Congo is a beautiful country, but very difficult to travel. There are only a few good roads and it is therefore difficult to cross the country by car. The road from Kinshasa to Mbuji-Mayi is now much better than before and it is now possible to travel between these two cities. We are of course very enthusiastic and therefore want to offer this unique trip. This trip can of course be booked from one person, but since this is very expensive, we therefore offer it as a group trip. We also thought it would be a good idea to integrate the Gungu Festival into our program. This tour is available every year from the 14th of July and will take place if we have at least 6 participants.

Programme: (may vary)

Day 1: Arrival in Kinshasa (July 14)

Transfer from the airport to hotel.

Day 2: City visit Kinshasa (15 July)

We start with a visit to the rapids on the Congo. We’ll also explore the harbor area and the textile market with its huge baobab, followed by a visit to St-Anne’s Cathedral. The Académie Des Beaux Arts and the mausoleum should not be missed either.

Day 3: Congo River Lodge (July 16)

We get up early and go to a site on the Congo River north of Kinshasa. All we have to do here is relax, enjoy the view, a nice barbecue and campfire!

Day 4: Bombo Lumene (July 17)

After breakfast we’ll go to the small, yet charming reserve of Bombo Lumene. After our lunch we’ll take a walk in the reserve, followed by a swim in the river. In the evening we enjoy a nice barbecue by the campfire.

Day 5: The road to Kikwit (July 18)

We have a long day’s drive to Kikwit today. On the way we’ll cross the Kwango in Kenge. We will arrive in the late afternoon.

Day 6: Gungu (July 19)

After a short visit in Kikwit, we’ll drive to Gungu where the festival will take place. We get to know the locals and install ourselves

Day 7: Kabobola Waterfalls (July 20)

Today we’ll visit the Kabobola Waterfalls. Afterwards we go’ll back to Gungu for the first festivities.

Day 8: Gungu Festival (July 21)

Today we have a whole day ahead of the Gungu Festival. We enjoy the shows, the dances, the masks and the costumes and taste the local specialties.

Day 9: On the way to Tshikapa (July 22)

Today we’ll drive 250 km towards Tshikapa, where we will check in at our hotel.

Day 10: Tshikapa (July 23)

We’ll visit a mine (and also see how people breed caterpillars to eat. Those who dare can also taste one!

Day 11: Camping (24 July)

We camp en route between Tshikapa and Kananga. We are introduced to the hunt for large rats (a kind of sugar cane rat), which are a real pest, but a delicacy. Who wants to taste?

Day 12: Kananga (July 25)

We’ll drive on to Kananga, where we visit the center and the local market. We’ll stay in a hotel.

Day 13: Kananga to Mbuji-Mayi (July 26)

Long day driving to Mbuji-Mayi today.

Day 14: Mbuji-Mayi (July 27)

Visit to the cathedral and the city center of Mbuji-Mayi.

Day 15: Plane to Kinshasa (July 28)

We take the plane to Kinshasa and head towards the hotel. In the evening we’ll have dinner together at a restaurant.

Day 16: Kinshasa (July 29)

Today we go shopping for souvenirs, go to a restaurant and laze around a bit (free afternoon). In the evening we’ll meet up at a restaurant.

Day 17: Lola Ya bonobo (July 30)

Visit to the charming bonobo reserve south of Kinshasa. In the evening we’ll go to a restaurant in Kinshasa.

Day 18: Flight back (July 31)

We will take you to the airport to catch your flight back home.

Including:
– Transportation
– Participation Gungu Festival
– Accommodation / Campsite with breakfast for 17 nights as described
– Meals at Bombo Lumene
– Professional guides
– All activities and entrance fees

Exclusive:
– Tips
– Meals and drinks
– To flee
– Visa

Congo is a very unique country and it is yet to be very flexible and come with an open mind. You may have so much experience in countries such as Rwanda, Uganda or Senegal, but don’t prepare yourself for Congo. Prepare for delays such as traffic jams, checkpoints with annoying authorities, power outages, moments without running water, poor service and bad roads. The program can change at any time and it is also a good idea to add 1 or 2 extra days to your program. We are not responsible if you miss your flight! During the trip, the guide has absolute authority and it is necessary to follow his advice to avoid any problems. Note, that in a country like Congo it’s always possible for a festival to be canceled. We will then try to substitute with a private show in which we get to see the traditional dances with costumes and masks. 

Make sure you have your vaccination certificate against yellow fever and covid. Also bring power banks, a flashlight and enough batteries. You can also bring a mosquito net, DEET and long-sleeved clothes against the mosquitoes. Also bring sunglasses, cap and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun. Basic medication (coartem, painkillers, antibiotics, anti-histamines, disinfectant, bandages, loperamide, etc) is also important. Be sure to bring towels, a sheet, a pillow, your swimming gear, and your toiletries!