Description
Journey to the heart of Africa where the legendary Congo River carves its path. The Republic of Congo, named after this mighty waterway, unveils a world of vibrant rainforests teeming with life. Patches of savanna break up the emerald expanse, offering glimpses of diverse ecosystems.
Brazzaville, the capital city, sits proudly on the banks of the Congo, a vibrant hub before your exploration begins. Here we begin our journey up the Congo, visiting villages on its banks rarely seen by visiting tourists. Here we gain a feel for what life lived in concert with the river is like for the Congolese people.
Caravan overland to Lesio Louna, a Western lowland gorilla rehabilitation reserve, and learn how the species has been driven to the brink of extinction, and the efforts underway to conserve them. To cap it off, we visit Odzala-Kokoua National Park with the objective of trekking to see families of lowland gorillas in the wild as well as the abundance of life in the heart of the world’s second largest rainforest.
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Arrive in Brazzaville at 5:30 PM via Air France.
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Enjoy a welcome cocktail at the Mikhaels Hotel while your guides handle room arrangements.
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Savor a delicious a la carte dinner with a drink included at the hotel.
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Take it easy at breakfast to adjust to the time difference and climate.
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At 10:00 AM, embark on a private minibus city tour with a local guide.
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Explore the Brazza Museum, learning about the city's history and iconic figure, Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza.
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Discover the busts of historical figures who shaped Congo's past.
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Enjoy a relaxing lunch on the beach with a drink at the "Les pieds dans l'eau" restaurant.
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Take an optional afternoon nap at the hotel.
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Witness the vibrant Sapeur culture at a traditional exhibition and vote for the best-dressed participants. Enjoy a drink at the bar.
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Choose your dinner option: Mikhaels Hotel restaurant, lively "Chez Bolingo" with river views, or a buffet of African delights at Hotel Ilys. Taxis will be used for evening transportation.
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Rise early for a 6:30 AM breakfast and depart the hotel by 7:15 AM.
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Embark on a private boat trip from Mama Wata by 7:30 AM.
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Arrive at Manguengue fishing village by 8:30 AM to experience the bustling fish market.
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Purchase fresh fish and learn about traditional cooking methods.
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Interact with the village chief and inhabitants, offering gifts and supplies.
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Help prepare your lunch with the fish and side dishes you brought.
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Enjoy a delicious lunch followed by relaxation on the beach or a swim in the Congo River.
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Depart Manguenguengue at 1:00 PM, cruising on the river towards Ngabe village.
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Learn fascinating myths and legends about the Congo River.
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Observe the diverse birdlife along the way.
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Stop at another traditional village built on stilts.
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Snacks and drinks will be provided on the boat for your comfort.
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Arrive at your charming cottage chalets in Ngabe in the late afternoon.
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Relax and enjoy a refreshing dip in the pool before a buffet dinner with a drink included.
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Enjoy an optional birdwatching session at 7:00 AM.
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Savor a delightful breakfast at 8:00 AM.
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Immerse yourself in village life by participating in optional activities like attending church, fishing, or helping in the fields.
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Enjoy a traditional lunch prepared by the locals.
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In the afternoon, meet with Queen Teke Ngalifourou, offering her gifts and tokens of respect.
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Explore the village at your leisure.
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Participate in a local football game, offering the teams new footballs and pumps.
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Witness the captivating Kebekebe dance performed by the villagers in the evening (one drink included).
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Assist in preparing dinner for the entire village with food brought from Brazzaville and purchased locally.
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Share a memorable dinner with the villagers.
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Start your day with a hearty breakfast at 6:30 AM.
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Depart for Lesio Louna Conservation Park at 7:30 AM with packed lunches and drinks.
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Arrive at the park by 9:00 AM to feed the gorillas and embark on a scenic boat trip to observe birds and hippos. Learn about the park's conservation efforts with a local guide.
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Enjoy lunch prepared by Ngabe with drinks at Lesio Louna.
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Return to Brazzaville with a stop at Ignie on the way.
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Upon arrival in Brazzaville, you may take a PCR test in preparation for your visit to Odzala National Park (confirmation for 2025).
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Check back into the Mikhaels Hotel and enjoy a private barbecue dinner by the pool.
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Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before 9:00 AM.
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Depart for the airport at 9:30 AM via the hotel shuttle.
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Take a private helicopter flight (maximum 20 passengers) to Odzala National Park at 11:00 AM.
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Savor a welcome lunch at Odzala upon arrival.
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Enjoy exclusive access to the entire park and its lodges during your stay.
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Embark on morning and evening guided walks through the captivating equatorial rainforest.
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Explore the diverse landscape with exciting 4x4 drives.
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Glide along the river on kayaks, enjoying a unique perspective.
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Participate in thrilling gorilla tracking expeditions.
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Encounter a plethora of wildlife, including forest elephants, water buffaloes, monkeys, and a vast array of bird species, within this pristine and exclusive nature reserve.
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Enjoy exclusive access to the entire park and its lodges during your stay.
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Embark on morning and evening guided walks through the captivating equatorial rainforest.
-
Explore the diverse landscape with exciting 4x4 drives.
-
Glide along the river on kayaks, enjoying a unique perspective.
-
Participate in thrilling gorilla tracking expeditions.
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Encounter a plethora of wildlife, including forest elephants, water buffaloes, monkeys, and a vast array of bird species, within this pristine and exclusive nature reserve.
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Depart Odzala National Park at 9:00 AM and head back to Brazzaville.
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Upon arrival, a shuttle will transfer you to the Mikhaels Hotel to drop off your luggage.
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Savor a delicious farewell lunch at a local restaurant before heading to a traditional handicraft market for souvenir shopping.
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Relax at the Mikhaels Hotel before your departure.
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Take a comfortable hotel shuttle to the airport at 4:00 PM for your onward journey.
Inclusions
- Entry visa for Republic of Congo upon arrival at airport (125 USD value)
- Gorilla trekking experience in Odzala-Kokoua National Park
- Arctic Tern Expeditions specialist guide and local Congolese guide
- All ground, water, and air transportation in Republic of Congo
- All hotels during our expedition in Republic of Congo
- All meals during our expedition in Republic of Congo
Exclusions
- International flights to and from Brazzaville
- Hotels stays used in arrival to and after departure from Brazzaville
- Travel insurance, including emergency medical evacuation insurance
- Alcoholic beverages
- Extra (2nd) gorilla trekking experience in Odzala-Kokoua National Park (750 USD cost)
Important Information
GORILLA TREKKING
Unforgettable Gorilla Trekking in Odzala-Kokoua National Park (Guaranteed Encounter!)
Guaranteed Encounter with Western Lowland Gorillas:
This is where our exclusive itinerary sets itself apart! Unlike some tours with uncertain sightings, we offer a guaranteed opportunity to encounter a family of western lowland gorillas in their natural habitat. Odzala-Kokoua National Park is home to three habituated gorilla families, each with around 20 individuals, situated in different areas of the forest.
Multiple Tracking Options:
While only one gorilla trek is included in our base package, Odzala offers the unique opportunity to see a second gorilla family on your second morning in the park. This is a fantastic way to witness the diverse dynamics within different gorilla groups. If you'd like to add this unforgettable experience, an additional trekking permit can be purchased directly at Odzala for $750 USD per person.
Protecting the Wildlife:
It is currently a requirement for all participants in the Gorilla Trekking experience to undergo COVID-19 PCR testing in Brazzaville. This is a highly sensitive population of a critically endangered species. Ensuring their health is paramount to enjoying a safe and successful visit to these incredible family groups.
VISAS
All international travllers need a visa to enter Congo-Brazzaville. This itinerary stays in Congo for the entirety of the expedition, so there is no need for other visas, unless you are travelling independently before or after.
The typical process of acquiring a visa for the Republic of Congo entails sending your passport to a Congolese embassy for visa approval. We do not need to go through this process, as our local agent will arrange for all Arctic Tern Expeditions guests to be granted a visa upon arrival at the Maya Maya International Brazzaville Airport. This saves time, effort, and cost. The price of your visa is included in the price of the trip.
INSURANCE
All guests need to purchase adequate travel insurance for this expedition. Make sure your insurance includes emergency medical evacuation coverage.