Do you want to be a part of the club? Tips on taking photos in Kinshasa or the DRC

Hi!

We are looking for new members (and photos to post on our website credited of course!) and places to take pictures in and around Kinshasa in a safe way. Can you recommend some?

We have been able to take pictures safely in the following places :

Kinshasa Botanical Garden
Kinshasa Golf Club
Parc de la vallée de la Nsele
On the Congo River far from people
Remote villages

Do you have any others? Any tips?

Our tips to take pictures in DRC are :

Always ask permission before taking a picture of someone
Do not go to very crowded areas with a big camera – do not attract attention
If you are visible minority (ie white or indian or non-black) you will be the center of attention, try not to give anyone a reason to protest what you are doing
Police and people may ask why you are taking pictures. The ex-dictator of ex-Zaire/DRC, Joseph Mobutu, did not want any pictures taken anywhere. This reflex still exists now but is slowly changing with social media and smartphones.
Tourist spots do not really exist in DRC
Do not take pictures of police men, military or government buildings especially airports, administrations, etc…
Try to use your smartphone rather than a big camera if you want to be discreet.
Put away your camera when you are not using it
Be prepared to be harassed for money if you are walking with a camera. Have a vehicle or motorcycle to move quickly
Flying a drone is very risky – make sure you have authorisations or do it quickly and far from airports or military camps. We have been told that you need to pay 1000 USD per year to the Aviation authority (RVA or Autorité de l’aviation civile). See this page or this one.