Katwa, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Scratching out a living in this remote DRC town is no easy feat. With a population of just 89,352, Katwa is a small and isolated commune in North Kivu province, situated north of Lake Edward near the Ugandan border. The town has faced serious challenges, including a devastating Ebola outbreak in 2018-2020 that forced the closure of a crucial treatment center after it was attacked and partially burned, resulting in one fatality.

While the World Health Organization has since launched a new vaccination protocol in Katwa, the persistent threat of disease and violence makes this a risky location for all but the most resilient and well-prepared expats. Bureaucratic hurdles and a volatile security situation are the harsh realities that anyone considering a move to Katwa must confront.

This is a city best suited for only the most seasoned and intrepid of adventurers.