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Peregrine Travel Centre

Majestic Congo: 8-Night River Cruise

Majestic Congo: 8-Night River Cruise

From EUR €4,575

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Description

The Congo Basin is the second largest forest massif in the world. It abounds in exceptional flora and fauna. Little known to the public, this region deserves more recognition. It’s a gigantic territory of forests and rivers, sparsely populated. We invite you to enter the heart of Central Africa on the Congo and Alima rivers. Our cruises allow you to discover the peoples and the sublime environment.

Trip Name
Majestic Congo: 8-Night River Cruise
Days
9
Overview
Vessel Type: River Expedition Vessel / Boutique Hotel Ship Length: 170 feet / 52 meters Passenger Capacity: 28 Built: 2017 Princesse Ngalessa is a purpose-built river expedition vessel launched in 2017 from a Belgian shipyard in Kinshasa, designed in the tradition of the classic passenger ships that have long connected the capitals of Central Africa via the Congo River and its tributaries. Built with a robust steel hull and powered by two new-generation 375 HP Caterpillar engines, she combines reliability with reduced noise and fuel consumption. Her shallow draft allows confident navigation of remote waterways, making her ideally suited to exploration deep within the Congo and Sangha rivers. Following a comprehensive refit completed in 2024, the vessel inaugurates a new chapter of sustainable expedition cruising in the Congo Basin, reviving historic river navigation while opening access to one of the world’s most mysterious rainforest regions. The ship accommodates just 14 design-led cabins across three decks, ensuring an intimate onboard atmosphere supported by 600 m² of social and observation spaces, including a dining room, outdoor lounge, jacuzzi, and observation deck. Dining reflects a blend of African and European influences using local produce and wine. A crew of 21, including a cruise director and expert guides, supports immersive exploration using auxiliary launch boats and kayaks. Modern safety systems, onboard water treatment, and carefully considered comforts position Princesse Ngalessa as a refined yet functional expedition vessel, purpose-built for low-impact discovery in the heart of Central Africa.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 Arrival in Brazzaville.
Arrival in Brazzaville. Our guide will be waiting for you at the airport to transfer you to the ship.Night on board.
Day 2 - Day 2 – Visit of Brazzaville and beginning of the cruise
In the morning, we set out to explore the city, The Congo Basin Museum, the Poto Poto School, the Cathedral and we end with a meeting with “La Sape” – Society of Ambiance-Makers and Elegant People. Then begin the long journey up the Congo River through a landscape of green hills. We take advantage of the first miles to get to know our guides and learn about the Congo.Night on board.
Day 3 - Day 3 – The Téké Kingdom and Kebe Kebe ritual
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 authorised 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. We return to the ship for lunch and continue our ascent.Night on board.
Day 4 - Day 4 – The thousands of islands of the Congo River and the “whaling ships”
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. Travelling 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. Night on board.
Day 5 - Day 5 – The city of Mossaka and its famous salted fish and the village of Likendze
In the morning we set out to explore the city of Mossaka. Led by our local guide Jean de Dieu, we discover the remnants of the colonial era, we visit the bustling local market where we’ll immerse ourselves in the daily life of the local people.  Our visit takes us through the alleys where salted fish dryers are installed. This traditional technique of preserving fish has made Mossaka famous throughout the region. We also discover the production of palm wine and meet a potter. We return to the ship for lunch and continue our navigation to Likendze.At the village of Likendze on the Sangha River, we learn different fishing techniques such as cast net fishing, trap fishing, and net fishing. Those interested can even try their hand at line fishing. Night on board.
Day 6 - Day 6 – The Alima river and the Moye people
In the morning, we leave on launch boats to observe the hippos who live a few kilometres north of the village and we’ll go for a birding in search of the emblematic birds of the region such as ospreys, palm-nut vultures, African fish eagles, hamerkops, cormorans, kingfishers, weavers, ibis, grey herons, storks, egrets, hornbills, pied crows, Brazza’s Martin and the elusive turaco. 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 on board.
Day 7 - Day 7 – The traditional Medicine
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, we reach a small tributary with black water where the locals call crocodiles to hunt them. Night on board.
Day 8 - Day 8 – Transfer to Brazzaville and visit of Lesio Louna réserve
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 carDinnerNight at the hotel 5 stars in Brazzaville
Day 9 - Day 9 – Return flight
Transfer to the airport and fly out or extension  to discover : The coastal city of Pointe-Noire and visit the chimpanzee sanctuary of Tchimpounga in Kouilou river(2-3 nights) and relax at Bamboo beach on the seaside.3 nights extension to the Bai d’Imbalanga in the Odzala-Kokoua National Park (From Oyo)2 nights extension in DRC for Bonobos tracking (endemic species from DRC)4 nights in Dzanga sangha extension in Doli Lodge. Possible departure to Bangui.
Day 10 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
23-05-202631-05-2026EUR €4,575Deluxe Suite
23-05-202631-05-2026EUR €4,950Forward Master Suite
23-05-202631-05-2026EUR €4,950Master Suite
23-05-202631-05-2026EUR €5,175Superior Suite
23-05-202631-05-2026EUR €5,475Forward Superior Suite
23-05-202631-05-2026EUR €5,925Owner’s Suite
08-06-202616-06-2026EUR €5,475Forward Superior Suite
08-06-202616-06-2026EUR €5,925Owner’s Suite
08-06-202616-06-2026EUR €4,575Deluxe Suite
08-06-202616-06-2026EUR €4,950Master Suite
08-06-202616-06-2026EUR €4,950Forward Master Suite
08-06-202616-06-2026EUR €5,175Superior Suite
30-08-202607-09-2026EUR €4,575Deluxe Suite
30-08-202607-09-2026EUR €4,950Master Suite
30-08-202607-09-2026EUR €4,950Forward Master Suite
30-08-202607-09-2026EUR €5,475Forward Superior Suite
30-08-202607-09-2026EUR €5,925Owner’s Suite
23-01-202731-01-2027EUR €4,575Deluxe Suite
23-01-202731-01-2027EUR €4,950Forward Master Suite
23-01-202731-01-2027EUR €4,950Master Suite
23-01-202731-01-2027EUR €5,475Forward Superior Suite
23-01-202731-01-2027EUR €5,925Owner’s Suite
16-06-202724-06-2027EUR €4,900Deluxe Suite
16-06-202724-06-2027EUR €5,275Forward Master Suite
16-06-202724-06-2027EUR €5,275Master Suite
16-06-202724-06-2027EUR €5,800Forward Superior Suite
16-06-202724-06-2027EUR €6,200Owner’s Suite
11-09-202719-09-2027EUR €4,900Deluxe Suite
11-09-202719-09-2027EUR €5,275Forward Master Suite
11-09-202719-09-2027EUR €5,275Master Suite
11-09-202719-09-2027EUR €5,800Forward Superior Suite
11-09-202719-09-2027EUR €6,200Owner’s Suite
04-12-202712-12-2027EUR €4,900Deluxe Suite
04-12-202712-12-2027EUR €5,275Forward Master Suite
04-12-202712-12-2027EUR €5,275Master Suite
04-12-202712-12-2027EUR €5,800Forward Superior Suite
04-12-202712-12-2027EUR €6,200Owner’s Suite
05-01-202813-01-2028EUR €4,900Deluxe Suite
05-01-202813-01-2028EUR €5,275Forward Master Suite
05-01-202813-01-2028EUR €5,275Master Suite
05-01-202813-01-2028EUR €5,800Forward Superior Suite
05-01-202813-01-2028EUR €6,200Owner’s Suite
22-01-202830-01-2028EUR €4,900Deluxe Suite
22-01-202830-01-2028EUR €5,275Forward Master Suite
22-01-202830-01-2028EUR €5,275Master Suite
22-01-202830-01-2028EUR €5,800Forward Superior Suite
22-01-202830-01-2028EUR €6,200Owner’s Suite

Inclusions

    • Cruise one of earth's most remote regions
    • Visit Ngabe, the ancient capital of the Téké kingdom
    • Visit Congolese gorilla protection program at Lésio Louna
    • Meet the Moye People who are our guides to discover the flooded forest

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