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Congo River Safari Cruise – Brazzaville to Ouesso

Congo River Safari Cruise – Brazzaville to Ouesso

From EUR €6,100

Description

Departing from Brazzaville city  in the Republic of Congo, the city of Rumba, sappers and the Poto-Poto artistic school. You will embark on an extraordinary 12-night safari cruise on the Congo and Sangha rivers.
For almost 1 000 km, we will navigate from the green hills to the swamp forests of the Sangha to reach the cathedral forests populated by thousands of gorillas, chimpanzees, forest elephants, Bongos, Buffalos and more than 350 species of birds.
We  launch our boat, we will go up tributaries that have been forgotten by all in search of the wonders of nature preserved out of sight.
The peoples of the forest will be our guides. We will share their way of life and their unique knowledge transmitted for centuries.
In the evening, in the calm of our comfortable ship, while sipping a glass of wine, we will address the major issues of preservation, the history of the Congo, the history of it’s people.

Trip Name
Congo River Safari Cruise - Brazzaville to Ouesso
Days
13
Overview
Vessel Type: River Expedition Vessel / Boutique Hotel Ship Length: 170 feet / 52 meters Passenger Capacity: 28 Built: 2014 The ship lwas built in a Belgian run shipyard in Kinshasa in 2017. It takes the form of the passenger ships that have for decades transported passengers on the Congo River and its tributaries between the different capitals of Central Africa. With a robust steel construction, she is powered by two new-generation 380 HP Caterpillar engines, thus reducing noise pollution and fuel consumption. Its draft of 90 centimeters allows it to navigate easily on shallow rivers. In 2022/2023, she was refitted to launch the first 4* safari cruises in the heart of one of the most mysterious forests in the world, the Congo Basin forest. Its renovation into a comfortable 4-star Boutique Hotel Ship launches a new era for the development of sustainable tourism in the Republic of Congo (Congo Brazzaville). In June 2023 she began the first cruises on the Congo and Sangha rivers, thus reviving the long tradition of river navigation in the Congo. ON BOARD LIVING AND SOCIAL AREAS: 600 m² of common areas Dining room Indoor bar and lounge Outdoor lounge Outdoor jacuzzi Massage Room Observation Deck CREW 18, including a cruise director and 3 naturalist guides. WORLD CLASS DINING PROGRAM A culinary experience nourished by African and European influences A menu specially prepared by a French Chef rewarded for his work with a Michelin star in 2021 Local products and fine wine. LAUNCH BOATS FOR SHORE EXCURSIONS Two auxiliary aluminum launch boats equipped with four-stroke low emission engines. Each boat has a capacity of 15 passengers. Kayaks for two people Accommodation Passengers are accommodated in 14 Design cabins across three decks.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1: Brazzaville
Arrival in Brazzaville in the Republic of Congo in the afternoon (Air France or Ethiopian Airlines flight). Boarding the ship
Day 2 - Day 2: Brazzaville
Briefing at the breakfast. Visit of the City ( Poto Poto art school, Museum of Congo, cathedral). Navigation starts on the Congo river to Ngabe, one of the former capital of the Téké kingdom. We take advantage of the first miles to know our guides and discover the history of the Congo. Conference on the history of the Congo.
Day 3 - Day 3: Brazzaville - Ngabe
In the morning, we reach the village of Ngabe, one of the ancient capitals of the Teke kingdom. We go up to the village and visit the current Queen Ngalifourou. As guardian of the "Nkwembali", the spiritual god of the Batéké, she is the person empowered to transfer power to the new king, the Makoko. He is a very influential person in the Teke kingdom, one of the powerful kingdoms of the country. We attend a traditional Teke dance. At the end of the day, we reach the estuary of the Lefini which borders the Teke kingdom. Hippos are lounging, we are watching. Conference on the Teke Kingdom.
Day 4 - Day 4: Brazzaville - Mossaka
The Congo River widens considerably (more than 10 km) and a hodgepodge of islands is forming. Fishing villages settle there during the dry season. On the islands, we observe birds. We reach the fishing village of Mossaka, known throughout the country for its smoked fish. We discover vestiges of the colonial era, with the colonial house of Monsieur Trechot. Conference on the Savorgnan de Brazza expedition and the Stanley expedition. We go up the Sangha River weaving  through the green and impenetrable swamp forest. We enter very sparsely populated and wildest territories.  We meet  the Sangha-sangha people. Conference on the Congo Basin ecosystem.
Day 5 - Day 5: Mossaka
We take the tributaries, either by kayak or motorboat. Further away is Lake Télé with its mysteries and legends. It is said that in the distance a dinosaur was seen: the Mokele Mbembe. In the rainforest, we discover the plants of pharmacology. With those who wish can we go fishing.
Day 6 - Day 6: Mossaka - Pikounda
During the day, we cross the equator. This is the baptism of the Line! We reach at the end of the day the village of Pikounda. The Pygmies are one of the two peoples living in this region. They are among the last hunter-gatherer groups in the world. In the forest, in small groups, we share their daily lives: harvesting plant products, collecting medicinal plants, fishing. We share their millennial way of life and discover their incredible symbiosis with the forest. Dinner and evening in a clearing. The pygmies are with us. They tell the stories of their people and the stories born during their time together. With the help of mimes and songs, the stories live and the evening is forever anchored in the memories. The oral tradition of the pygmies is one of the most beautiful riches of this people.
Day 7 - Day 7: Pikounda - Ndoki River
In the morning, we go up a tributary of the Sangha for about fifteen kilometers, the Mangui. We walk along the northern border of Ntokou-Pikounda Park. This place is frequented by an endemic species that was thought to be extinct, the red colobus of Bouvier, a small monkey with orange coat. Along the way, we observe birds. At the end of the day, our ship reaches the Ndoki River, we observe hippos. Not far away, a pygmy village. Conference on pygmy populations facing modernism. 
Day 8 - Day 8: Ndoki River - Bomassa
In Pokola, we meet representatives of a forestry company who explain sustainable forest management. Then we go up the Sangha River slaloming between the sandbanks with caution. The depth decreases. Arrival in Bomassa, a village that marks the entrance to the Nouabalé-Ndoki Park.
Day 9 - Day 9-10-11: Sangha Trinational
Immersion in the Sangha. Classified as a World Heritage Site since 2012, the National Tri of the Sangha is in the north-west of the Congo Basin, at the meeting point of Cameroon, Congo and the Central African Republic, the site includes three adjoining national parks, covering a total area of 750,000 hectares, affected very little by human activity. It covers the entire spectrum of tropical rainforest ecosystems. The rich fauna and flora include nile crocodiles, goliath tigerfish & large predators. The clearings offer herbaceous species, the Sangha is home to considerable populations of forest elephants, as well as western lowland gorillas and chimpanzees. To be as discreet as possible, our group will be divided into three subgroups. Three groups of 9 people will explore the Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park. (Each group will make the excursions below but in a different order). Depart in the morning to join the scientific camp of Mondika in the Triangle of Djéké (1 hour by car, 2 hours of walking) to track the lowland gorillas. We will observe them from about ten meters away and they will observe us. The young bicker and the females feed, others rest, the silverback lurks. The largest measure up to 1.70 meters. In order not to disturb them, after an hour we will leave, with images in our heads. On the trail we can come across many other animals, we will be accompanied baaka trackers. In the evening, we will spend the night in the camp near the scientists' camp and have plenty of time to ask questions. The night will be spent in safari tent with bed, shower and individual dry toilet. Departure at dawn for a 6-hour expedition to the Baï de Mbeli (40 minutes by car, 1 hour by canoe). In this clearing it is the gathering place of hundreds of animals, attracted by the mineral-rich waters. We discover from the top of a viewpoint the breathtaking spectacle of wildlife: lowland gorillas, forest elephants, chimpanzees, bush hogs, bongos, sitatungas and forest buffaloes. We will spend the morning there to observe the animals. The more adventurous can arrive the day before and spend the night. .
Day 10 - Day 12: Bomassa - Ouesso
At the end of the afternoon, we leave Bomassa and sail to Ouesso.
Day 11 - Day 13: Bomassa - Ouesso
Disembarkation in the morning for 4-5h drive and an hour of jet towards Brazzaville.Through the portholes, we see the canopy a view of one of the largest forests in the world will remain in our memory forever. We spend the afternoon in Brazzaville. Visit the market of traditional and handicrafts of the Plateau and meet La sape (Society of Ambianceurs and Elegant People).Departure in the evening.
Day 12 - Please Note:
Itineraries may be subject to change due to weather conditions, low water levels, administrative constraints or access restrictions imposed by the State or national parks. Therefore, sailing times and excursions may be modified at the captain’s discretion. We will do everything we can to minimize disruption to travel plans. An alternative route will be proposed after consultation between the captain of the ship and the management of the company if necessary. If the airline is unable to operate the flight Brazzaville – Ouesso or Ouesso – Brazzaville and in the absence of other reasonable air alternatives, the transfer may be provided by road.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
12-06-202424-06-2024EUR €6,100Deluxe Suite
12-06-202424-06-2024EUR €6,400Master Suite
12-06-202424-06-2024EUR €6,600Forward Master Suite 23 M²
12-06-202424-06-2024EUR €7,300Forward Master Suite 30 M²
12-06-202424-06-2024EUR €7,900Owner’s Suite
05-07-202417-07-2024EUR €6,100Deluxe Suite
05-07-202417-07-2024EUR €6,400Master Suite
05-07-202417-07-2024EUR €6,600Forward Master Suite 23 M²
05-07-202417-07-2024EUR €7,300Forward Master Suite 30 M²
05-07-202417-07-2024EUR €7,900Owner’s Suite
31-07-202412-08-2024EUR €6,100Deluxe Suite
31-07-202412-08-2024EUR €6,400Master Suite
31-07-202412-08-2024EUR €6,600Forward Master Suite 23 M²
31-07-202412-08-2024EUR €7,300Forward Master Suite 30 M²
31-07-202412-08-2024EUR €7,900Owner’s Suite
23-08-202404-09-2024EUR €6,100Deluxe Suite
23-08-202404-09-2024EUR €6,400Master Suite
23-08-202404-09-2024EUR €6,600Forward Master Suite 23 M²
23-08-202404-09-2024EUR €7,300Forward Master Suite 30 M²
23-08-202404-09-2024EUR €7,900Owner’s Suite
18-09-202430-09-2024EUR €6,100Deluxe Suite
18-09-202430-09-2024EUR €6,400Master Suite
18-09-202430-09-2024EUR €6,600Forward Master Suite 23 M²
18-09-202430-09-2024EUR €7,300Forward Master Suite 30 M²
18-09-202430-09-2024EUR €7,900Owner’s Suite
11-10-202423-10-2024EUR €6,100Deluxe Suite
11-10-202423-10-2024EUR €6,400Master Suite
11-10-202423-10-2024EUR €6,600Forward Master Suite 23 M²
11-10-202423-10-2024EUR €7,300Forward Master Suite 30 M²
11-10-202423-10-2024EUR €7,900Owner’s Suite
06-11-202418-11-2024EUR €6,100Deluxe Suite
06-11-202418-11-2024EUR €6,400Master Suite
06-11-202418-11-2024EUR €6,600Forward Master Suite 23 M²
06-11-202418-11-2024EUR €7,300Forward Master Suite 30 M²
06-11-202418-11-2024EUR €7,900Owner’s Suite
29-11-202411-12-2024EUR €6,100Deluxe Suite
29-11-202411-12-2024EUR €6,400Master Suite
29-11-202411-12-2024EUR €6,600Forward Master Suite 23 M²
29-11-202411-12-2024EUR €7,300Forward Master Suite 30 M²
29-11-202411-12-2024EUR €7,900Owner’s Suite
22-12-202403-01-2025EUR €6,100Deluxe Suite
22-12-202403-01-2025EUR €6,400Master Suite
22-12-202403-01-2025EUR €6,600Forward Master Suite 23 M²
22-12-202403-01-2025EUR €7,300Forward Master Suite 30 M²
22-12-202403-01-2025EUR €7,900Owner’s Suite
11-06-202523-06-2025EUR €7,000Deluxe Suite
11-06-202523-06-2025EUR €8,000Master Suite
11-06-202523-06-2025EUR €8,000Forward Master Suite 23 M²
11-06-202523-06-2025EUR €8,500Superior Suite Suite 30 M²
11-06-202523-06-2025EUR €9,000Forward Superior Suite 30 M²
11-06-202523-06-2025EUR €9,600Owner’s Suite
01-08-202513-08-2025EUR €7,000Deluxe Suite
01-08-202513-08-2025EUR €8,000Forward Master Suite 23 M²
01-08-202513-08-2025EUR €8,000Master Suite
01-08-202513-08-2025EUR €8,500Superior Suite 30 M²
01-08-202513-08-2025EUR €9,000Forward Superior Suite Suite 30 M²
01-08-202513-08-2025EUR €9,600Owner’s Suite
19-09-202501-10-2025EUR €7,000Deluxe Suite
19-09-202501-10-2025EUR €8,000Forward Master Suite 23 M²
19-09-202501-10-2025EUR €8,000Master Suite
19-09-202501-10-2025EUR €8,500Superior Suite 30 M²
19-09-202501-10-2025EUR €9,000Forward Superior Suite Suite 30 M²
19-09-202501-10-2025EUR €9,600Owner’s Suite
05-12-202517-12-2025EUR €7,000Deluxe Suite
05-12-202517-12-2025EUR €8,000Forward Master Suite 23 M²
05-12-202517-12-2025EUR €8,000Master Suite
05-12-202517-12-2025EUR €8,500Superior Suite 30 M²
05-12-202517-12-2025EUR €9,000Forward Superior Suite Suite 30 M²
05-12-202517-12-2025EUR €9,600Owner’s Suite

Inclusions

    • Led by our naturalist guides, venture into the world’s richest terrestrial ecosystem
    • An exceptionally rich and visible fauna in the clearings such as Gorillas, elephants, Buffalos, sitatungas, hippopotamus, pangolins, crocodiles and hundreds of birds
    • 3 days in Nouabalé-ndoki National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
    • A Flora made up of more than 10,000 species of plants.
    • Landscapes of great diversity: savannah, clearings, swamp forests and cathedral forests
    • From lake peoples to traditional knowledge: the Sangha-Sangha ethnic groups and the Pygmy tribes
    • Several excursions per day by tender boat or canoe
    • The visit of Brazzaville and its sappers
    • Conferences on board to enrich the trip
    • Small groups to create links and not disturb ecosystems
    • Environmentally friendly travel (recent engines with reduced emissions)
    • A 4-star service

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