The Mighty Congo Cruise - 8 days
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DAY 1: Arrival in Brazzaville
The guide will meet you at the airport. Boarding begins at 5pm on the Princesse Ngalessa ship. Passengers arriving late in the morning on an Ethiopian Airlines flight can be dropped off in the lobby of the Radisson Hotel to relax while waiting for boarding.
Day 2: Upstream Congo - 7 day cruise
In the morning, we visit Ngabe, one of the ancient capitals of the Téké kingdom. We ascend through the village to visit the current queen. As the guardian of "Nkwembali, " the spiritual deity of the Batéké, she is the person authorized to transfer power to the new king, the Makoko. She holds significant influence in the Téké kingdom, one of the powerful kingdoms in the country. After our lunch on board we return to the village to witness a kebe kebe ritual. It refers to a dance and an initiatory society of the Congo. The ordinary form of the kebe-kebe resembles whirling dervishes, wrapped in raffia robes set with feathers of various birds, and manipulating a puppet which generally represents a painted Koyo head exhibiting the particular scarifications of the ethnic group. In the afternoon, we reach the estuary of the Lefini River, a popular spot for birds and hippos depending on the season.
We leave the ship on launch boats to observe the majestic mammals. Night onboard Princess Ngalessa The Congo River widens considerably (more than 10 km) and a labyrinth of islands is formed. Fishing villages are established there during the dry season. In the estuary of N’keni, we will go for birding in the morning (bee eaters, weavers, egrets, kites). From the observation deck, we watch the fascinating boats, whaleboats and long flat-bottomed transport barges that are pushed along the Congo River. Traveling for weeks at a time and measuring up to two hundred metres in length, these floating villages transport goods, people and livestock from town to town. They play a crucial role in the economy and life of the Congo River communities. If the weather permits, we will take the opportunity to bivouac on a sandbank in the middle of the myriad of islands. Nights onboard Princess Ngalessa.
DAY 3 The Teke Kingdom and Kebekebe Dance
DAY 4: The Thousand Islands of the Congo River and Whaling Ships
DAY 5: Moussaka
In the morning, we set out to explore the town of Mossaka. Accompanied by our local guide, Jean de Dieu, we discover the vestiges of the colonial era and the lively local market, where we immerse ourselves in the daily life of the residents. Our visit takes us through the narrow streets lined with salted fish drying racks. This traditional preservation technique has made Mossaka famous throughout the region. We return to the ship for lunch and continue our navigation through the marshes to reach the village of Likendze on the Sangha River. There, we learn various fishing techniques such as cast-net fishing, trap fishing, and net fishing. Guests are welcome to try it for themselves.
DAY 6: The Alimar River and Moye People
In the morning, we leave on launch boats to observe the hippos who live a few kilometres north of the village. Back on the ship, we navigate towards the Alima River. This beautiful narrow winding river is surrounded by swamp forests. We finish the day in the village of Bonda where we meet the Moye People. They are our guides to discover the flooded forest. Following the season, we discover the forest by canoe or on foot. In the evening, the Moye people perform a traditional dance on the bank of the river. At night, we will navigate in a 900 m loop to listen to the forest and perhaps, spot the shining eyes of the crocodiles. Night onboard Princess Ngalessa Night at the Radisson hotel.
DAY 7: Alima River
We navigate on the Alima River. Passing the many bends of the river, along the banks we can see many charming raffia villages. Later on, we reach the village of Mondongo. This village, also made primarily using raffia, is home to Moye People. We met a local guide who explains the traditional pharmacopoeia and the preparation of remedies. The swamp forest is teeming with plants the villagers use for traditional medicine to treat diseases and injuries. In the afternoon, accompanied by our knowledgeable guides, we will walk through the forest, learning about the different emblematic trees, plants, and the secret life of the forest - from the intricate world of insects to the fascinating interplay of flora and fauna that thrives within its lush canopy.
DAY 8: Lesio Louna Disembark
We disembark for our return trip to Lesio Louna reserve by car. Founded in 1999 the Aspinall Foundation, and part of the Congolese gorilla protection program (PPG) Lésio Louna aims to rescue gorillas from wildlife trafficking or zoos which cannot tend to them and reintroduce them into their natural environment. On board a motorboat, we set off on the Louna River, which winds through the forest, with the keepers to reach the islands where the gorillas live during the period of adaptation to their new life. As soon as they are able to feed themselves, they will then be released into the Park. After a memorable time close to these fascinating primates, we return to Brazzaville by car for onward travels.
We offer a range of extensions to enrich your journey and discover : The coastal city of Pointe-Noire and visit the chimpanzee sanctuary of Tchimpounga in Kouilou river (2 nights). 3 nights extension to Imbalanga BAI in the Odzala-Kokoua National Park. 2 nights extension in DRC for Bonobos tracking (endemic species from DRC). 4 nights in Dzanga sangha extension in Doli Lodge.
NOTE This expedition takes place in remote areas. The itinerary may be subject to change without prior notice in order to provide the best possible experience and to take local conditions into account. In the morning, we set out to explore the city, visiting the Poto-Poto School, the Congo Basin Museum, St. Anne’s Basilica and the Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza Memorial, where we encounter the famous Sape – Société des Ambianceurs et des Personnes Élégantes. We have lunch before visiting the Plateau-Ville art market and the Congo River Rapids. Transfer to the airport in the afternoon for guests travelling with Air France. Guests travelling with Ethiopian Airlines will need to book an additional night in Brazzaville (dinner at their own expense). Program provided for guidance only and subject to change.