Things To Do
in Doruma

Lively scenes of trade, colorful produce, baskets and everyday life—great for candid portrait and street photography with permission from subjects.

Early-morning and late-afternoon light on river or stream banks offers reflections, fishermen, and riverside village life for atmospheric images.

Nearby tracks and small clearings provide landscape shots, birdlife, and open skies—use for nature photography and sunrise/sunset panoramas.

Portraits of artisans, cassava-processing scenes and traditional houses convey cultural context—always ask permission and offer a small token as thanks.

A staple starch made from cassava or fermented cassava (kwanga); served with sauces or stews and found in local homes and market stalls.

Must-Try!

Cassava leaves cooked into a flavorful green stew often combined with palm oil and fish or meat; common in home cooking and market eateries.

Chicken simmered in a rich palm-butter (moambe) sauce; considered a national specialty and served at communal meals when ingredients are available.

Locally caught fish grilled or wrapped in leaves and steamed; try at riverbank spots or village kitchens when available.

Always greet people when entering a shop or meeting someone—use a polite French greeting or local tongue if you know it. Show deference to elders and community leaders.

Ask permission before photographing people, especially in villages or at markets—many people expect to be asked and may appreciate a small payment or printed photo as a courtesy.

Dress modestly and practically; conservative clothing is appropriate in town and village settings. Avoid loud displays of wealth and valuables to minimize attention.

Remove shoes when invited into modest homes if requested, and accept food or drink politely—declining without reason can be seen as impolite.

Tipping is informal and modest—rounding up a bill, giving small cash tokens to guides, porters or helpful staff is appreciated but not mandatory. If you receive exceptional service, a small tip in local currency is welcome.

Doruma is largely cash-based: carry Congolese francs (CDF) or reliable foreign currency (USD) for trade. Credit cards are rarely accepted; mobile money services exist in parts of the DRC but may be unreliable in remote areas—confirm availability before planning.

Dry season conditions mean easier road access, dustier roads, fewer mosquitoes at times, and clearer skies for travel and photography. Temperatures are warm to hot during the day but evenings can be more pleasant; water sources may be lower.

Heavy rains can make dirt roads muddy and sometimes impassable, slowing or preventing overland travel; plan for delays and arrange reliable local transport. Vegetation is lush, wildlife and birdlife may be more active, but expect frequent showers and higher humidity.

Local tracks through mixed savanna and woodland offer gentle hikes, birdwatching and landscape views—best with a local guide to navigate paths and seasons.

Shorter hikes linking nearby villages allow cultural immersion and observation of agricultural life; organize with host communities for respectful visits.

The most popular sport across the DRC, played informally in town fields and organized locally where facilities exist; community matches are common social events.

Various traditional games, local dances and informal competitions form part of community gatherings and festivals.

Vegetarian options are feasible (stews of cassava leaves, legumes when available, and starchy sides) but protein choices are often fish or meat by default—communicate clearly and expect simple vegetable preparations.

Bring essentials if you have strict allergies; bottled water is recommended and avoid raw produce unless you can wash or peel it. In small towns, cross-contamination is possible, so be explicit with hosts or cooks.