14 Day Congo: The Great Ascent Of The Congo & Sangha Rivers
Commence an indelible expedition along the Congo River, traversing lush woods, diverse fauna, and distinctive cultures.
Embark on a 13-night expedition in the Congo, navigating its pristine rivers, vibrant civilisations, and varied wildlife. Commencing in Brazzaville, you will explore the city’s attractions prior to embarking along the Congo and Sangha Rivers. Explore the Téké Kingdom to engage with its old customs, observe unique fauna including forest elephants and gorillas, and gain insights from local Pygmy tribes. While traversing the core of Africa’s tropical rainforests, you will investigate isolated villages, observe a variety of creatures, and reveal the remarkable biodiversity of the Congo Basin. This distinctive expedition integrates nature, culture, and history.
“The Great Ascent of the Congo & Sangha Rivers” refers to a journey or expeditions, often by boat, through the Congo River and its tributaries, particularly the Sangha, to explore the heart of Central Africa’s pristine rainforests. These journeys typically involve travel from Brazzaville, along the rivers and through areas of the Republic of Congo, the DRC, and the Central African Republic to reach the Sangha-Dzanga National Park region. The expeditions focus on experiencing the Congo Basin’s rich biodiversity, interacting with indigenous cultures and Pygmy tribes, and observing unique wildlife such as gorillas and forest elephants.
A Complete The Great Ascent Of The Congo & Sangha Rivers
Day 1: Arrival in Brazzaville
Arrive in Brazzaville and embark aboard your vessel, prepared to commence your expedition along the Congo River. Acclimatise to your floating lodging and relish the anticipation of the forthcoming voyage.
Overnight stay aboard.
Staying at Princess Ngalessa, Expeditions Ducret
Day 2: Explore Brazzaville & begin cruise
Commence your day with discovering Brazzaville’s notable attractions, including the Congo Basin Museum and Poto Poto School. Engage with the vibrant Sape culture prior to commencing your river trip, appreciating the picturesque landscapes of hills and woods while acquiring knowledge about Congo’s history.
Overnight stay on the vessel.
Day 3: The Téké kingdom & Kebe Kebe dance
Explore the historic Téké Kingdom, engage with the queen, and witness the captivating kebe kebe dance, a ritual that signifies the commencement of Congo’s cultural traditions.
Overnight stay aboard.
Day 4: Islands of the Congo River
Navigate the vast Congo River, traversing multiple islands and halting at a fishing community. Investigate the marshes, view fauna such as hippopotamuses, and acquire knowledge about Mossaka’s colonial heritage and renowned smoked fish. Travel to the village of Likendze to engage in its fishing customs.
Overnight on board.
Day 5: The Likouala-Aux-Herbes Estuary
Commence a motorboat excursion along the Likouala-Aux-Herbes estuary, observing notable avian species such as ospreys and kingfishers. Proceed with your expedition into the rainforest, emulating Joseph Conrad, and, contingent upon favourable conditions, navigate the slender Sangha tributary by kayak.
Overnight on board.
Day 6: Crossing the Equator
Traverse the equator and penetrate the core of the rainforest. Visit a local fishing camp to explore distinctive fishing methods and get knowledge about the region’s fish species.
Overnight on board.
Day 7: Pikounda village & Mangui River
Navigate to Pikounda Village and investigate the Mangui River via motorboat. Explore the village’s colonial heritage, gain insights into cocoa cultivation, and engage with the Chief of the Earth to hear regional narratives. In the afternoon, examine fauna and avifauna along the river next to Ntokou Pikounda National Park.
Overnight on board.
Day 8: Indigenous village immersion
Arrive in Tokou and encounter the indigenous Pygmy population, one of the remaining hunter-gatherer societies. Engage in tasks such as plant collection and hut construction, while acquiring knowledge about their distinctive relationship with the forest. The day concludes with a customary Ndzengi celebration featuring singing and dance.
Overnight on board
Day 9: The black waters of Ndoki
Set off early for a motorboat ride on the Ndoki River, noted for its dark waters and varied birds. Visit the Mbiru War Memorial, the site of combat between French and German forces during World War I. Contingent upon water levels, investigate the primary forest of Mbiru.
Overnight on board.
Day 10: The Sangha Tri-National
Navigate the upper Sangha River, enveloped by pristine primary forest. Observe animals during the 7-hour expedition and relish a sunset vista over the Sangha River at your resort.
Overnight at Doli Lodge or Sangha Lodge.
Day 11: The mangabeys
In the morning, proceed to BaÏ Hokou to rendezvous with your BaAka trackers. Commence an expedition to locate Mangabeys, sociable and playful silver-grey primates typically observed in sizable congregations. Observe their leaps from tree to tree or their activities on the ground.
Overnight at Doli Lodge or Sangha Lodge.
Day 12: The Elephant Village
In the morning, you will visit the Bai of Dzangha, referred to as the Elephant Village, where you may observe as many as 150 elephants in a single day. From an elevated platform amidst the woods, witness a diverse array of fauna, including buffaloes, bongos, and duikers. You will get the opportunity to see the wildlife prior to returning to your lodging. Engage with scientists at the platform to acquire profound insights into the local ecology.
Overnight at Doli Lodge or Sangha Lodge.
Day 13: Return to Princess Ngalessa
Upon traversing some of the most isolated locations on Earth, you will return to the Princess Ngalessa via motorboat. This is your final opportunity to engage with the pristine rainforest before observing its expanse from above the next day.
Overnight on board.
Day 14: Return to Brazzaville and fly over the evergreen rainforest
This morning, you will journey to Ouesso by motorboat, disembark at 10 a.m., and proceed to the airport for your trip to Brazzaville. From the aircraft, you will observe stunning vistas of the canopy, a remarkable spectacle of one of the globe’s greatest rainforests. You will depart for Paris on an Air France trip in the evening.
Lunch is not included.
Inclusions
- All excursions, guides, and permits where specified
- Accommodation and meals as listed
- Transfers and internal flights
- Wifi available in regions covered by the Congo telecom network
Exclusions
- International flights to/from the Republic of Congo
- Single Supplements
- Tips, gratuities, and expenses of personal nature
