Africa, Southern Africa
Journey to the heart of the Congo
THE GREAT ASCENT OF THE CONGO AND SANGHA RIVERS : 550 MILES FROM BRAZZAVILLE TO OUESSO
Departing from Brazzaville in the Republic of Congo, city of Rumba dance, extravagantly dressed 'sappeurs' and the Poto-Poto artistic school, we will embark on an extraordinary 12-night journey on the Congo and Sangha rivers.
For almost 900 km, we will navigate from the green hills to the swamp forests of the Sangha to reach the cathedral forests populated by thousands of gorillas, chimpanzees, forest elephants, Bongos, Buffalos and more than 350 species of birds.
With our launch boat, we will go up tributaries that have been forgotten by all, every day, in search of the wonders of nature preserved out of sight.
The peoples of the forest will be our guides. We will share their way of life and their unique knowledge transmitted for centuries.
In the evening, in the calm of our comfortable ship in the heart of the second largest lung on the planet, while sipping a glass of wine, we will address the major issues of preservation, the history of the Congo, the history of peoples…
On the 12th day, we will leave the forest by flying over the entire Canopy. The journey is over. What we saw, probably few people had the chance to see.
Very remote areas
Wonderful wildlife
Meeting the people of the forest
Great food
Departing from Brazzaville in the Republic of Congo, city of Rumba dance, extravagantly dressed 'sappeurs' and the Poto-Poto artistic school, we will embark on an extraordinary 12-night journey on the Congo and Sangha rivers.
For almost 900 km, we will navigate from the green hills to the swamp forests of the Sangha to reach the cathedral forests populated by thousands of gorillas, chimpanzees, forest elephants, Bongos, Buffalos and more than 350 species of birds.
With our launch boat, we will go up tributaries that have been forgotten by all, every day, in search of the wonders of nature preserved out of sight.
The peoples of the forest will be our guides. We will share their way of life and their unique knowledge transmitted for centuries.
In the evening, in the calm of our comfortable ship in the heart of the second largest lung on the planet, while sipping a glass of wine, we will address the major issues of preservation, the history of the Congo, the history of peoples…
On the 12th day, we will leave the forest by flying over the entire Canopy. The journey is over. What we saw, probably few people had the chance to see.
Highlights
Very remote areas
Wonderful wildlife
Meeting the people of the forest
Great food
Night at the 4 stars hotel in Brazzaville. Free dinner.
Flight at 10 am to Ouesso by a 37 seats private jet. Through the portholes, we can see all the primary forest. Such view of one of the largest primary forest of the world will stay in our memory for always. We discover the capital of the Sangha region, Embarkment around 2pm, Lunch on board. Then we ascend the Sangha River, slaloming between the sandbanks with caution. The depth decreases. Conference about Congo Basin Ecosystem.
We enter in the Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park and start for a 3 hours expedition to Mbeli bay (1-hour drive, 1-hour pirogue ride, 1-hour walk). This clearing is the gathering place for hundreds of animals, attracted by the mineral-rich waters. We discover the breathtaking spectacle of wildlife: lowland gorillas (unhabituated), forest elephants, chimpanzees, leopards, bush pigs, Sitatungas, Bongos (numerous births between June and August), and Forest buffaloes roam there peacefully. For less energetic passengers there is the possibility to go to Wali Bay (45 mn walk from Bomassa) to observe Forest elephants and Forest Buffaloes. (Half of the group).
In a group of 12 people, we join the scientific camp of Mondika in Triangle of Djéké (From Bomassa, 1-hour drive, 2-hour walk). Walk into the forest in the footsteps of a group of Lowland gorillas (habituated, 20 individuals). On the trail, we can see many other animals. We follow the signs of the passage of the group. We can observe them and they observe us from close quarters. The young bicker, the females feed, others rest and the Silverback watches closely. 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. Conference on the preservation of species in connection with local communities (Half of the group).
We go down the Sangha river in direction of Pokola where we meet representatives from a logging company where we have a talk about sustainable forest management.
We pass Pokola and continue our journey to a pygmy village. The Pygmies are one of the two peoples living in this region. They are among the last groups of hunter-gatherers in the world. In the forest, in small groups, we share their daily life: hunting, collecting plants and fruits. We share their millennial way of life and discover their incredible symbiosis with the forest. We will learn about the problems of the pygmy populations facing modernity.
We go up a tributary towards a waterfall. The rocks glisten as the sun shines through the canopy. Along the way, we see different birds. Dinner and evening in a clearing. The pygmies are with us. They tell the stories of their people and the stories born during the time spent together. With the help of mimes and songs, the stories live and the evening is anchored forever in the memories. The pygmies have an extremely lively oral culture and this is one of the undeniable riches of this people.
We cross the equator. We explore tributaries of the main river, either by canoe or by motor boat. Further on lies Lac Télé with its mysteries and legends. In the rainforest, we discover the plants of pharmacology: 1000 species of plants. Those who wish can go fishing.
We go down the Sangha River zigzagging through the green and impenetrable swamp forest. We enter very sparsely populated and wildest territories. the sounds of the forest punctuate our progress. We meet some fishermen, the Sangha-sangha people. We stop in one of their villages and discover their daily life.
We reach the fishing village of Mokassa where we branch off on the Congo, leaving the heart of the forest. The Congo River widens considerably (more than 10 km). Many islands dot it, occupied by fishing villages.
We arrive at the Lefini estuary which borders the Téké kingdom. We find hippos basking. We will learn about about the Savorgnan de Brazza expedition and Stanley expedition.
Navigation on the Congo river to Ngabe, one of the former capitals of the Téké kingdom. This village is the access point of the Makoko (Téké king) estate. Nearby are sacred forests. If we are lucky, we will have the chance to meet the Makoko. The landscape is hilly with forests. Learn about the Téké kingdomongo history.
Arrival in Brazzaville. Disembark around 10am.
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Classic Cabin - Not available in 2024
Classic Cabin 12 m². First Deck. Public balcony. One window, armchair and a closet. Bathroom. Air-conditioning.
2 cabins with 2 single beds
Deluxe Suite
€6,100 EUR pp
Deluxe Suite 18 m². Second Deck. Public balcony. Two windows, armchair, writing desk and chair, two bedside tables, and a closet. Bathroom. Air-conditioning.
82 cabins with two single beds that can convert to a queen. 4 cabins with queen beds.
Master Suite
€6,400 EUR pp
Master Suite 27 m². Second Deck. Public balcony. Three windows, armchair, writing desk and chair, two bedside tables, sofa, and a closet. Bathroom. Air-conditioning.
1 cabin with two single beds that can convert to a queen. 1 cabin with one queen bed.
Forward Master Suite
€6,600 EUR pp
Forward Master Suite 23 m². Second Deck Forward. Public balcony. Four windows, armchair, writing desk and chair, two bedside tables, and a closet. Bathroom. Air-conditioning.
2 cabins with Queen beds
Owners Suite
€7,900 EUR pp
Owner's Suite 35 m². Observation deck. Private balcony (9m²). Three windows, armchair, writing desk and chair, two bedside tables, sofa, and a closet. Bathroom. Air-conditioning.
1 cabin with two single beds that can convert to a queen. 1 cabin with one queen bed.
|
Book now |
Classic Cabin - Not available in 2024
Classic Cabin 12 m². First Deck. Public balcony. One window, armchair and a closet. Bathroom. Air-conditioning.
2 cabins with 2 single beds
Deluxe Suite
€6,100 EUR pp
Deluxe Suite 18 m². Second Deck. Public balcony. Two windows, armchair, writing desk and chair, two bedside tables, and a closet. Bathroom. Air-conditioning.
82 cabins with two single beds that can convert to a queen. 4 cabins with queen beds.
Master Suite
€6,400 EUR pp
Master Suite 27 m². Second Deck. Public balcony. Three windows, armchair, writing desk and chair, two bedside tables, sofa, and a closet. Bathroom. Air-conditioning.
1 cabin with two single beds that can convert to a queen. 1 cabin with one queen bed.
Forward Master Suite
€6,600 EUR pp
Forward Master Suite 23 m². Second Deck Forward. Public balcony. Four windows, armchair, writing desk and chair, two bedside tables, and a closet. Bathroom. Air-conditioning.
2 cabins with Queen beds
Owners Suite
€7,900 EUR pp
Owner's Suite 35 m². Observation deck. Private balcony (9m²). Three windows, armchair, writing desk and chair, two bedside tables, sofa, and a closet. Bathroom. Air-conditioning.
1 cabin with two single beds that can convert to a queen. 1 cabin with one queen bed.
|
Book now |
Classic Cabin - Not available in 2024
Classic Cabin 12 m². First Deck. Public balcony. One window, armchair and a closet. Bathroom. Air-conditioning.
2 cabins with 2 single beds
Deluxe Suite
€6,100 EUR pp
Deluxe Suite 18 m². Second Deck. Public balcony. Two windows, armchair, writing desk and chair, two bedside tables, and a closet. Bathroom. Air-conditioning.
82 cabins with two single beds that can convert to a queen. 4 cabins with queen beds.
Master Suite
€6,400 EUR pp
Master Suite 27 m². Second Deck. Public balcony. Three windows, armchair, writing desk and chair, two bedside tables, sofa, and a closet. Bathroom. Air-conditioning.
1 cabin with two single beds that can convert to a queen. 1 cabin with one queen bed.
Forward Master Suite
€6,600 EUR pp
Forward Master Suite 23 m². Second Deck Forward. Public balcony. Four windows, armchair, writing desk and chair, two bedside tables, and a closet. Bathroom. Air-conditioning.
2 cabins with Queen beds
Owners Suite
€7,900 EUR pp
Owner's Suite 35 m². Observation deck. Private balcony (9m²). Three windows, armchair, writing desk and chair, two bedside tables, sofa, and a closet. Bathroom. Air-conditioning.
1 cabin with two single beds that can convert to a queen. 1 cabin with one queen bed.
|
Book now |
Classic Cabin - Not available in 2024
Classic Cabin 12 m². First Deck. Public balcony. One window, armchair and a closet. Bathroom. Air-conditioning.
2 cabins with 2 single beds
Deluxe Suite
€6,100 EUR pp
Deluxe Suite 18 m². Second Deck. Public balcony. Two windows, armchair, writing desk and chair, two bedside tables, and a closet. Bathroom. Air-conditioning.
82 cabins with two single beds that can convert to a queen. 4 cabins with queen beds.
Master Suite
€6,400 EUR pp
Master Suite 27 m². Second Deck. Public balcony. Three windows, armchair, writing desk and chair, two bedside tables, sofa, and a closet. Bathroom. Air-conditioning.
1 cabin with two single beds that can convert to a queen. 1 cabin with one queen bed.
Forward Master Suite
€6,600 EUR pp
Forward Master Suite 23 m². Second Deck Forward. Public balcony. Four windows, armchair, writing desk and chair, two bedside tables, and a closet. Bathroom. Air-conditioning.
2 cabins with Queen beds
Owners Suite
€7,900 EUR pp
Owner's Suite 35 m². Observation deck. Private balcony (9m²). Three windows, armchair, writing desk and chair, two bedside tables, sofa, and a closet. Bathroom. Air-conditioning.
1 cabin with two single beds that can convert to a queen. 1 cabin with one queen bed.
|
Book now |
Classic Cabin - Not available in 2024
Classic Cabin 12 m². First Deck. Public balcony. One window, armchair and a closet. Bathroom. Air-conditioning.
2 cabins with 2 single beds
Deluxe Suite
€6,100 EUR pp
Deluxe Suite 18 m². Second Deck. Public balcony. Two windows, armchair, writing desk and chair, two bedside tables, and a closet. Bathroom. Air-conditioning.
82 cabins with two single beds that can convert to a queen. 4 cabins with queen beds.
Master Suite
€6,400 EUR pp
Master Suite 27 m². Second Deck. Public balcony. Three windows, armchair, writing desk and chair, two bedside tables, sofa, and a closet. Bathroom. Air-conditioning.
1 cabin with two single beds that can convert to a queen. 1 cabin with one queen bed.
Forward Master Suite
€6,600 EUR pp
Forward Master Suite 23 m². Second Deck Forward. Public balcony. Four windows, armchair, writing desk and chair, two bedside tables, and a closet. Bathroom. Air-conditioning.
2 cabins with Queen beds
Owners Suite
€7,900 EUR pp
Owner's Suite 35 m². Observation deck. Private balcony (9m²). Three windows, armchair, writing desk and chair, two bedside tables, sofa, and a closet. Bathroom. Air-conditioning.
1 cabin with two single beds that can convert to a queen. 1 cabin with one queen bed.
|
Book now |
Classic Cabin - Not available in 2024
Classic Cabin 12 m². First Deck. Public balcony. One window, armchair and a closet. Bathroom. Air-conditioning.
2 cabins with 2 single beds
Deluxe Suite
€6,100 EUR pp
Deluxe Suite 18 m². Second Deck. Public balcony. Two windows, armchair, writing desk and chair, two bedside tables, and a closet. Bathroom. Air-conditioning.
82 cabins with two single beds that can convert to a queen. 4 cabins with queen beds.
Master Suite
€6,400 EUR pp
Master Suite 27 m². Second Deck. Public balcony. Three windows, armchair, writing desk and chair, two bedside tables, sofa, and a closet. Bathroom. Air-conditioning.
1 cabin with two single beds that can convert to a queen. 1 cabin with one queen bed.
Forward Master Suite
€6,600 EUR pp
Forward Master Suite 23 m². Second Deck Forward. Public balcony. Four windows, armchair, writing desk and chair, two bedside tables, and a closet. Bathroom. Air-conditioning.
2 cabins with Queen beds
Owners Suite
€7,900 EUR pp
Owner's Suite 35 m². Observation deck. Private balcony (9m²). Three windows, armchair, writing desk and chair, two bedside tables, sofa, and a closet. Bathroom. Air-conditioning.
1 cabin with two single beds that can convert to a queen. 1 cabin with one queen bed.
|
Book now |
Classic Cabin - Not available in 2024
Classic Cabin 12 m². First Deck. Public balcony. One window, armchair and a closet. Bathroom. Air-conditioning.
2 cabins with 2 single beds
Deluxe Suite
€6,100 EUR pp
Deluxe Suite 18 m². Second Deck. Public balcony. Two windows, armchair, writing desk and chair, two bedside tables, and a closet. Bathroom. Air-conditioning.
82 cabins with two single beds that can convert to a queen. 4 cabins with queen beds.
Master Suite
€6,400 EUR pp
Master Suite 27 m². Second Deck. Public balcony. Three windows, armchair, writing desk and chair, two bedside tables, sofa, and a closet. Bathroom. Air-conditioning.
1 cabin with two single beds that can convert to a queen. 1 cabin with one queen bed.
Forward Master Suite
€6,600 EUR pp
Forward Master Suite 23 m². Second Deck Forward. Public balcony. Four windows, armchair, writing desk and chair, two bedside tables, and a closet. Bathroom. Air-conditioning.
2 cabins with Queen beds
Owners Suite
€7,900 EUR pp
Owner's Suite 35 m². Observation deck. Private balcony (9m²). Three windows, armchair, writing desk and chair, two bedside tables, sofa, and a closet. Bathroom. Air-conditioning.
1 cabin with two single beds that can convert to a queen. 1 cabin with one queen bed.
|
Book now |
Deluxe Suite
€7,300 EUR pp
Deluxe Suite 18 m². Second Deck. Public balcony. Two windows, armchair, writing desk and chair, two bedside tables, and a closet. Bathroom. Air-conditioning.
82 cabins with two single beds that can convert to a queen. 4 cabins with queen beds.
Master Suite
€8,250 EUR pp
Master Suite 27 m². Second Deck. Public balcony. Three windows, armchair, writing desk and chair, two bedside tables, sofa, and a closet. Bathroom. Air-conditioning.
1 cabin with two single beds that can convert to a queen. 1 cabin with one queen bed.
Forward Master Suite
€8,250 EUR pp
Forward Master Suite 23 m². Second Deck Forward. Public balcony. Four windows, armchair, writing desk and chair, two bedside tables, and a closet. Bathroom. Air-conditioning.
2 cabins with Queen beds
Owners Suite
€9,600 EUR pp
Owner's Suite 35 m². Observation deck. Private balcony (9m²). Three windows, armchair, writing desk and chair, two bedside tables, sofa, and a closet. Bathroom. Air-conditioning.
1 cabin with two single beds that can convert to a queen. 1 cabin with one queen bed.
|
Book now |
Deluxe Suite
€7,000 EUR pp
Deluxe Suite 18 m². Second Deck. Public balcony. Two windows, armchair, writing desk and chair, two bedside tables, and a closet. Bathroom. Air-conditioning.
82 cabins with two single beds that can convert to a queen. 4 cabins with queen beds.
Master Suite
€8,000 EUR pp
Master Suite 27 m². Second Deck. Public balcony. Three windows, armchair, writing desk and chair, two bedside tables, sofa, and a closet. Bathroom. Air-conditioning.
1 cabin with two single beds that can convert to a queen. 1 cabin with one queen bed.
Forward Master Suite
€8,000 EUR pp
Forward Master Suite 23 m². Second Deck Forward. Public balcony. Four windows, armchair, writing desk and chair, two bedside tables, and a closet. Bathroom. Air-conditioning.
2 cabins with Queen beds
Forward Master Suite
€8,500 EUR pp
30 m². Third Deck Forward. Public balcony. Four windows, armchair, writing desk and chair, two bedside tables, and a closet. Bathroom. Air-conditioning.
Forward Master Suite
€9,000 EUR pp
30 m². Third Deck Forward. Public balcony. Four windows, armchair, writing desk and chair, two bedside tables, and a closet. Bathroom. Air-conditioning.
Owners Suite
€9,600 EUR pp
Owner's Suite 35 m². Observation deck. Private balcony (9m²). Three windows, armchair, writing desk and chair, two bedside tables, sofa, and a closet. Bathroom. Air-conditioning.
1 cabin with two single beds that can convert to a queen. 1 cabin with one queen bed.
|
Book now |
Deluxe Suite
€7,000 EUR pp
Deluxe Suite 18 m². Second Deck. Public balcony. Two windows, armchair, writing desk and chair, two bedside tables, and a closet. Bathroom. Air-conditioning.
82 cabins with two single beds that can convert to a queen. 4 cabins with queen beds.
Forward Master Suite
€8,000 EUR pp
Forward Master Suite 23 m². Second Deck Forward. Public balcony. Four windows, armchair, writing desk and chair, two bedside tables, and a closet. Bathroom. Air-conditioning.
2 cabins with Queen beds
Master Suite
€8,000 EUR pp
Master Suite 27 m². Second Deck. Public balcony. Three windows, armchair, writing desk and chair, two bedside tables, sofa, and a closet. Bathroom. Air-conditioning.
1 cabin with two single beds that can convert to a queen. 1 cabin with one queen bed.
Forward Master Suite
€8,500 EUR pp
30 m². Third Deck Forward. Public balcony. Four windows, armchair, writing desk and chair, two bedside tables, and a closet. Bathroom. Air-conditioning.
Forward Master Suite
€9,000 EUR pp
30 m². Third Deck Forward. Public balcony. Four windows, armchair, writing desk and chair, two bedside tables, and a closet. Bathroom. Air-conditioning.
Owners Suite
€9,600 EUR pp
Owner's Suite 35 m². Observation deck. Private balcony (9m²). Three windows, armchair, writing desk and chair, two bedside tables, sofa, and a closet. Bathroom. Air-conditioning.
1 cabin with two single beds that can convert to a queen. 1 cabin with one queen bed.
Additional charges:
Letter of invitation (if required): 60 EUR pp
The ship lwas built in a Belgian run shipyard in Kinshasa in 2017. It takes the form of the passenger ships that have for decades transported passengers on the Congo River and its tributaries between the different capitals of Central Africa. With a robust steel construction, she is powered by two new-generation 380 HP Caterpillar engines, thus reducing noise pollution and fuel consumption. Its draft of 90 centimeters allows it to navigate easily on shallow rivers.
In 2022/2023, she was refitted to launch the first 4* safari cruises in the heart of one of the most mysterious forests in the world, the Congo Basin forest. Its renovation into a comfortable 4-star Boutique Hotel Ship launches a new era for the development of sustainable tourism in the Republic of Congo (Congo Brazzaville).
In June 2023 she began the first cruises on the Congo and Sangha rivers, thus reviving the long tradition of river navigation in the Congo.
ON BOARD LIVING AND SOCIAL AREAS :600 m² of common areas
Dining room
Indoor bar and lounge
Outdoor lounge
Outdoor jacuzzi
Massage Room
Observation Deck
CREW
18, including a cruise director and 3 naturalist guides.
WORLD CLASS DINING PROGRAM
A culinary experience nourished by African and European influences
A menu specially prepared by a French Chef rewarded for his work with a Michelin star in 2021
Local products and fine wine.
LAUNCH BOATS FOR SHORE EXCURSIONS
Two auxiliary aluminum launch boats equipped with four-stroke low emission engines. Each boat has a capacity of 15 passengers.
Kayaks for two people
Accommodation
Passengers are accommodated in 14 Design cabins across three decks.
Owner’s Suite 35 m². Observation deck. Private balcony (9m²) :
Three windows, armchair, writing desk and chair, two bedside tables, sofa, and a closet. Bathroom. Air-conditioning. 1 cabin with two single beds that can convert to a queen. 1 cabin with one queen bed. (401, 402)
Forward Master Suite 23 m². Second Deck Forward. Public balcony :
Four windows, armchair, writing desk and chair, two bedside tables, and a closet. Bathroom. Air-conditioning. 2 cabins with queen beds. (201, 202)
Master Suite 27 m². Second Deck. Public balcony :
Three windows, armchair, writing desk and chair, two bedside tables, sofa, and a closet. Bathroom.Air-conditioning.1 cabin with two single beds that can convert to a queen. 1 cabin with one queen bed. (203, 204)
Deluxe Suite 18 m². Second Deck. Public balcony :
Two windows, armchair, writing desk and chair, two bedside tables, and a closet. Bathroom. Air-conditioning. 2 cabins with two single beds that can convert to a queen. 4 cabins with queen beds. (205, 206, 207, 208, 209, 210)
Classic Cabin 12 m². First Deck. Public balcony :
One window, armchair and a closet. Bathroom. Air-conditioning. 2 cabins with two single beds (101, 102)
Inclusions
All excursions
The guidance and expertise of our expedition staff
Gorillas permits and park fees
Flight (Brazzaville-Ouesso ou Ouesso-Brazzaville) above the canopy in a 30 passengers business jet registered in France
All on board ship accommodation with meals. Beer, wine and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner in a limited quantity.
All hotel nights and meals indicated in the day-by-day program
Exclusions
International airfare
Extra consumptions in bar
Additional hotel nights
Private transfers
Travel Protection Plan
Passport, visa, and immigration fees
Letter of invitation .Supplement of 60 € if necessary
Items of a personal nature such as internet access, phone and laundry
Massage
Gratuities
13 Days from
€6,100 EUR pp
Our Associates Include
