Frequently Asked Questions

Is it dangerous to go to Kivu? We have seen that it is not recommended on the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs!

A trip to Kivu is not a Club Med holiday and if you only like well-marked paths without surprises, don't choose this region as your destination! But if you're curious about a strong week in Central Africa with a poor but hospitable population in sublime surroundings, don't hesitate, come, we'll only take you to places with all the security you need.

We lived in Kivu a few years ago and would like to go back there to see this environment we loved again. Is this possible?

Yes, of course! Our Team knowns it very well and can set up the program you want and do it in complete safety. Contact us and you will quickly find this region where you have been satisfied and which will welcome you with open arms!

If the war in the region resumed, would we risk our lives?

FFrankly, we don't think so. KT doesn't take you to places that are dangerous or that can become dangerous quickly. As far as we know, no expatriate, tourist or other, has been a victim of the civil wars in Kivu, not even the representatives of international NGOs who are often in the hottest places.
Moreover, you will usually be in Goma or Bukavu or very close to these two cities which are themselves on the border with Rwanda and which are very easy to reach if necessary. We often go to the region and have never been in danger or even felt a sense of insecurity.

Is there a risk of being verbally or physically attacked?

Frankly, the most common risk you have in Kivu is seeing needy people and often children coming to ask you for candy or a little money, but these begging approaches are rejected by the whole population who often keep you away from them.
There is no such thing as oral or psychological aggression. Physical aggression certainly exists, but no more than in any other part of the world, not even in our country. It is therefore advisable, as everywhere, never to go to unfamiliar places without having obtained a favourable advice from your driver or the local manager.

Can a volcanic eruption endanger our lives?

Volcanic eruptions are very rare and personally we would like to be present when an eruption occurs, it is such a fascinating sight!
The most recent volcanic eruptions (1978 and 2002) in Goma have both led to slow lava flows which, although they destroy everything in their path, give the population enough time to take shelter.
However, we cannot guarantee that this risk does not exist, but it is extremely low.

Are the gorillas guaranteed to be real and why is it so expensive?

Visiting the gorillas has become a worldwide attraction! In Rwanda the price of a visit is 1.500$/pers and the waiting list to visit them is 6 months at a rate of 56 persons per day and ... the most frequent visitors are Americans! Let's quickly take advantage of the fact that the price in DRC is still 400$ to see these gorillas in an even more "natural" way. There is no guarantee to see the gorillas, but we don't know anyone who hasn't seen them! If you have this extreme bad luck, if it is possible to pay a non-paid visit the next day, it is guaranteed.

Should I be vaccinated against certain diseases?

Yes, there are mosquitoes in Kivu, but certainly less than elsewhere because of the altitude of the region (1,500m). The risk of malaria is less there, but it does exist. We strongly advise you to take anti-malarial medication that will be advised by your doctor.

There is a lot of talk about malaria in Africa! Is the risk also present in Kivu?

Oui, il y a des moustiques au Kivu mais certainement moins qu’ailleurs vu l’altitude de la région (1.500m). Le risque de malaria y est moindre mais il existe. Nous conseillons fortement d’emporter avec vous lait anti moustiques et de prendre le médicament anti malaria qui vous sera conseillé par votre médecin.

What is the quality of medical care in case of an emergency?

The medical infrastructure is sufficient for routine procedures. In the event of more serious problems, the best solution is repatriation (hence the need for global assistance insurance), which can be carried out very quickly thanks to daily flight connections between the country of origin and the country of destination.