A trip to the Congo is something that captures the imagination of many people. Congo is a huge country with raging rivers, deep forests, savannahs, megacities, snow-capped peaks and volcanoes. It’s a beautiful, yet difficult country to travel to, filled with beautiful nature and wonderful people. It is therefore impossible to simply go around the country, especially since not all regions are so safe.

In this program we focus on Bas-Congo and Virunga Park, two regions that lend themselves well to tourism. However, Virunga Park is sometimes closed, so it is important to contact us to find out if it is currently open.

We start our trip in the bustling capital Kinshasa and for a week we head to the Atlantic Ocean where we visit the beautiful mangrove park at the mouth of the Congo River. Along the way, we stop at many interesting places such as Kisantu Cathedral, Zongo Waterfalls and the historic center of Boma.

We offer two formulas for this trip: budget and midrange. The stay in Bombo Lumene and Zongo is in any case simple, but correct chalets. However, there is no electricity in Bombo Lumene. In Kinshasa we stay in a simple but clean budget hotel in the middle of the city. If you want a more comfortable and luxurious hotel, we can suggest Rotana or Elais (Belgian property) which are the best hotels in town.

It is important that you realize that traveling to Congo is a special experience that sometimes requires a little patience. You can have decades of experience with safaris and cultural tours in South Africa, Uganda, Ghana or Ethiopia, Congo is something else again. Heavy rain showers, road collapses, power outages, an overbooked hotel, a canceled flight, monstrous traffic jams, .. so many things that can influence the program. It is important to be prepared for this, to be flexible with changes and not to worry. Be sure to bring a power bank, mosquito repellent, sunscreen, sunglasses, cap, extra towel, bactigel, medicine, wet wipes, mask (visiting the gorillas), and a torch with enough batteries to avoid a lot of frustration. Also bring a sweater and a raincoat for Virunga! Don’t forget a good dose of humor and patience!

Make sure that you have been vaccinated against yellow fever and that you have your vaccination card with you, that you have also been vaccinated against COVID and that you have the necessary PCR test results with you if necessary if the airline takes you the request. We are not responsible for delayed or canceled flights. We try to follow the schedule as closely as possible, but please be aware that this can always change and some flexibility is required.

This schedule should be adapted to the flight schedule to Goma at that time. Be aware that flights can sometimes be canceled and it is therefore best to plan two buffer days!

Don’t forget a mask for your visit to the gorillas.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival in Kinshasa 

Our team will meet you and take you to your hotel. (breakfast the next day included)

Day 2: Discovery of the capital

We start our day by visiting the rapids of the Congo River, then we walk from the mausoleum to the central station. We also try to visit some sites such as the Cathedral and the Academy of Fine Arts. In the afternoon we eat Congolese cuisine. We return to the hotel at the end of the afternoon. If you still have energy, we can go to the popular neighborhoods in the evening to get a  taste of the local atmosphere (breakfast included).

Day 3: Zongo

We’ll have to get up early today to get to Zongo before six in the morning to avoid the monstrous traffic jams in Kinshasa. After installation in our chalet and local lunch we visit the different waterfalls of the site. Don’t forget your bathing suit and towel! (breakfast included)

Day 4: Return to Kinshasa with a stop in Kisantu

Around 9 am we leave for Kinshasa, we also stop in Kisantu where we visit an impressive cathedral, as well as the magnificent national botanical garden. We arrive in Kinshasa in the late afternoon/early evening. (breakfast included)

Day 5 and 6: Bombo Lumene

After breakfast, we leave for N’sele, north of Kinshasa, where we make an excursion

on the Congo River. We then go to the Bombo Lumene Reserve on the Batéké Plateau where we spend two nights in simple chalets without electricity or running water. We eat simple meals and we explore the area with a nice walk and swim in the river on the site. In the evening, we always make a campfire. (all meals included)

Day 7: Return to Kinshasa

We return to Kinshasa, where you have a free evening. Prepare your luggage for your flight to Goma tomorrow.

Day 8: Flight to Goma

Today you fly to Goma, where you will be met by our local team who will drive you to your lodge where you will have a free evening.

Day 7 and 8: Nyiragongo

We leave in the morning towards the starting point for the ascent of the volcano. You get a backpack with everything you need. The climb takes about eight hours and you don’t need to be an experienced hiker. However, the ascent should not be underestimated and especially the pieces on the broken lava rock are very difficult to walk on.

In the evening we stay in a cabin on the edge of the volcano. At night, you will be treated to a beautiful spectacle above the largest lava lake in the world. The next day, we start the hike again and head to the lodge, which is beautifully situated on top of a hill. As soon as you get in the 4×4 the adventure begins, enjoy the beautiful landscape, green hills and picturesque villages. You stay true glamping style in a sturdy tent with nice furnishings with a great view of the area. You can also treat yourself to delicious meals prepared at the lodge, using fresh local ingredients. Be sure to try the kivu cheese too!

Day 9: Gorilla Tracking

In the morning, we go on an expedition in search of the famous mountain gorillas. We are in contact with the trackers who carry a radio to let us know where the gorillas are. Coming face to face with these giants is an unforgivable event. The little ones are fascinating to watch playing or snuggling up with mom. The dominant silverback stands out above all others and is a commanding presence. The gorillas dare to come very close to you, but as long as you remain calm, there is no danger. Don’t forget to wear your mask! After the visit we return to Goma.

Day 10: Departure

Either you take the plane back to Kinshasa, from where you take the plane back home, but it is not guaranteed that there will be a plane right away. Alternatively, we can also organize transport to take you to Kigali from where you can fly with Rwandair or another airline. It depends on the dates. This is of course in addition to the price.

Included:
– Accommodation
– All activities and entrance fees according to the program
– Gorilla and Volcano Permit
– Backpack with material for the ascent
– Professional guide
– Transportation
– Meals at the lodge in the Virunga park + volcano

Not included:
– All other meals outside the Virunga lodge
– PCR test
– Airport tax
– Drinks
– Visa
– International flights 

Traveling to Congo and its neighboring country is very expensive due to poor infrastructure. Many of our trips only become affordable from 3 to 4 people. We also offer group visits for several formulas. You can also request a group visit yourself, please contact us. Our prices are based on current circumstances, but these are subject to change and are primarily target prices. All prices are based on a shared room. If you want a single room, there will be an additional charge. Please note that apart from the lodges of Garamba and Virunga (with single beds) and Zongo, it is not allowed to share a room with a person of the same sex in Congo. We are of course sorry for this and do not agree with this, but have no influence on this. We are not responsible for the consequences if our customers do not comply.

Accommodation is in midrange hotels or in park lodges. If you want a more luxurious formula, let us know.

Check out our group trips to Congo to see if this trip (or a similar trip) is also listed as a group trip with a fixed departure.