Welcome to the Republic of Congo, the setting of your upcoming adventure hopefully! Congo-Brazzaville is one of the greenest countries in Africa and home to deep jungle, marshland, mighty rivers and an abundance of wildlife such as elephants, chimpanzees, gorillas and much more. Together with Congo-Kinshasa, Central African Republic and Gabon it is one of the wildest and most impenetrable places in the continent. There are still whole regions which remain unexplored in the Congo Basin, one of the most diverse and most important ecosystems in our planet. It is a magnificent area which is visited by very few tourists and the region we’re taking you has seen very few outsiders, meaning you’ll have a very unique and authentic experience in one of the greenest and most special places in the continent.
During our expedition we will explore the Alima-River and make our way to the Congo River while visiting the local villages by boat and on foot. You will see wildlife during your tour such as monkeys, hippos, antelopes, crocodiles and others. We will also search for the goliath tiger fish, so best to bring some good fishing material which is suited for these huge predators. During the expedition we will stay in simple accommodation, but it’s best to bring a tent as back up with a mat, sheet and a small pillow as a back-up (and also a portable mosquito net).
Please, note that this is a rough trip with a lot of boating and sleeping in very basic conditions, eating very basic meals. You will be in tropical heat, mud and there will also be mosquitoes and other insects harassing you. This expedition is not for everyone and is a true adventure. We don’t like to call it a travel, but regard it as an expedition, only for the truly adventurous. During your trip you will have to be flexible and accept the authority of our main guide to ensure maximum security. Our team has excellent contacts with the local authorities, village chiefs and elders and all should run smoothly as long as you are respectful towards the locals.
If you come with an open mind, flexibility and are seeking for a true adventure, this is one of the last greatest adventures to be had in Africa and in a truly unique place. You will get insight into a culture where very few westerners have ever been to (or even Congolese) and will have a real rewarding experience.
We recommend adding two to three days in the capital just to be sure in case the coach is delayed by a landslide or heavy rain or if there is any other hold-up along the way. Make sure you will also have enough time to do your PCR-test (and inform yourself with your airline and maybe the embassy before you fly out).
Please, note that we are not responsible for any hold ups or problems regarding visa, PCR-tests and missed flights!
This will be the expedition of a lifetime with great fishing opportunities, fantastic scenery, wildlife viewing and unique encounters with the locals. Don’t forget your fishing material, please!
Below is a rough outline for your itinerary. Note that this can differ.
Day 1: Brazzaville
Meet and greet and transfer to your hotel in Brazzaville.
Day 2: Brazzaville
City tour of Brazzaville and opportunity to stock up on supplies.
Day 3: Oyo
Transfer to Oyo by coach. This is a beautifully located town next to the Alima River and surrounded by green. We will stay here for the night and you can try out a local restaurant. It will be the last real civilized town you’ll be at this point.
Day 4, 5, 6: Alima River
During these three days we will slowly go from Oyo to Mossaka, a small town near the Congo River. We will be on a boat and will visit the small villages near the river and explore them. We can do some fishing meanwhile and camp.
Day 7, 8, 9, 10, 11: Mossaka
Exploration of the marshlands, the Congo River and the life around the river. You will learn about village life and we will also search for the tiger fish. If you are interested we will also hunt some ducks and then prepare them.
Day 12: Back to Oyo
We will take the boat back to Oyo today and spend the night at the hotel.
Day 13: Back to Brazzaville
We will take the bus back to Brazzaville, where you will stay at the hotel.
Day 14: End of tour
We will bring you to the airport today where you can take the plane back home or to your next destination (best to add a few days here as mentioned before). End of tour.
Note that if you need to take a PCR-test, you will have to do this today and book another night in Brazzaville and fly out on the next day. It’s not bad to add even two extra buffer days if you don’t mind chilling a little bit around Brazzaville, just to make sure you don’t miss your flight in case of any holdups.
Included:
– Permits and fees
– All transport as described in the itinerary: plane tickets, boats, 4×4
– All accommodation during the 13 days of the itinerary
– All meals during camping, but not in the cities and villages
– Professional guide assisted by a local team
Not included:
– PCR-tests
– Visa
– International flights
– Extra nights at hotel outside the 13 days
– Meals outside the jungle expedition
What to bring:
– Plenty of ziplocks and other waterproof bags for your belongings
– Torch and plenty of batteries (maybe one portable torch and one headtorch)
– Pre-charged power banks
– Some baby wipes, bacti-gel and napkins for quick cleaning
– Toiletries
– Quick drying towels
– Rubber boots
– Hiking shoes which dry easily
– Plenty of good socks
– Fishing gear
– Best to use breathable pants and long shirts which dry easily and made for jungle treks
– Sport shirts which dry easily
– A hat with a net against sweat bees (they don’t bite, but they’re annoying)
– DEET (take one with at least 40%)
– Cream against mosquito bites
– Basic medication such as pain killers, basic antibiotics, anti-histamines, painkillers, bandages, disinfectant, loperamide, etc. (if you can also ask coartem to your doctor, which can treat malaria in 4 days)
– Vaccination carnet with proof of vaccination against yellow fever
– Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat
– Good waterproof tent, mat, a sheet
– Waterproof backpack
– Set of gear to eat: knife, fork, spoon, cup
– Extra snacks such as energy bars, snickers, beef jerky etc.
– Maybe a book or an e-reader for when you have some time to kill
– Swimming gear
Vaccinations:
– Covid-19
– Yellow fever
– Ask your doctor about: DTP, typhus (highly recommended), rabies, hepatitis and others.
Malaria:
– Talk to your doctor about the safest and best medication for malaria. Be sure to cover yourself and only wear closed shoes and long pants. Apply DEET and avoid mosquitoes as much as you can. Probably best to have a portable mosquito-net with you for the villages.
Make sure that you have all the necessary documents to enter the country and that you have good insurance in case of any problems as we cannot be held responsible for anything happening throughout the trip. Our staff will do everything in their power to make sure you have a good and safe trip, but be aware of the adventurous nature of this trip and the risks involved.
