The Princess Ngalessa left a Belgian shipyard in Kinshasa in 2017. This expedition ship takes on the form of the passenger ships that for decades transported passengers on the Congo River and its tributaries between the various capitals of Central Africa.
Built robustly from steel, it is powered by two new-generation 375 hp Caterpillar engines, reducing noise and fuel consumption. Its 125-centimeter draft allows it to navigate shallow rivers with ease.
In 2023, it was refitted to launch the first expedition cruises into the heart of one of the world's most mysterious forests, the Congo Basin forest. Its renovation into a comfortable vessel heralds a new era in the development of sustainable tourism in the Republic of Congo (Congo Brazzaville). Last year, upon completion of the boat, new forms of cruises on the Congo and Sangha Rivers resumed, thus reviving the long tradition of river navigation in the Congo.
Vessel specifications
Year of construction: 2017
Recording: Congo
Vessel type: river expedition vessel
Length: 52 meters
Width: 11 meters
Draft: 1.4 meters
Gross tonnage: 500 tonnes
Cruising speed: 12 knots
Electricity: 220 volts
Engines: 2 Caterpillar 375 HP marine engines
Air conditioning
Water: on-board treatment plant
Boat Details
Living space on board: 600m2 of common areas
Dining room
Indoor bar and lounge
Outdoor living room
Outdoor Jacuzzi
Observation deck
Crew: 21, including an expedition director and 3 guides.
Gastronomic experience on board
A culinary experience nourished by African and European influences
Local products and wine.
Aluminum boats for shore excursions
Three aluminum auxiliary boats equipped with low-emission four-stroke engines. Each boat has a capacity of 12 passengers.
Two-person kayaks
Safety on board
Radio communication with separate battery; satellite telephone; life jackets, fire extinguishers and smoke detectors in each cabin; flares and signals
On-board first aid kit
Cabins
Passengers are accommodated in 14 cabins spread over three decks
Shipowner's Suite 35 m². Observation deck. Private balcony of 9 m²:
Three windows, an armchair, two bedside tables, a sofa and a closet. Bathroom. Air conditioning. 1 cabin with two single beds (90 x 200) which can be converted into a double bed (180 x 200). 1 cabin with a bed (160 x 200). (401, 402)
Superior Front Suite 30 m². Third deck forward. Public balcony.
Four windows, armchair, two bedside tables and a closet. Bathroom. Air conditioning. 2 cabins with 2 single beds (90 x 200) which can form a double bed (180 x 200). (301, 302, 303, 304)
Master Suite front 23 m². Second deck forward. Public balcony.
Four windows, armchair, desk and chair, two bedside tables and a closet. Bathroom. Air conditioning. 2 cabins with 160 x 200 beds. (201, 203)
Master Suite 27 m². Second deck. Public balcony.
Three windows, an armchair, a desk and a chair, two bedside tables, a sofa and a closet. Bathroom. Air conditioning. 1 cabin with two single beds (90 x 200) which can be converted into a double bed 180 x 200. 1 cabin with a bed 160 x 200. (202, 204)
Deluxe Suite 18 m². Second deck. Public balcony.
Two windows, armchair, desk and chair, two bedside tables and a closet. Air conditioning. 3 cabins with two single beds (90 x 200). 3 cabins with a double bed (160 x 200). (205, 206, 207, 208, 209, 210)
CRUISES IN THE CONGO BASIN
15 NIGHTS – 13 NIGHTS – 8 NIGHTS
A journey to the heart of Central Africa, off the beaten track. Embark today on a journey to the heart of one of the most inaccessible and least known regions in the world: the Congo Basin.
Let yourself be swept away on a cruise down one of the world's mightiest rivers, through a land of hills and cathedral-like forests. Uncover the mysteries of Central Africa's equatorial rainforest, the second largest green lung on the planet at 2 million km². Share the daily lives of its people.
Experience the thrill of crossing a region cut off from the rest of the world and discover the people who live there. In the parks, admire the wildlife of Central Africa: more than 350 species of birds, thousands of elephants, gorillas, chimpanzees, and bongos. We'll explore villages daily and observe nature by sailing up the tributaries aboard motorboats. Finally, learn more with our guide on the uniqueness of the Congo and the diversity of its fauna and flora.
Aboard the newly rebuilt Princess Ngalessa, experience the comfort of an expedition ship for nearly 1,000 kilometers on this Congo cruise. Admire the final stirrings of a rapidly evolving world from the comfort of your seat on the gangway, and discover the Congo Basin ecosystem. This is the journey we invite you on.
MAJESTIC CONGO: 800 KM CRUISE FROM BRAZZAVILLE TO OYO
Cruise to the Congo: 8 NIGHTS / 9 DAYS
Departing from Brazzaville in the Republic of Congo, the city of Rumba, sappers and the Poto-Poto art school, we will embark on a journey along the Congo River and the Alima River to meet the people, the fauna and the flora.
Over nearly 800 km, we will navigate from green hills to the swampy forests of the basin to reach the forests of Alima.
It is on board motorboats that we will set off every day on excursions to discover the people, their traditions and the nature that surrounds us.
In the evening, in the peace and quiet of our comfortable ship in the heart of the second largest lung on the planet, while sipping a glass of wine, we will listen to the guides tell us about the Congo.
Along the way, we'll discover the gorillas of the Lesio Louna Reserve Sanctuary, the hippos, and observe the region's birds, before returning to Brazzaville. What we saw, probably few people have had the chance to see.
Ship : Princess Ngalessa
* Contact us for dates, rates + availability.
