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Peregrine Travel Centre

Congo River Cruise and Dzanga National Park – 15 Nights

Congo River Cruise and Dzanga National Park – 15 Nights

From EUR €9,525

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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 Sangha rivers. Our cruises allow you to discover the indigenous peoples and the sublime biodiversity of their environment.

Trip Name
Congo River Cruise and Dzanga National Park - 15 Nights
Days
16
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 meet you at the airport if you are arriving on Day 1. Boarding begins at 5pm on the Princesse Ngalessa ship. Passengers arriving in the morning can be dropped off in the lobby of the Radisson Hotel to relax while waiting for boarding.Night on board Princess Ngalessa
Day 2 - Day 2 – Beginning of the cruise on the Congo
After breakfast, we start our ascent of the Congo River. We sail through a landscape of green hills as we familiarise ourselves with the boat and the program and get to know our guides. In the afternoon, we go on a short boat excursion on the beautiful green waters of the Maipili River.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.Night on board Princess Ngalessa
Day 3 - Day 3 – The Téké Kingdom and Kébé Kébé dance
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. We witness a kébé kébé ritual, a dance and an initiatory society from Congo. The ordinary form of the kebe-kebe resembles whirling dervishes, wrapped in raffia robes adorned with feathers from various birds, and manipulating a puppet that generally represents a painted Koyo head showing the specific scarifications of the ethnic group. Night on board Princess Ngalessa
Day 4 - Day 4 Crossing the Congo and journey to the Bonobo Camp
Bonobos are an endemic and rare species of chimpanzee from the DRC. They are the animal genetically closest to humans, with genotypes that are 98.7% similar. Three groups of bonobos can be observed around the village of Nkala. This is the only place in the world where it is possible to observe semi-habituated bonobos. In the afternoon, we leave the boat and drive for two hours through a hilly landscape to reach the bonobo camp. We learn about the project developed by local communities around bonobo conservation.Night in a tented camp.
Day 5 - Day 5 Tracking bonobos
Upon waking, we head into the forest early to position ourselves under the bonobo nests. As the bonobos wake up, we observe the bonobos stretching and starting their day. We then follow them to continue our observation. We return to the Princess Ngalessa in the late morning.Night on board Princess Ngalessa
Day 6 - Day 6 – The city of Mossaka, famous for salted fish, and the village of Likendze
In the morning we set out to explore the city of Mossaka. We discover the remnants of thecolonial 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. Atthe late afternoon, we will 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.Night on board Princess Ngalessa
Day 7 - Day 7 – 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. 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 Princess Ngalessa
Day 8 - Day 8 – 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, accompanied by our knowledgeable guides, we will walk through the forest,learning about the different emblematic trees, plants, and the secret life of the forest - from the intricate world of insects to the fascinating interplay of flora and fauna that thrives within its lush canopy.Night on board Princess Ngalessa
Day 9 - Day 9 –  Transfer to Ouesso, capital of the Sangha
After lunch, we disembark for our bus trip to Ouesso through the bush and the tropical forest (6 hours drive). We drive on the east border of the Odzala Kokoua National Park.Night at a local hotel.
Day 10 - Days 10 -15 Immersion in the Tr-National of the Sangha
Situated in the north-western Congo Basin, where Cameroon, Central African Republic andCongo meet, the site encompasses three contiguous national parks totaling around 750,000 ha. Much of the site is unaffected by human activity and features a wide range of humid tropical forest ecosystems with rich flora and fauna, including Nile crocodiles and goliath tigerfish, a large predator. Forest clearings support herbaceous species and Sangha is home to considerable populations of forest elephants, critically endangered western lowland gorilla, and endangered chimpanzee.
Day 11 - Day 10 – Tri National Park of the Sangha
We sail up the upper Sangha River towards Bayanga in the Central African Republic on launch boats for a comfortable 7.5 hours journey surrounded by pristine forest. Along the way we can see local villages and settlements. Based on the season we observe the many birds or if we’re lucky some monkeys of the region. We arrive in the afternoon at our lodge for a nice sundowner overlooking the Sangha.Night at Doli or Sangha Lodge in Dzanga Sangha National Park
Day 12 - Day 11 Lowland Gorilla Tracking
We leave the lodge in the morning for a 45min drive to the gorilla base camp where we start our tracking. On the trail, we can see many other animals. Accompanied by Baaka trackers, we follow the signs of the groups passing through. Arrived near them, we observe them about ten meters away, and they observe us. The young bicker, the females feed, others rest. The silverback is watching. The largest measure up to 1.70 meters. So as not to disturb them, after an hour we will leave, with images in our heads.Night at Doli or Sangha Lodge in Dzanga Sangha National Park
Day 13 - Day 12 – The Elephant Village
Early in the morning we will visit the famous Dzangha Bai. Known as the Elephant Village, up to 150 elephants can be spotted in a day. Sitting high up in the trees we will have a chance to spot many animals including buffalos, bongos, sitatunga, cephalophus etc. We take the time to observe the animals from the platform before return to our lodge.Night at Doli or Sangha Lodge in Dzanga Sangha National Park
Day 14 - Day 13 – The Hokous Salt Flats and its wild animals
Departure in the morning for the seven baïs called Hokous baïs. During these walks we have the chance to see a variety of animals including elephants, gorillas, cephalophores, forest hogs and many birds. During our walk, our BaAka trackers will find the groups Agile Mangabeys followed by the scientists. These silver-grey monkeys exhibit remarkable gracefulness as they navigate the forest canopy with ease, using their long limbs and prehensile tails. Agile Mangabeys are highly social creatures, often engaging in playful behaviours such as chasing each other, leaping through the trees, and engaging in mock battles. They communicate through a diverse range of vocalisations, including chirps, squeals, and grunts, which play a crucial role in maintaining social bonds and coordinating group activities. Night at Doli or Sangha Lodge in Dzanga Sangha National Park
Day 15 - Day 14 – A day with the Pygmees BaAka.
In the morning, we set out for an immersion into the world of the BaAka to discover the traditions of these emblematic people of the forest. Depending on the season, you may participate in a traditional net hunt, discover plants used in traditional medicine, collect honey, or engage in basket fishing. All this in the ever-joyous atmosphere of the forest peoples. Lunch at the Lodge. In the afternoon, we will experience the fascinating water drumming by the BaAka. Striking the water with their palms, the music resonates like a drum from another time. We stroll through Bayanga.Night at Doli or Sangha Lodge in Dzanga Sangha National Park
Day 16 - Day 15 – Return to Ouesso
After spending the last four days in some of the least visited places on Earth, we return to Ouesso on our launch boat (7 hours). The chance to enjoy one last time the pristine forest before seeing it from above the next day.Night at the local hotel
Day 17 - Day 16 – Return to Brazzaville and fly over the evergreen tropical forest.
Transfer to the airport and then fly to Brazzaville. Through the portholes, we see the huge forest canopy. Such a view of one of the largest forests in the world will stay in our memory forever.After lunch, we start with a meeting with “La Sape” - Society of Ambiance-Makers and Elegant People. We then set out to explore the city, The Congo Basin Museum, the Poto Poto School, the Cathedral.
Day 18 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change. 

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
19-06-202604-07-2026EUR €9,525Deluxe Suite
19-06-202604-07-2026EUR €10,600Forward Master Suite
19-06-202604-07-2026EUR €10,600Master Suite
19-06-202604-07-2026EUR €11,325Superior Suite
19-06-202604-07-2026EUR €11,825Forward Superior Suite
19-06-202604-07-2026EUR €12,575Owner’s Suite
05-12-202620-12-2026EUR €12,575Owner’s Suite
05-12-202620-12-2026EUR €9,525Deluxe Suite
05-12-202620-12-2026EUR €10,600Master Suite
05-12-202620-12-2026EUR €10,600Forward Master Suite
05-12-202620-12-2026EUR €11,825Forward Superior Suite
19-12-202603-01-2027EUR €9,950Deluxe Suite
19-12-202603-01-2027EUR €11,025Master Suite
19-12-202603-01-2027EUR €11,025Forward Master Suite
19-12-202603-01-2027EUR €12,400Forward Superior Suite
19-12-202603-01-2027EUR €13,250Owner’s Suite
05-12-202720-12-2027EUR €9,950Deluxe Suite
05-12-202720-12-2027EUR €11,025Forward Master Suite
05-12-202720-12-2027EUR €11,025Master Suite
05-12-202720-12-2027EUR €12,400Forward Superior Suite
05-12-202720-12-2027EUR €13,250Owner’s Suite
27-12-202711-01-2028EUR €9,950Deluxe Suite
27-12-202711-01-2028EUR €11,025Forward Master Suite
27-12-202711-01-2028EUR €11,025Master Suite
27-12-202711-01-2028EUR €12,400Forward Superior Suite
27-12-202711-01-2028EUR €13,250Owner’s Suite

Inclusions

    • This Congo Cruise is also an immersion into one of the last intact lungs of the planet.

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