Katanga was one of the four main provinces established in Belgian Congo in 1914. It was one of the eleven provinces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo between 1966 and 2015, when it was split into the provinces of Tanganyika, Haut-Lomami, Lualaba and Haut-Katanga. Between 1971 and 1997 (during the reign of Mobutu Sese Seko, when the Congo was still known as Zaire), the official name was Shaba Province.

The Katanga region covered 497,000 square kilometers. Agriculture is practiced on the Katanga plateau. The eastern part of the province is considered a rich mining area, providing cobalt, copper, tin, radium, uranium and diamonds. The region’s former capital, Lubumbashi, is Congo’s second largest city.

The province offers a range of opportunities in the field of tourism. First of all, there is a lot of history to discover in Lubumbashi, Kolwezi and Likasi. Besides, there are also a number of beautiful national parks, rivers, waterfalls and lakes. So we’ve created a beautiful trip with something for everyone.

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 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, and a flashlight with enough batteries to avoid a lot of frustration. Don’t forget a good dose of humor and patience!

Keep in mind 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 asks you. We are not responsible for delayed or canceled flights. We try to follow the schedule as closely as possible, but keep in mind that this can always change and some flexibility is needed.

*** If you need a PCR test, be sure to schedule an extra day!

Itinerary for your Katanga Trip:

Day 1: Lubumbashi

We will meet you at Lubumbashi International Airport and transfer you to the hotel. Free evening in Lubumbashi.

Day 2: Lake Mweru – Kashobwe – Luapula River

After breakfast, we leave for Kashobwe, the home of Moïse Katumbi, the governor of the province. We explore the city and the Luapula River as well as Lake Mweu. Overnight in Kashobwe.

Day 3: Lake Mwero – Pweto

We spend more time around the lake and also visit Pweto. We also relax a bit in the afternoon and in the evening we go fishing with the local fishermen with the canoe on the lake. Overnight in Pweto.

Day 4: Road to Kasenga

Today we will visit Kaputala village, where we will get to know the village life, traditions and we will walk there as well. Overnight in Kaputula-Benji Agri.

Day 5: Likasi

We will visit the mining and industrial town of Likasi, we will take a tour there and can also visit a mine in the region. Overnight in Likasi.

Day 6: Kundelungu National Park

Today we visit Kundelungu National Park, established in 1970. It covers approximately 7,600 square kilometers. The park is the site of the Lofoi Falls, a 340m high waterfall (one of the largest in Central Africa.)

The ecosystem is mainly made up of grassy savannah on large steppes dotted with gallery forests, typical of Katanga. Fauna found in the park includes antelopes, jackals, porcupines, warthogs, snakes, monkeys, buffaloes, hippos, and bird species including egrets, marabous, and pelicans.

Day 7: Lofoi Waterfalls – Masansa & Lutshipuka

Today we visit Lofoi waterfalls and if you want you can also swim in the water. We also take a nice walk around the neighborhood. Then we go to Likasi where we spend the night.

Day 8: Lake Tshangale – Kapolowe

Today we head to Kapolowe 20 kilometers from Likasi where we will take a nice walk and visit Tshangalele Lake with the canoe graveyard. We meet the local fishermen and take a canoe trip on the lake. In the afternoon, we eat at the Sisters of Charity and then we continue to Lubumbashi, where we spend the night.

Day 9: Lubumbashi

Lubumbashi is a pleasant city with lots to see. With our guide we explore the city and we also eat in the tastiest restaurants.

Day 10: Departure

We will take you to Lubumbashi airport for your departure.

Included:
– Accommodation
– Transportation
– All activities and entrance fees according to the program
– Professional French or English-speaking local guide

Not included:
– Meals and drinks
– PCR test
– Visa
– Flights 

Traveling to Congo 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 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 mid-range 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.