Kinshasa

Most of anthropologists and travel photographers have less explored the Democratic Republic of the Congo for lack of trustworthy guides offering the real local experience. This trip is tripled by three main experiences that are usually provided separately to travelers. The Tata Gonda land that remained a mystery for years, the authentic Pende of Gungu with their pierced cheeks and mask dances, and full immersion into the Kuba Kingdom, one of the most powerful African kingdom of all times. For instance, traditionally in Pende culture, for a month, hundreds of children remain in a boot camp together with their teachers (Nganga Mukanda) and the Grand Master (Kele). They will be circumcised there. During this trip, you’ll learn how they go through this tough period of lockdown and how when following the initiation, all these young people—now grown-ups—will return to their proud homes—in the midst of a huge celebration featuring countless different masks.