Republic of Congo Tour – 9 Day River Cruise
Tour Overview
Prices From £3995/$5195 per person sharing
Embark on an unforgettable 9-day journey through the heart of the Congo Basin, exploring two of its most captivating waterways, the mighty Congo River and the beautifully winding Alima River. Travelling aboard the Princesse Ngalessa, you venture deep into remote landscapes, encounter vibrant riverine cultures, observe wildlife in their natural habitats, and discover both historic kingdoms and traditional practices that have shaped life along these rivers for centuries.
Your adventure leads you through swamp forests, raffia-built villages, flooded ecosystems, hippo-filled estuaries, and vast river archipelagos stretching over 10 km wide. Along the way, you meet the Moye and Téké peoples, witness traditional dances and rituals such as the Kebe Kebe ceremony, explore colonial-era towns, navigate by night in search of crocodiles, and enjoy exceptional birdwatching from African fish eagles to elusive turacos.
At the end of each enriching day, you return to the comfort of the Princesse Ngalessa — a beautifully upgraded expedition vessel fully refitted in 2023–2024. Blending the charm of classic Congo River ships with modern design and sustainability standards, the boat offers 14 elegant cabins across three decks, including spacious suites with private or shared balconies for uninterrupted views of the river. Guests enjoy more than 600 m² of communal space, featuring a bright dining room, a relaxing outdoor lounge, a jacuzzi, and an elevated observation deck ideal for wildlife viewing and photography. A dedicated crew of 21, including a cruise director and expert naturalist guides, ensures exceptional comfort, safety, and personalised service throughout the voyage.
This 9-day river cruise offers a rare and intimate exploration of two legendary African rivers, combining cultural discovery, pristine nature, and the timeless spirit of life along the waterways of the Congo Basin.
Tour Highlights
- Cruise two iconic rivers: the Congo and the Alima.
- Explore swamp forests, flooded ecosystems, and vast river islands.
- Observe wildlife including hippos, crocodiles, and exceptional birdlife.
- Visit remote villages and meet the Moye and Téké peoples.
- Discover the Lesio Louna Reserve and its rescued gorillas.
- Learn traditional fishing techniques and witness cultural rituals like Kebe Kebe.
- Explore the historic towns of Mossaka and Ngabe.
- Experience night navigation to spot crocodile eyes and forest sounds.
- Tour Brazzaville, including the Congo Basin Museum and Poto Poto School
Day Overview
Day 1 – Arrival in Brazzaville
Arrive at Brazzaville airport and meet your representative for a comfortable transfer to the Radisson Blu Hotel. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon and evening at leisure.
Day 2 – Lesio Louna Gorilla Reserve & Boarding Princesse Ngalessa
Depart early for the Lesio Louna Reserve to visit the gorilla rehabilitation islands by motorboat. After this remarkable wildlife experience, continue by road to Oyo and board Princesse Ngalessa.
Day 3 – Alima River & Mondongo Village
Navigate the winding Alima River past raffia villages. Visit a black-water tributary known for traditional crocodile calling, then explore Mondongo with a local guide and learn about traditional medicine.
Day 4 – Bonda Village, Flooded Forest & Night Navigation
Arrive in Bonda and explore the flooded forest with the Moye people by canoe or on foot. Enjoy an evening traditional dance, followed by a night loop on the river searching for crocodile eyes.
Day 5 – Mighty Congo River & Likendze Fishing Village
Reach the vast Congo River and its maze of islands. In Likendze, discover traditional fishing techniques and try line fishing if you wish.
Day 6 – Hippos & Birdlife + Mossaka Town Visit
Observe hippos by launch boat and enjoy rich birding along the river. In the afternoon, tour Mossaka with a local guide, exploring colonial-era traces, the bustling market, and traditional salted-fish dryers.
Day 7 – River Traffic, Birding & Optional Sandbank Bivouac
View impressive river barges and floating villages from the observation deck. Continue birding between the islands, and if weather allows, bivouac on a remote sandbank for a unique night under the stars.
Day 8 – Lefini Estuary, Ngabe & Kebe Kebe Ritual
Visit the Lefini estuary for hippo and bird viewing, then travel to Ngabe to meet the queen of the Téké kingdom. After lunch, witness the powerful and symbolic Kebe Kebe ritual.
Day 9 – Brazzaville City Tour & Departure
Return to Brazzaville to visit the Congo Basin Museum, Poto Poto School of Painting, the Cathedral, and finish with an encounter with La Sape.
Key Facts
Starts: Brazzaville, Republic of Congo
Ends: Brazzaville, Republic of Congo
Meals: 9 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches, 8 Dinners
Travel Style: Mid-Range Comfort
Tour Type: River Cruise
Transport: Shared Transfers
Validity: Set Departures
Includes
- 1 Night Radisson Blu Brazzaville on B&B
- 7 Nights Princess Ngalessa on Full-Board
- Daily Excursions on the Cruise
- Beer, wine, and soft drinks served in a limited quantity with lunch and dinner
- Plastic boots and raincoats on board
- Wifi where Congo telecom network is available
Excludes
- International flights (we recommend buying flexible tickets)
- Additional hotel nights
- Private transfers
- Travel Protection Plan (evacuation and repatriation insurance required – min coverage of $100 000
- Passport, visa, and immigration fees
- Personal items (phone, laundry – laundry on board at extra cost)
- Massage and onboard Spa
- Gratuities
- Letter of invitation for Congo visa (70€ supplement)
- Drinks/Meals not stated
- Optional Activities
Dates
23rd - 31st May 2026
8th - 16th June 2026
30th August - 7th September 2026
