Yangambi is a small town outside of Kisangani near the Congo River. It hosts an important research center as well as a biosphere. From 1933 to 1962 there were hundreds of researchers, mostly Belgians working here and it was the most important research center for tropical agriculture and forestry in all of Africa. There was a library with over 25.000 books, the largest herbarium in all of Africa (over 125.000 specimens) and several experimental plots to create better crops such as soybeans, palm trees and bananas to name a few. At its peak it was home to more than 700 scientists and technicians. Starting from the seventies the center began to decline and because of instability and budget cuts there was a huge decrease in the research activities. Since a few years the center has been revived with the efforts and funding of organizations such CIFOR, the Africa Museum from Tervuren, Meise Botanic Garden, the university of Kisangani and Ghent University.

For this tour we’ll start from Kisangani, depending on the road conditions it will be either by boat or by car. 

Day 1: Kisangani – Yangambi

By boat, it will take us around 4 – 5 hours to get there, through a beautiful boat ride on the Congo River. We’ll be welcomed at the site, install ourselves at our accommodation and will have a meal with the people from the center tonight.

Day 2 and 3: Exploration of Yangambi

Full exploration of Yangambi Research Center with the help of the local team. We’ll also visit the projects and the surrounding forest of the biosphere. This is a full immersion. Basic local meals and accommodation on the site.

Day 4: Boat back to Kisangani

Today we’ll go back to Kisangani, where we’ll drop you off at your hotel. End of tour.

Includes:
– Accommodation
– Transport
– Meals
– Professional local guide and supporting team
– Permits
– Full visit to the center and biosphere