Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Capital City

With a population of over 700,000, Bukavu is a crowded, chaotic city in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. The harsh realities of post-conflict life are impossible to ignore - the road network remains dilapidated, and bureaucracy is a persistent headache. While the subtropical climate provides some reprieve, the threat of a catastrophic limnic eruption from nearby Lake Kivu looms large over the 2 million people who live in the area. Bukavu is not for the faint of heart, but those drawn to its colonial architecture and educational opportunities may find it a worthwhile, if challenging, destination.