fbpx

Congo River Safari Cruise – Ouesso to Brazzaville

Congo River Safari Cruise – Ouesso to Brazzaville

From EUR €6,100

Description

After a flight over the Canopy in a private plane, we will embark on an extraordinary 12-night Safari cruise on the Sangha and Congo rivers.
Over nearly 1 000 km, we will navigate through cathedral forests populated by thousands of gorillas, chimpanzees, forest elephants, bongos, buffaloes and more than 350 species of birds. Our descent will take us towards the swampy forests at the mouth of the Sangha, then the green hills of the Pool.
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 discuss the major issues of preservation, the history of the Congo, & the history of it’s  people.
We will land on the 13th day in Brazzaville, capital of the Republic of Congo, city of Rumba, sappers and the artistic school of Poto-Poto.
The journey is over, what we saw, probably few people had the chance to see.

Trip Name
Congo River Safari Cruise - Ouesso to Brazzaville
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
Arrive in the city of Brazzaville in Republic of Congo in the afternoon.  Night in a 5 star hotel, dinner at the hotel.
Day 2 - Day 2: Fly to Ousso - Embark
In the morning a one hour flight in a 19 seats jet, plus 5 hours drive to Ouesso . Through the portholes, we can see all the primary forest. Such view of one of the largest primary forest of the world will stay in our memory for always. Embarkment during the afternoon. Then we ascend the Sangha River, slaloming between the sandbanks with caution. The depth decreases. Conference about Congo Basin Ecosystem..
Day 3 - Days 3 - 5: Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park
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 4 - Day 6: Sangha River
We descend the Sangha River towards Pokola where we meet representatives of a forestry company, who explain to us the sustainable management of forests. 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 5 - Day 7: Mangui
In the morning, we go up a tributary of the Sangha for about fifteen kilometres, the Mangui. We follow the northern border of the Ntokou-Pikounda park. This is frequented by an endemic species that was thought to be extinct, Bouvier’s red colobus, a small monkey with orange fur. Along the way, we observe birds. 
Day 6 - Day 8: Pikounda
We pass the village of Pikounda towards a pygmy village. The Pygmies are one of the two peoples living in this region. They are among the last groups of hunter-gatherers in the world. In the forest, in small groups, we share their daily life: 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 anchored forever in the memories. The oral tradition of the pygmies is one of the finest riches of this people.
Day 7 - Day 9: Sangha River
We descend the Sangha River weaving through the green and impenetrable swamp forest. We are entering a very sparsely populated and wildest territories. We meet fishermen, the Sangha-sangha people. We take the tributaries, either by canoe or by motorboat. It is said that in the distance a dinosaur was seen: the Mokele Mbembe. In the tropical forest, we discover the plants of pharmacology. With those who wish can go fishing. During the day, we cross the equator. This is the baptism of the Line!
Day 8 - Day 10: Mossaka
The Sangha River empties into the Congo. 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 Mr. Trechot. We gradually leave the forest for hills covered with grass. Conference on the Savorgnan de Brazza expedition and the Stanley expedition.
Day 9 - Day 11: Congo River
The Congo River widens considerably (more than 10 km) and a hodgepodge of islands are formed. Fishing villages settle there during the dry season. At the end of the day, we reach the Lefini estuary which borders the Téké kingdom. Hippos bask.
Day 10 - Day 12: Ngabe
In the morning, we discover the village of Ngabe, one of the ancient capitals of the Téké kingdom. We go up the village and will visit the current Queen Ngalifourou. In her capacity as guardian of the “Nkwembali”, spiritual god of the Batéké, she is the person authorized to transmit power to the new king, the Makoko. He is a very influential person in the Téké kingdom, one of the most powerful kingdoms of the country. We attend a traditional Téké dance, we observe. Conference on the Téké kingdom and on the history of the Congo..
Day 11 - Day 13: Brazzaville
Arrival in Brazzaville.Disembarkment around 10am.Visit of the Plateau market (traditional objects and handicrafts), the artistic school of Poto Poto, the Congo Basin museum, meeting with La Sape – Society of Ambiance-Makers 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
23-06-202405-07-2024EUR €6,100Deluxe Suite
23-06-202405-07-2024EUR €6,400Master Suite
23-06-202405-07-2024EUR €6,600Forward Master Suite
23-06-202405-07-2024EUR €7,300Forward Master Suite
23-06-202405-07-2024EUR €7,900Owner’s Suite
16-07-202428-07-2024EUR €6,100Deluxe Suite
16-07-202428-07-2024EUR €6,400Master Suite
16-07-202428-07-2024EUR €6,600Forward Master Suite
16-07-202428-07-2024EUR €7,300Forward Master Suite
16-07-202428-07-2024EUR €7,900Owner’s Suite
11-08-202423-08-2024EUR €6,100Deluxe Suite
11-08-202423-08-2024EUR €6,400Master Suite
11-08-202423-08-2024EUR €6,600Forward Master Suite
11-08-202423-08-2024EUR €7,300Forward Master Suite
11-08-202423-08-2024EUR €7,900Owner’s Suite
29-09-202411-10-2024EUR €6,100Deluxe Suite
29-09-202411-10-2024EUR €6,400Master Suite
29-09-202411-10-2024EUR €6,600Forward Master Suite
29-09-202411-10-2024EUR €7,300Forward Master Suite
29-09-202411-10-2024EUR €7,900Owner’s Suite
22-10-202403-11-2024EUR €6,100Deluxe Suite
22-10-202403-11-2024EUR €6,400Master Suite
22-10-202403-11-2024EUR €6,600Forward Master Suite
22-10-202403-11-2024EUR €7,300Forward Master Suite
22-10-202403-11-2024EUR €7,900Owner’s Suite
17-11-202429-11-2024EUR €6,100Deluxe Suite
17-11-202429-11-2024EUR €6,400Master Suite
17-11-202429-11-2024EUR €6,600Forward Master Suite
17-11-202429-11-2024EUR €7,300Forward Master Suite
17-11-202429-11-2024EUR €7,900Owner’s Suite
10-12-202422-12-2024EUR €6,100Deluxe Suite
10-12-202422-12-2024EUR €6,400Master Suite
10-12-202422-12-2024EUR €6,600Forward Master Suite
10-12-202422-12-2024EUR €7,300Forward Master Suite
10-12-202422-12-2024EUR €7,900Owner’s Suite
05-01-202517-01-2025EUR €6,100Deluxe Suite
05-01-202517-01-2025EUR €6,400Master Suite
05-01-202517-01-2025EUR €6,600Forward Master Suite
05-01-202517-01-2025EUR €7,300Forward Master Suite
05-01-202517-01-2025EUR €7,900Owner’s Suite
07-01-202519-01-2025EUR €7,300Deluxe Suite
07-01-202519-01-2025EUR €8,250Forward Master Suite
07-01-202519-01-2025EUR €8,250Master Suite
07-01-202519-01-2025EUR €9,600Owners Suite
20-07-202501-08-2025EUR €7,000Deluxe Suite
20-07-202501-08-2025EUR €8,000Forward Master Suite
20-07-202501-08-2025EUR €8,000Master Suite
20-07-202501-08-2025EUR €8,500Forward Master Suite
20-07-202501-08-2025EUR €9,600Owner’s Suite
12-08-202524-08-2025EUR €7,000Deluxe Suite
12-08-202524-08-2025EUR €8,000Master Suite
12-08-202524-08-2025EUR €8,000Forward Master Suite
12-08-202524-08-2025EUR €8,500Forward Master Suite
12-08-202524-08-2025EUR €9,600Owner’s Suite
07-09-202519-09-2025EUR €7,000Deluxe Suite
07-09-202519-09-2025EUR €8,000Forward Master Suite
07-09-202519-09-2025EUR €8,000Master Suite
07-09-202519-09-2025EUR €8,500Forward Master Suite
07-09-202519-09-2025EUR €9,600Owner’s Suite
28-10-202509-11-2025EUR €7,000Deluxe Suite
28-10-202509-11-2025EUR €8,000Forward Master Suite
28-10-202509-11-2025EUR €8,000Master Suite
28-10-202509-11-2025EUR €8,500Forward Master Suite
28-10-202509-11-2025EUR €9,600Owner’s Suite
16-12-202528-12-2025EUR €7,000Deluxe Suite
16-12-202528-12-2025EUR €8,000Forward Master Suite
16-12-202528-12-2025EUR €8,000Master Suite
16-12-202528-12-2025EUR €8,500Forward Master Suite
16-12-202528-12-2025EUR €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

Map