Kisangani

Kisangani (previously Stanleyville or Stanleystad) is the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo's Tshopo province. It is the country's fifth most populated metropolitan region, with an expected population of 1,312,000 in 2021, and the largest of the Congo's tropical woodland towns.

Kisangani is the farthest navigable point upstream, at 2,100 kilometers (1,300 miles) from the Congo River's mouth. After Kinshasa, Kisangani is the country's most important interior port, serving as a key economic hub for river and land traffic as well as a major marketing and distribution center for the country's north-eastern region. Since the late 1800s, it has served as the northern Congo's commercial capital.

Aside from inexpensive motorcycles, given the city's remoteness in the forest (and very challenging paths to maneuver here), there are remarkably few automobiles in the city. The majority of residents walk or use bicycles to get about (and similar wheeled contraptions). Petrol is a costly commodity.

Taxis are difficult to come by. If you need to drive across town (or to the airport), make car rental reservations a day or two ahead of time! Expect to pay USD20-40 for a taxi to the airport. Many motorbike owners will let you get aboard for a modest fee if you don't mind getting a little dirty/dusty and hanging on for dear life.

Location: Tshopo Province