Description
Journey into the Republic of Congo and immerse yourself in its vibrant cultures, deep traditions, and welcoming communities. Your journey begins between the coastal charm of Pointe-Noire and the classic elegance of Brazzaville—where colonial influences meet vivid African rhythms.
You’ll follow the great Congo River, a vital lifeline shaping the daily lives of the people who live along its banks. Visit Bilala, a riverside forest village, where you’ll step into life that’s lived close to the land: helping with harvests, learning to cook manioc, and crafting wooden masks alongside local artisans.
In village Ngabe, tucked on the river’s edge, you’ll meet Queen Teke and gather for traditional moments—sharing meals, performing Kebekebe dances, and exchanging stories. In every visit, you’ll participate in the ceremonies, rhythms, and flavors that give this community its soul.
Your Cultural Expedition is also about exploration. Glide through rivers and forested landscapes, meet the people of Manguenguengue in a fishing village, and engage firsthand with communities living in harmony with the rainforest.
This is more than cultural sightseeing. It’s an invitation to live, laugh, cook, and dance with the people of the Congo. You’ll form real connections, learn from daily life passed down through generations, and leave with a deeper understanding of the heart and heritage of the Congo Basin.
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Arrive from your international flight to Pointe Noire where you will be greeted by Arctic Tern staff and escorted by shuttle to your hotel.
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Settle into your room at Villa Antonetti - a well appointed hotel that will be your home for five nights.
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Take dinner with a drink at Villa Antonetti.
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Enjoy a day of rest and acclimating in Pointe Noire.
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Small city walks will be offered and services recommended to unwind after a busy travel schedule to arrive in Africa.
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Enjoy dinner with a drink at Casa Papaya, Pointe Noire premiere beach and relaxation destination.
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Awake to a full day of intrigue in the city of Point Noire
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Visit the African Circle Museum of Point Noire to dive into stories of Congolese heritage and witness the tradition of beautiful craftsmanship in the region. Immerse in the distant and recent histories of this age old culture.
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After lunch at the cozy French bistro, La Citronnelle, move to the local artisanal market where you can create a mask of your own with a local master craftsman.
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Settle in for a sunset over the Atlantic while enjoying dinner with a drink.
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Eat a hearty breakfast before diving into the bush of Congo’s forest for the first time.
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Journey by car to the remote village of Bilala where we will meet and tell stories with the community who calls this village home.
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Attend a reception where you are asked to sample the village’s bespoke locally-produced palm oil and wine.
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Enjoy a typical lunch of the Congolese coastal forest communities - you will be sure to find manioc along with many flavorful dishes!
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We will depart the village of Bilala and head back to town for a relaxed dinner with a drink.
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Rise and shine! We embark on a morning bus ride to the famed Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Center, a key facility for the Jane Goodall Institute.
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Understand the conservation efforts supporting the endangered Eastern Chimpanzee and efforts to reintroduce rescued chimps to the wild.
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Visit the rescued chimpanzees and observe the dedicated staff of the rehabilitation center care for the animals.
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Return to Pointe Noire for dinner and a well-earned rest after a full day in the field.
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Journey on to Brazzaville from the Pointe Noire Airport and catch the shuttle waiting to escort you to your hotel.
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Enjoy a welcome cocktail at the Grand Lancaster Hotel before settling into your room.
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Savor a delicious dinner at the famed Mami Wata restaurant in downtown Brazzaville.
- At 10:00 AM, embark on a private minibus city tour with a local guide.
- Head to the Brazza Market, where we will buy food staples and medical supplies for the remote villages we visit, as well as a gift for Queen Teke Ngalifourou.
- Enjoy a relaxing lunch on the beach with a drink at the "Les pieds dans l'eau" restaurant.
- Explore the Brazza Museum, learning about the city's history and iconic figure, Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza.
- Discover the busts of historical figures who shaped Congo's past.
- Witness the vibrant Sapeur culture at a traditional exhibition and vote for the best-dressed participants. Enjoy a drink at the bar.
- Dinner at the lively rooftop of "Chez Bolingo" with river views. 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 Manguenguengue 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 critical medical 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 Manguengue 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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Help deliver crucial medicines to the village hospital and support the continued health of this thriving remote village.
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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.
- Wake up alongside the Congo River and say say farewell to the peaceful village of Ngabe before heading back to the big city for your final day in Congo.
- 0830 departure by river boat to Brazzaville.
- Shuttle to the Grand Lancaster Hotel.
- Enjoy a relaxed lunch in Brazzaville before taking one last trip through the local artisanal markets.
- Engage your own ongoing bookings in Brazzaville or head to the airport in the evening via shuttle for your international flight.
Inclusions
- Visa upon arrival to the Republic of Congo (valued at $125 USD)
- Gorilla trekking experience in Odzala‑Kokoua National Park
- Specialist guides from Arctic Tern Expeditions plus respected local Congolese guide
- All ground, water, and air transportation within the Republic of Congo
- All accommodations during the expedition
- All meals throughout the expedition
Important Information
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.
Exclusions
- International flights to and from Republic of Congo
- Any accommodations not specifically included in the itinerary
- Travel insurance (required, but not included)
- Gratuities to your local guides