CONGO RIVER EXPEDITIONS

The scenic beauty, diverse culture and abundant tourist attractions have made the charming Landscape of Democratic Republic of Congo an ideal tourists’ paradise. The Geography of Democratic Republic of Congo makes it one of the most unusual destinations on earth.

It has been said that the Democratic Republic of Congo is the country around which all other African countries revolve. Two thirds the size of Europe with only 450 km of paved road- an area of vast jungles and dark corners, scattered outposts and tribal strong-holds, equatorial rainforests and active volcanoes – truly one of the most untamed countries on the surface of the earth.

As the country of Democratic Republic of the Congo (Zaire) is intersected by the Equator, the seasons are reversed in the north and south. Both of the regions have two short wet seasons and two short dry seasons while the central region experiences an equatorial climate with an average annual precipitation of 1,700 mm. Average temperature in Kinshasa varies between 18 degrees Celsius to 32 degrees Celsius.

During the past 15 years, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, former Zaïre, hasn’t been accessible for tourists. Two subsequent wars made travel practically impossible. Now that the political situation has stabilized, tourists are able to visit this magnificent country again.

Home to such elusive animals as the bonobo, okapi, bongo and Congo peacock, the country is in many ways defined by it’s people and whilst positive news from the area hard to find, optimism is not. Those who spend time with local people usually discover a depth of strength, resilience, faith and good humor that helps them to “digest” and respond to the situation with “tough compassion” rather than with despair.

The warm welcome you will receive from people who have learnt to adapt to difficult conditions will help break down many preconceived ideas about this rich and fascinating part of Africa, that offers the adventurous traveller, quite simply, the trip of a lifetime.

15-DAYS CONGO RIVER EXPEDITIONS

ITINERARY

Day 1:ARRIVAL IN KINSHASA

Arrival at Kinshasa airport, where you will be greeted by our English and French speaking guide), briefing and transfer to your Leonhotel in Kinshasa. Depending on arrival time, city tour is optional.

 Day 2:TOUR OF THE CITY OF KINSHASA,

After breakfast, we will begin the visit of the city: the cathedral Sainte-Anne, the Mausoleum of the late President Laurent Désiré Kabila, the Symphony of Arts gallery, the first cathedral of the Congo. Then we take the south direction of the city to reach the sanctuary "Lola ya bonobos" where we will spend time with the presence of Bonobos. After the visit, a refreshment at Lake "My Valley" nearby. In the afternoon, return to the city and visit the National Museum of Congo and return to the hotel. Around 19h dinner at the restaurant "Super bonanza" with the Congolese buffet formula at will. After dinner, return to theLeon hotel and end day.

 Day 3:KINSHASA - MBANDAKA,

After breakfast, transfer to N 'djili airport for 50 min flight. Arrival in Mbandaka around 11am. Transfer to the hotel. Lunch at the restaurant "Welcome around the river" (ex BelleVue) located on the banks of the Ruki River. After lunch, head for the botanical garden "Eala" located 7 km from the city center. Then, the ethnographic museum and the evangelical mission "New Life" sponsored by the Pygmies. Transit to the hotel before returning to the unique "Welcome to the Riverfront" standard restaurant.Night at the hotel. Mbandaka, capital of Equateur Province, formerly Coquilathville, was founded by Henry Morton Stanley in 1883. The town is located at the crossroads of the Congo River and the Ruki River.

Day 4:MBANDAKA - MOOTO (PYGMY VILLAGE),

 After breakfast, we take the Mooto road to the south of the city with stopover at the crossing of the Ecuador line. Mooto is an old Catholic mission created since 1960.Montage of the tents and installation, visit of the mission, the cathedral and the surroundings. Free evening and overnight in tents.

Day 5: VISIT OF THE VILLAGE AND EXIT IN THE FOREST

 After breakfast, visit the pilot center of the association "VZW MOOTO & BIKORO" which supports the population in sustainable development in agriculture, health and education: plantations (palm grove, cocoa, beans, ...), huller, mill, public canteen ... We enter the forest for a demonstration of different types of traps, gathering medicinal plants with pygmies. Back to camp for lunch. And break. In the afternoon, we go around the village and discover the daily activities of the inhabitants. Around 18:30 after dinner, cultural evening with group Bobongo Pygmies and Bantu. Night under tent.

 Day 6: TRIP BY TRADITIONAL DUGOUT

After breakfast, departure for the village Bokote via Samba village from where we go to the port of embarkation. Boarding our canoes (rowing) for 5 hours of navigation in the middle of the submerged forest.Arrival at the village of Bokoté around 16:00. A small visit of the village to the pygmy district is planned after the hours sitting in the canoe. In the evening after dinner, free exchange with the villagers (Pygmies and Bantu) around the fire. Night under tent. This part of the circuit puts you in communion with the virgin nature in which you will see some animals such as: squirrels, birds, monkeys; etc.

Day 7:JOURNEY BY MOTORIZED CANOE

 After breakfast, embark on our motorized pursuit to cross Lake Tumba and reach the town of Bikoro on the shores of Lake Tumba. Arriving in Bikoro, we embark on our  boat  then transfer to Mabali and overnight in Mabali tent. Option night in the forest from 19h to 21h.Night in tents. Mabali is a research center in agronomy and forestry in Central Africa. Formerly called IRSAC (Institute of Scientific Research in Central Africa). In the reserve you will find a well protected forest as a whole, where animals are free and protected. Monkeys live like pets. A former research laboratory, a magnificent view of the lake.

 Day 8:VISIT THE RESERVE OF MABALI

 (Hiking in the forest and discover the different types of small monkeys and annimals such as antelope, birds and others .... Night in Mabali tent.
 

Day 9:MABALI - IREBU (BOAT TRIP BACK TO KINSHASA)

In the early morning after breakfast boarding the boat to Kinshasa. Lunch will be served on board. During the navigation, we will visit some villages and fishing camps at Lake Tumba before reaching our next stop, the Irebu village. Night under tent. Irebu: located at the mouth of Lake Tumba on the river. It is in this village that Congolese marine commandos are trained. A meeting with the head of the center is planned.

Day 10:IREBU - LUKOLELA (BOAT TRIP BACK TO KINSHASA)

After breakfast, we continue the descent to Kinshasa and see the village of Ngombe. This village is on the border with Congo Brazzaville. Lunch on the boat.Around 15:30 arrival at the village Lukolela. Set up tents followed by a tour of the coffee and cocoa plantation. Return to the camp around 18:00. Free evening.

Day 11:LUKOLELA - BOLOBO (BOAT TRIP BACK TO KINSHASA)

After breakfast, we continue the descent towards Kinshasa. We will see the Yumbi village before arriving in Bolobo. Night in tent at camp or on sandbank if feasible.

Day 12:BOLOBO - TSHUMBIRI - NKALA (BOAT TRIP THEN VEHICLE) Continuation of the descent towards Tshumbiri.

Arrival around 12h and after lunch transfer by road to the village Nkala (2:00 of road) arrived around 16:30. Installation and break at the base of the NGO Mbou Mon Tour. A cultural evening animated by Teké folklore will be offered by the peasants. Night in tent or hostel on request.

Day 13:NKALA - TSHUMBIRI - SOCOWA (VEHICLE TRAVEL THEN BOAT)

Exit in community forest around 5am (breakfast to take away). Tracking and observation of bonobos. Then visit courtesy at the Chefferie. Back to base and pause. Around 13h, transfer to Tshumbiri where we take the boat and continue navigation towards Kinshasa. Overnight at Socowa village (the village is located at the intersection of the Kasai River and the river).

 Day 14:SOCOWA - KINSHASA

The descent towards Kinshasa continues with stopover in the village of Mai-Ndombe then arrived Kinshasa around 17h00 pm.

 Day 15: TRANSFER TO AIRPORT-DEPARTURE

After breakfast, transfer to the nd’jili international airport for Home departure, this depends on your flight schedule. End of the Trip.

The Cost will be:

PRICE:
- $ 3990 per person (based on 4 people)
- $ 3735 per person (based on 5 people)

The price Includes:
- English/French speaking guide, All transfers in the program
- Complete the food with 3 liters of mineral water (per day and per person)
for Central Congo.
- Accommodation in the various hotels included in the program,
- All transfers inserted in the program. (Boats, vehicle)
- All visits and activities mentioned in the program,
-Invitation (support) for the facilitation of visas.

Excludes:Food in Kinshasa, Visa, personal insurance and repatriation, personal
purchases, gifts and gratuities, international flights.