During this twelve day trip, we will get to know the Congolese people in one of the most unique countries in Africa: Congo. The name alone stimulates the imagination: rumble in the jungle, the extravagant chef Mobutu, the colorful sapeurs, the mighty Congo River and the deep forests and mountain gorillas of Virunga Park. The Congo is a country like no other, it is home to hundreds of tribes, each with their own language, customs and traditions. An impenetrable land that takes time to pass from one side to the other and whose only road is only the river.

We start our journey in the capital Kinshasa, whose population fluctuates between 14 and 17 million inhabitants. The city was founded after the rapids to transport goods from Matadi to Kisangani by boat. This town was once known as Kin la Belle, with beautiful wide avenues and beautiful colonial architecture. Kinshasa, however, fell into disrepair towards the end of Mobutu’s rule and under Kabila’s regime it only got worse. Only a few remnants of an earlier era remain. The city bustles with activity where the craziest things happen. Millions of people commute to work, school, market or church every day by vans, taxis, motorbike taxis or on foot. The best way to watch this is from a terrace with a drink and a piece of grilled chicken.

In Kinshasa, we will visit the rapids and take a walk from the mausoleum to the central station along the Congo River. We also visit several sites and take you to some local restaurants to taste the delicious Congolese cuisine. In the evening, we take the time to explore the popular neighborhoods and whoever wants to can also take a step into the world of African rhythms.

After getting to know the capital, we cross Bas-Congo to the shores of the Congo River. We will visit a series of interesting sites such as Zongo Waterfalls, Kimpese Falls, Kisantu Botanical Garden, the old Mbanza-Ngungu Railway Wagons and we will also explore the mangroves that are found at the mouth of the river and the home of the mythical manatees. We also visit the inhabitants of the shell islands.

We would like to remind you once again that traveling to Congo is a different experience and not the same as in other African countries like Botswana, Ghana, South Africa or Kenya. You should be prepared for factors that may change or delay the schedule such as heavy rain showers, overbooked hotels, canceled flights, road slumps, power outages, huge traffic jams,.. It is necessary to be flexible and patient. Be sure to bring the following items: an external battery (powerbank), sunscreen, mosquito repellent, cap, sunglasses, cap, extra towel, bactigel, medicine, wet wipes and a torch with enough batteries to avoid a lot of frustration. Don’t forget a good dose of humor and patience!

Day 1: Arrival in Kinshasa

Upon arrival, you will be taken to your hotel. 

Day 2: Zongo

Today we have to get up before six o’clock to avoid the long traffic jams around Kinshasa. We make our way through the colorful madness of the morning and little by little the landscape becomes more green and hilly. We will drive 5-6 hours to Zongo where we will discover three different waterfalls. In the afternoon we eat on the spot. Bring your bathing suit and towel! (breakfast included

Day 3: Kisantu

We will visit the magnificent cathedral and the historic center of Kisantu, as well as the magnificent botanical garden where we will also walk and have lunch. We then continue to Mbanza-Ngungu, where we spend the night. (breakfast included)

Day 4: Mbanza-Ngungu

We start the day by visiting a number of caves which are home to a species of blind fish that has only been discovered in these caves. After that, we go to the old station to visit the original Belgian trains, followed by a walk through the city. We stay in Mbanza-Ngungu (breakfast included)

Day 6: Muanda

We drive about seven hours to Muanda, where we can watch the sunset just in time. We spend the night in Muanda. (breakfast included)

Day 7: The Mangrove Park

We go deep into the mangrove park where we see the wonders of this magnificent nature reserve from our boat. We visit the shell islands where we’ll visit the villages and also have a delicious local lunch. After our visit, we have some time to explore the beach. We sleep in Muanda. (breakfast and lunch included)

Day 8: Boma and Matadi

We start our day with a visit to the historic city of Boma where we receive a guided tour and also a beautiful view of the Congo River. We then continue to Matadi, where we will spend the night. (breakfast included)

Day 9: Return to Kinshasa

After breakfast, we head to Kinshasa, a journey of about six hours. We eat something simple along the way and arrive late in the afternoon. We’ll spend the night in Kinshasa. (breakfast included)

Day 10: Explore Kinshasa

We will start with a visit to the rapids, followed by ​​the Academy of Fine Arts, the cathedral and others, and take a walk along the river. At noon we’ll have a delicious Congolese meal. (breakfast included)

Day 11: In search of bonobos

After breakfast, we leave for Lola Ya Bonobo, a small reserve of five square kilometers where bonobos are cared for and then released into the wild. It is a successful project in a beautiful area where you can take a pleasant walk. If there is free time, we also go to Marché de valeurs to buy souvenirs at the end of the day. Tonight you can go to town one last time if you wish. (breakfast included)

Day 12: Return home

Today we’ll take you to the airport. 

*** If a PCR test is needed to return home, you will have to stay an extra day in Kinshasa!!

We offer two formulas for this trip: midrange and budget. In Kinshasa we stay in a simple but clean budget hotel in the middle of the city. If you want a more comfortable and luxurious hotel, we can suggest Rotana or Elais (Belgian property) which are the best hotels in town. You can also opt for an upgrade in Muanda and Zongo. However, budget hotels are all good, clean and safe.

Make sure 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 takes you the request. 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.

Included:
– Accommodation
– All activities and entrance fees
– Professional guide
– Transportation
– Breakfast and meals at Bombo Lumene

Not included:
– All other meals
– PCR test
– Airport tax
– Drinks
– Visa
– Flights 

Traveling to Congo 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. 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 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.

Accommodation is in midrange hotels or in park lodges. If you want a more luxurious formula, let us know.

Check our group trips to see if this trip (or a similar trip) is also listed as a group trip with a fixed departure.