Congo River Journey - Lisala to Kisangani

Itinerary

Day 1 - Kinshasa
Arrive in Kinshasa and transfer to the hotel. Overnight Hotel Ixoras or similar.

Day 2 – Kinshasa
After breakfast, a full day tour of the sights and sounds of this sprawling metropolis. Visit the markets and buildings that make this such a fascinating city. Formerly referred to as ‘Kin La Belle’ - meaning ‘Beautiful Kinshasa’, the many years of turmoil has tarnished this image. But slowly, Kinshasa is regaining its splendour. Overnight Hotel Ixoras or similar. (B)

Day 3 – Lisala
Fly to Lisala, the starting point for our voyage up the Congo River. Lisala is the home town of the former President Mobutu and the half way point between Mbandaka to Kisangani. Overnight tented camp in Lisala. (BLD)

Days 4 to 13 – Congo River Expedition
Travel up river from Lisala, to our final destination, the city of Kisangani. The trip is expected to take 10 nights and as with the first leg, each night will be spent ashore at or close to a village where we can buy fresh produce, prepare dinner and set-up our tented camp for the night.

Highlights of the expedition include Bumba, where the river is at its widest, some 20 kilometres across and covered with water hyacinths. Closer to Kisangani we will travel through Yangambi, an important Biosphere Reserve which hosts 32,000 tree species. Wildlife in the reserve includes elephant, river hog and monkeys. (BLD)

Each night will be spent ashore at or close to a village where we can buy fresh produce, prepare dinner and set-up our tented camp for the night. Tents are large and comfortable, 2m in height. Each tent is equipped with a camp bed, self-inflating mattress and cotton mattress covers and pillows. Travellers should bring their sleeping bag or sleeping sheet, as well as a towel and toiletries.

Our transport is aboard a 34m long wooden boat, equipped with two powerful outboard engines. Although a traditional boat it is of course equipped with full safety equipment, toilet facilities, a generator, lighting and freezers for food and drinks. A cook and an English speaking guide accompany the trip throughout.

Day 14 – Kisangani
Today we arrive at our destination, Kisangani. There will be time to explore the city before we return to Kinshasa the next day. Founded by Stanley in 1877, highlights include the Tshopo River Falls and the Wagenia fisheries, set-up in the middle of the rapids. Fishing is carried out by means of a complex structure set amongst the rocks to trap the fish. Overnight tented camp in Kisangani. (BLD)

Day 15 – Kinshasa
Transfer to Kisangani’s airport for a scheduled flight back to Kinshasa. Hotel Ixoras or similar. (B)

Day 16 - Kinshasa
Tour ends. (B)