"Zaire (Dem. Rep. of Congo) in the Old Days!" Top 5 Page for this destination Democratic Republic of Congo by Bwana_Brown

Democratic Republic of Congo Travel Guide: 283 reviews and 527 photos

Passing Ferries on the Luapula River - Democratic Republic of Congo

While working in Zambia in the early-1970's, I had occasion for a few trips across the northern border into Zaire. Originally called the Congo while a Belgian colony, then transformed into Zaire while Mobotu Sese Seku was President and then back to the Congo again in recent years - it was Zaire in my days there! Most of these trips to Zaire involved passing through that odd bit of the country (called the Pedicle) that sticks down into Zambia while I was enroute to more northerly parts of Zambia (via a ferry such as this one meeting my ferry on the Luapula River border crossing during one of these trips). Even back then, a trip into Zaire was a bit of an adventure (much more dangerous now I should think) because of the relative lawlessness that existed due to the remoteness of this part of Zaire from central control (remember the Katanga rebellion in the 1960's?). Even so, it was the chance of a lifetime so let's go for it! Sometimes we would get really brave and just wander across the border without passport control so we could have a few of the local brews on the Zairean side.

Last visit to Democratic Republic of Congo: Jun 1974
Intro Updated Jan 31, 2008
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Reviews (10)

Africans Enjoying the Luapula River - Democratic Republic of Congo

Enjoy Life - Maybe It Isn't So Bad After... Off The Beaten Path (2)

Hindsight is a wonderful thing. I knew that I was probably having the best time of my life during those 3 years in... more travel advice

Simba Dwarfs a Moosehead! - Democratic Republic of Congo

Simba Beer Local Customs (2)

When you had a beer in Zaire, you had a serious beer! Sometimes, because we were living so close to the Zairean border,... more travel advice

Luanshya, Zambia Tennis Team - Democratic Republic of Congo

Onward to The Congo! Sports & Outdoors (1)

An invitation from the Kolwezi Tennis Club in Zaire (Congo) led to the Luanshya, Zambia club sending a team for a... more travel advice

We Hit a Good Stretch of Road - Democratic Republic of Congo

Congolese Forests Local Customs (2)

Be relaxed - the country is different, so get used to it! I wish that my high school French had involved more oral than... more travel advice

Restaurants (1)
Dusty Dishes
Favorites (1)
Sometimes a Dangerous Place!
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Comments (55)

angiebabe May 29, 2010 at 5:42 PM Report Abuse

great reading your pg here - would love to see more of Africa myself but probably still not quite brave enough....to see the Congo anyway...got to get some of the easier/safer ones before too long though, Burundi last year was a good start!
Purpleshade Aug 25, 2009 at 7:24 PM Report Abuse

Interesting reminiscences, but possibly more suited to a traveloague that tips which make them seem current. :)Lesley
globetrott Oct 17, 2008 at 9:35 PM Report Abuse

Great page about a time gone by and it is funny to see these "wonderful" colors of the old slides, because not so long ago these kind of colors were "the state of the Art" ;-)
toonsarah May 28, 2008 at 5:09 AM Report Abuse

Great stuff Glenn! YOur time in this region obviously made a long-lasting impression on you and you describe it so vividly even after so long - I really enjoyed reading all your memories and seeing the old photos :)
victorwkf Mar 21, 2008 at 8:13 AM Report Abuse

Great insight into former Zaire, thanks for sharing!
evaanna Mar 9, 2008 at 1:49 PM Report Abuse

There was a time in Poland too when foreigners had to exchange quite a large sum of money daily. Fortunately, this is over! I wonder what the former Congo looks like now.
robertgaz Feb 3, 2008 at 5:57 PM Report Abuse

A big job to keep a bottle of Simba Beer cold... or do you just drink it fast ;~)
jadedmuse Oct 1, 2007 at 6:00 PM Report Abuse

Hi Bwana. Recently watched "Last King of Scotland" re neighboring Uganda, back in the day. Wow. What an experience.
Aafia Jun 30, 2007 at 9:06 AM Report Abuse

Your pages take me back 35 years when my family lived in Africa. And then 30 years ago when I volunteered there. How I would have loved to have traveled to Congo. I loved the Poisonwood Bible and I hung on to every word while reading this novel.
magor65 May 30, 2007 at 1:25 PM Report Abuse

What nice memories you have! I've just started reading "The Poisonwood Bible" by B. Kingsolver (set in Congo), so it is interesting to read about your impressions. Bth, 40 US dollars to spend in a day seems really much for those days.