Congo River Journey - Mbandaka to Lisala

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 - Kinshasa to Mbandaka
Fly to Mbandaka, capital of the Equator Province, and the starting point of river expedition. We camp overnight in the city, ready to leave the next morning on our 11 day voyage bound for Lisala. Overnight tented camp in Mbandaka. (BLD)

Days 4 to 14 – Congo River Expedition
The voyage up river from Mbandaka to Lisala is expected to take 10 nights. We will be travelling through a vast area, without roads or airports. The river is a vital-life line for the communities we visit en-route. We will see how they go about their every day lives, buying and selling produce from small boats that criss-cross the river. The people we meet have little, if any contact with the outside world, and certainly no concept of tourism. It is the genuinely spontaneous encounters which makes the trip so pioneering and a must for intrepid travellers. There are few places left on earth where such encounters are possible. It is a special experience shared by only an elite group of travellers a year. (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 – Lisala
We expect to arrive in Lisala today. 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)

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

Day 16 - Kinshasa
Tour ends. (B)