The Congo River gave its name to two countries: Congo-Kinshasa, explored by Stanley and colonized by Belgium, and Congo-Brazzaville, explored by de Brazza and colonized by France.

The two countries share a lot of traditions, languages ​​like Lingala and Kikongo, dishes and other things. They are fascinating countries with a colorful population, deep forests, mythical animals like chimpanzees, gorillas and elephants and a beautiful wild coast bordered by tropical forest.

We begin our adventure in the bustling capital Kinshasa, where we take a guided tour to better understand the local culture. The next day, we take the speedboat to Brazzaville. They are the two closest capitals in the world and only separated by the mighty Congo River. After several hours of paperwork and formalities, you will be transferred to your hotel and have lunch on the Congo River at Mami Wata. In the afternoon, we offer a short exploration of Brazzaville.

We will also go to the Loufoulakari waterfalls, known by very few people, but beautifully located and a magnificent sight. Then we return to Brazzaville and fly to Pointe-Noire, where you can relax in a lodge on the coast. Then we go to the rainforest where you can sleep in a tree house. We explore the forest and also go down a river together. Then we return to Kinshasa and go there to the Atlantic Ocean to visit the mangrove park by boat. We stop in Kisantu to visit the botanical garden and the cathedral, the historic town of Boma and the Kimpese waterfalls. You will then return home from Kinshasa.

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 cuts, 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, bathing suit, 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 17 days in Congo-Kinshasa and Congo-Brazzaville

Day 1: Arrival in Kinshasa

Our team will meet you at the airport and drive you to your hotel.

Day 2: Explore Kinshasa

We start our day with a visit to the rapids of the Congo River. Then we will visit important buildings and sites such as the Cathedral, the Academy of Fine Arts, etc. In the afternoon we will have a delicious local lunch in the center. In the afternoon, we walk from the mausoleum to the central station along the river. If you wish, you can also explore Kinshasa’s nightlife in the evening.

Day 3: Crossing to Brazzaville and discovery of the city

We leave around 7am for the port, where you take the boat to Brazzaville. There are papers on both sides, so by the time you check in it’s already time for lunch. In the afternoon, we explore the city.

Day 4: Loufoulakari Falls

We have a beautiful route to the Loufoulakari waterfalls. We explore the site and also take a picnic there. We return to Brazzaville, arriving at the end of the afternoon.

Day 5: Pointe Noire

We fly to Pointe-Noire and you will be transferred to Malonda Lodge which is beautifully situated on a small lagoon. All you have to do here is relax and enjoy.

Day 6: Pointe Noire

In the afternoon we visit the Gorges de Diosso and the beach opposite. We return to the Malonda lodge.

Day 7 and 8: The Mayombe forest

We drive through a beautiful road for several hours to through the green hills of the Mayombe forest. We stay in a tree house with a beautiful view of the rainforest. We eat simple but tasty meals and explore the jungle.

Day 9: Return to Brazzaville

We are flying back to Brazzaville for our river crossing to Kinshasa tomorrow. Day off.

Day 10: Crossing the Congo River to Kinshasa

After the ferry between Brazzaville and Kinshasa, we’ll have a local lunch. In the afternoon, we’ll visit the National Museum of Congo. Free evening.

Day 11: Kisantu

We get up early to leave around six o’clock for the charming town of Kisantu where we visit a beautiful cathedral and the huge botanical garden, where we also have a good lunch. We continue towards Mbanza-Ngungu.

Day 12: Mbanza-Ngungu and Boma

We start our day with a visit to the old station and see the old Belgian locomotives and trains. We then continue our way to Boma.

Day 13: Muanda

In the morning, we take a tour of the historic center of Boma and learn all about the local history and culture. After lunch we leave for Muanda where you have a few hours to relax on the beach and enjoy a beautiful sunset.

Day 14: Mangrove Park

In the morning, we visit the mangrove park with a boat, we also get to know the inhabitants of the shell island and have a delicious lunch. Around 3 p.m. we leave for Boma where we spend the night.

Day 15: Kimpese

We continue to Kimpese, where we visit Vampa Falls. In the evening we make a campfire, have a barbecue and camp on the site.

Day 16: Kinshasa

After breakfast, we leave for Kinshasa and arrive in the afternoon. Free evening.

Day 17: Departure

Today, it is already time to return home. We take you to the airport and make sure you are properly checked in.

It’s advised to include an extra day in Kinshasa in case of any delays. If you’ll need a PCR-test it will be necessary to add an extra day anyway. We are not responsible for any missed flights. 

Included:
– All activities as described
– Entrance fees and tolls
– Accommodation
– All transportation
– Crossing between Brazzaville and Kinshasa by bot
– Licensed professional local guide

Not included:
– Meals and drinks
– PCR test
– International flights
– Visa

Traveling to the Congos 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 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 very sorry and disagree 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.