This expedition is suitable for nature and animal lovers who want to see and photograph one of Africa’s most exclusive wildlife species: the bonobo. Congo Travel and Tours offers a unique trip to see wild bonobos. Because these bonobos are tracked daily by trackers who stay nearby (just like habituated gorillas), it is easy to find the bonobos in the rainforest. During your stay you will almost certainly see bonobos, sometimes up to 50! For this travel we leave from the capital of Congo: Kinshasa. We take a boat on the mighty Congo River and you immediately get a wonderful first impression of this huge country and life on and along the Congo River. We get to know the life of the village and also take a look at some local initiatives and appreciate the peace and simplicity. And yes, our expedition takes place in a stable, peaceful region, free from violence.
We stay in simple accommodations in the rainforest and eat local dishes. If you like to snack, it is worth bringing something (biscuits, crisps, etc.). Also, don’t forget all the obvious things like a quick-drying towel, suitable clothing (quick-drying), good shoes, boots, swimwear, toiletries, sunglasses, a cap, sunscreen, DEET, a mosquito net, medicine, a torch, power bank, batteries, ..
Bonobos and chimpanzees are very similar and both share 98.7% of their DNA with humans, making the two species our closest relatives. Bonobos are generally smaller, leaner, and darker in color than chimpanzees. Their society is also different: groups of bonobos tend to be more peaceful and led by women. They also maintain relationships and resolve conflicts through sex. However, the life of bonobos is not entirely free from violence; when two groups of bonobos meet, they can fight seriously.
Wild bonobos are only found in the forests south of the Congo River in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Also known as the pygmy chimpanzee, bonobos were not recognized as a separate species until 1929. As the last great ape to be scientifically described, much is still unknown about the bonobo, including the extent of its geographic range. Attempts to research the species over the past two decades have been hampered by the remoteness of its habitat, its patchy distribution, and years of civil unrest in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Civil unrest and poverty in the bonobo region have contributed to poaching and deforestation. Although the size of the bonobo population is largely unknown, it has likely declined over the past 30 years. Scientists believe the decline will continue for the next 45 to 55 years due to the bonobo’s low reproductive rate and increasing threats.
It will be an exciting adventure in a place where very few tourists have ever been to come face to face with these wonderful animals. You will also have the chance to experience Congolese culture and explore Kinshasa. Know that traveling to Congo requires patience and flexibility. We also recommend that you allow an extra day or two in case of delays!
In the village you should not rely on electricity and running water, so be sure to bring enough batteries. Always expect the unexpected: heavy rain showers, power black outs in Kinshasa; traffic jams… Be patient and don’t forget your flexibility and a dose of humor! We do our best to make everything go as smoothly as possible.
This program is based on a group of up to six people. With the fastest boat we are in the first village the same day. If there are more of you, we need a bigger boat (up to 10 people), it takes a day and a half. This means you need to add two extra days to the schedule below.
Please, add up to two buffer days in Kinshasa as a back up (in case of hold ups) and make sure you have enough time to take a PCR-test if needed.
Watch one of our videos from our last trip. Can you count all of the bonobos??
Day 1: Arrival in Kinshasa
We will pick you up at the airport and drive you to your hotel.
Day 2: Lola ya bonobo
We will visit a small bonobo reserve just outside of Kinshasa, which was established to help rehabilitate bonobos who were injured, or whose parents were poached, and eventually returned to the forest. We receive an explanation, then take a nice walk in the area and see our first bonobos. (breakfast included)
Day 3: Ascent of the Congo River
We take the boat north of Kinshasa and take a trip of about six to eight hours on the Congo River. Depending on how quickly everything goes, we either stay at the village by the river or at our final destination in the forest. (breakfast included)
Day 4 and 5: In search of bonobos
We’ll spend two mornings looking for bonobos in the forest. In the afternoon we can explore the villages as well as some local projects. (breakfast included)
Day 6: Exploration of the forest
We stay an extra day in the village to discover the surrounding nature and the daily life of the villagers.
Day 7: Return to Kinshasa
We leave around 5 am to arrive in the afternoon, then change transport and continue to Kinshasa. (breakfast included)
Day 8: Visit of Kinshasa
Today we will explore the capital of Congo. We visit the rapids, the Academy of Fine Arts, the cathedral and we also walk from the Mausoleum to the Central Station. In the afternoon, you can enjoy a local meal. (breakfast included)
Day 9: Return flight
We will take you to the airport and ensure that you are checked in safely.
Included:
– Accommodation
– All activities and entrance fees according to the program
– Professional guide
– Transportation
Not included:
– Meal
– PCR testing
– Airport tax
– Drinks
Traveling to Congo and its neighboring country is very expensive due to poor infrastructure. Several 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.
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.
