The capital city Kinshasa is a marvel of self-organizing traffic, however "embouteillage" (bottleneck traffic jam) is the operative word. The good news is that every single vehicle on the road is crammed full to maximum possible capacity. There are many small yellow buses (public transportation is a good thing!), and most of the motorcycles are "moto-taxis" where up to 3 passengers squeeze onto the motorcycle behind the driver. If "lanes" were to exist and there were to be "carpool" lanes in Kinshasa, all vehicles would qualify!
It's true that getting from one place to the next is a jolting, loud and polluted experience. Plus pedestrians and motorcycles are flowing in every possible direction and through every inch of space between cars, trucks and small buses.
On the other hand, the reflexes and athleticism involved is amazing to witness, and, for the most part, this extraordinary dance is accomplished calmly—accompanied by constant signaling of beeps of all kinds, indicating "I am here behind you" or "cutting in front of you now" much like sonar, but at point-blank range. More intensity at intersections, where laying on of the horn does occur, as in this video.
There's plenty to look at while in an embouteillage.
Photo credit: Mary Sanichas
