Things To Do
in Nyunzu

Vibrant colours, busy stalls and portraits of vendors—great for candid street photography early in the morning.

A short climb outside town rewards with sweeping views of the surrounding farmland and a dramatic sunset over the plains.

Scenes of traditional fishing, bamboo boats and smokehouses—best photographed at dawn or late afternoon for soft light.

Everyday scenes of cooking, weaving and market preparation offer authentic cultural portraits; always ask permission before photographing people.

A thick dough made from cassava or maize flour, served with a variety of stews (vegetable, peanut or fish). Widely available at local eateries and markets.

Must-Try!

Freshwater fish wrapped in leaves and grilled or smoked, commonly found in riverside villages and market stalls.

A hearty stew made from beans, often cooked with palm oil, onions and smoked fish; a filling local favourite.

Sweet or slightly savoury fried dough sold by street vendors or at market stalls—popular for breakfast or snack.

The busiest place to sample local produce: fresh cassava, plantains, smoked fish, groundnuts and seasonal fruit. Try small grilled fish, fried snacks and fresh fruit juices.

When local fishermen bring in catches, small stalls sell smoked and grilled fish — best for tasting regional freshwater varieties.

Polite greetings are important—shake hands, ask 'Bonjour' or 'Mambo'/'Shikamoo' in Swahili, and take a moment to exchange pleasantries before business or photography.

Dress modestly, especially in rural areas and when visiting village compounds—avoid revealing clothing out of respect for local norms.

Always ask permission before photographing people, particularly women and children; a small gift or token is appreciated when taking posed portraits.

Show deference to elders and community leaders—formal introductions through a local host can open doors and avoid misunderstandings.

Tipping is modest and not always expected; small tips (a few hundred to a couple thousand Congolese francs, or rounding up) are appreciated for good service. For guides or drivers, tips are customary if service is helpful.

Cash (Congolese franc, CDF) is king—small businesses and markets rarely accept cards. ATMs are scarce and may dispense limited amounts; mobile money services (Airtel Money, Orange Money where available) are increasingly used but coverage can be inconsistent.

Vegetarian options are available (beans, plantain, vegetable stews) but meat and fish are common; explicitly request no fish or meat and be prepared for limited variety outside markets.

Possible but more challenging—confirm use of palm oil and absence of fish stock in stews; carry snacks or supplements if you rely on diverse protein sources.

Many staples (cassava, maize) are naturally gluten-free, but verify fried foods and sauces to avoid cross-contamination if you have celiac disease.

Drink bottled or treated water only, eat hot, freshly cooked food and avoid raw salads or uncooked items sold on the street to reduce risk of stomach upset.