In this travel to Congo we will visit the Pygmy tribes of the Equateur, starting from Mbandaka. On our way to the villages we will also cross the equator. There is a sign where you can take a nice picture. On your way you’ll be treated with beautiful views of the African rainforest and the Congo River. During your stay with the pygmy tribes you will participate with their daily activities and have the time to explore the area together with them.

In Kisangani you’ll get to know the famous fishermen of the Wagenia Falls who fish from a wooden construction on the Congo River, where they place wooden baskets to catch big fish. They have an island on the Congo River, where their King resides and where we will stay for two days. They will perform a traditional dance for us together with other rituals. After your stay with the Wagenia fishermen, you’ll be brought to the Yangambi Research Center, a leftover from the Belgian colonial time.

During the colonial era, Yangambi was home to agricultural studies and others. It was one of the most important tropical agriculture and forestry research centers in the world with several fields and labs along the Congo River. In the center varieties of crops such as soybeans and bananas were created. After the Belgians left, Yangambi’s research center declined. Since 2017 there have been efforts to revive Yangambi, together with fundings from the EU and help from the Botanical Garden from Meise (Belgium), who renovated Yangambia’s herbarium, which has over 150.000 dried plant specimens. Watch our video from one of our latest visits to the Wagenia Fishermen:

Itinerary:

Note that the itinerary will depend on the flight availability during this time, it is possible to add extra days in Mbandaka or Kisangani. It is vital to add several buffer days in the end in case of delays of your domestic flights. This programme uses camping and basic accommodation as well as simple local meals. You will often be without electricity or running water. Please, have realistic expectations about this trip.

Day 1: Arrival in Kinshasa

Arrival in Kinshasa, transfer to the hotel.

Day 2: Flight to Mbandaka

Flight to Mbandaka (currently on Tuesdays and Saturdays). Stay at local hotel.

Day 3, 4, 5: Pygmy village visit

Three full days of visiting local pygmy tribes. Participating in everyday activities and rituals. Staying in tents and eating local meals. On the fifth day we’ll go back to Mbandaka.

Day 6: Flight back to Kinshasa

Flight back to Kinshasa. Overnight stay in Kinshasa

Day 7: City Tour in Kinshasa

City Tour in Kinshasa: Congo River Rapids, African textile market, Académie des beaux-arts, Cathedral of St. Anne and more.

Day 8: Flight to Kisangani (currently on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays)

Arrival at Kisangani and overnight stay at a local hotel.

Day 9 and 10: Wagenia fishermen

Two days of camping among the fishermen of the Wagenia Falls. You’ll get to participate in their everyday activities and enjoy their traditional dances and rituals.

Day 11 and 12: Overnight trip to Yangambi

Visit to the old Belgian Research center in Yangambi, either by boat or car, depending on the current road conditions. From the center we will also explore the area.

Day 13: Back to Kinshasa

Flight back to Kinshasa, transfer to hotel.

It is highly advised to add at least three buffer days in Kinshasa by the end of your tour. We are not responsible for you missing your flight due to delays.

This tour includes:
– Professional local guides
– Visit and stay among the pygmy tribes
– Visit and stay among the fisherman of the Wagenia Falls
– Visit and overnight stay and activities at Yangambi
– Accommodation in simple accommodation and camping
– Permits
– Domestic flights (in case of missed transfer, the client will have to pay for a new ticket, although we buy flexible tickets)

This tour doesn’t include:
– Meals and drinks in the cities: Mbandaka, Kisangani and Kinshasa
– Tips and gratuities
– Visa
– International flights

For this tour you’ll have to bring:
– Appropriate clothing and shoes
– DEET
– Tent and sleeping gear
– Torch with enough batteries
– Towels and toiletry
– Swimming clothes
– Sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat
– Medicines
– Don’t forget your yellow fever vaccination proof