, like a Tilley is great to have.

Keep your feet as dry as posisble. Every stop, take off the boots and socks to allow them to dry out. Take a small container of foot powder and treat each night and morning. The last thing you need is a fungal infection. Look after your feet, they are your transport.

You need at least 2 packs ...... one to leave at the start for the kit you need to fly in and out ...most upmarket hotels will have a safe keeping facility. Leave copies of all documents in this bag as well as a spare CC or such ..... A pack allows you to push through crowds but beware of items hanging out or visible ... you will loose them in a crowd. Add a few garbage bags (5) ....wet kit can be packed into them to return without destroying all the clean stuff. A bag or two will not be a bad idea on your jungle trek ...collect water and emergency shelter :-)

Keep at least a $100 in 1's and 5's on your person. The dollar is still king but Euro catching up fast. Buy a small cheap wallet and carry about $20 in there. Your main stash should be hidden on your person and in case of a mugging .... hand over the worthless item.

Never let your passport be taken out of your sight! Never! Be polite but be firm.

Check in with your local embassy on arrival and tell them about your plans. Leave a written brief with them as well as emergency contact numbers. Ask about areas you plan to visit ..... good info and can be trusted normally. Beter to start searching after 4 weeks than bones found a year later. Report back when you return.

Take as many photo's as you can ..... keep your kit dry.

Navigation - Even if guided ...try and get a map of the aree, even a small compass is better than nothing and a GPS. Update position daily.

Help - Missions are still your best bet. Good medical care, often EU trained doctors and a wealth of local knowledge. In fact ....don't move past one in the bush without stopping. You will always be welcomed, share the news ...word of mouth is often the only comms they have and get an update on the area you plan to travel .....don't give details .... you could be walking into an ambush!

Locals - They can be bothersome and insist on helping you. Be polite and friendly but always firm. They will get the message in the end. You look like a wandering ATM but do not give money away for nothing. Get them to clean your kit ..... (Eish, be careful they don't steal it), wash your clothes or something. I found women more trustworthy than the men ..... avoid drunken idiots!! Run like hell if you have to but don't get physical if you can avoid it. African jails are no joke!

You will be amazed at Africa .....bush one second and then ... a GSM tower. Get a local prepaid SIM card and a cheap cell. Make sure your contacts have this number. In Africa, you don't pay for incoming calls and although coverage will be patchy, any reasonable sized town will have coverage ....... service may be crap though.

Make sure you have a Gmail or such account ..... compile a contact list and every time you get to a internet access point, update on location and travel plans. You are sharing the experience and your backup knows where to start looking .... Africa is big so any little bit helps.

This just off the top of my head .... hope it helped.
 
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