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Home Our Vessels Princesse Ngalessa

Democratic Republic of Congo, Republic of Congo

Princesse Ngalessa

  • River Boat
B Corp
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The Princesse Ngalessa is a small expedition riverboat designed for exploring the remote waterways of the Republic of the Congo. Carrying only a limited number of guests, it offers an intimate and relaxed atmosphere, with comfortable en suite cabins, welcoming indoor lounges and a spacious observation deck from which to watch life unfold along the riverbanks.

As you cruise the Alima and Congo rivers, the ever-changing scenery reveals traditional fishing villages, lush swamp forests, abundant birdlife and local communities whose lives remain closely connected to the water. This riverboat allows a relaxed and authentic way to experience one of Africa’s least visited regions.

Why we like the Princesse Ngalbessa

We love how the Princesse Ngalessa immerses you in the heart of the Congo. Travelling by river allows you to reach remote communities and wildlife-rich landscapes that few visitors ever experience, while the expedition’s small groups, low-emission excursion boats and commitment to responsible tourism help minimise its impact on this remarkable region.

Activities

Shore excursions by launch boat and kayak reveal remote villages, rainforest and abundant birdlife, while cultural visits and guided explorations provide a deeper understanding of the landscapes, wildlife and communities of the Congo Basin. Should you wish to spend more time relaxing, the boat has an outdoor jacuzzi and the observation deck offers spectacular views as you make your way along the river.

Onboard experiences

  • Wildlife Cruises
  • Cruises and Voyages
  • Primate Safaris
  • Wildlife

Ideally suited for

  • Photographers
  • Wildlife
  • Culture
  • Couples
  • Adventure Traveller
  • Solo Traveller

Ship Information

Passengers: 28
Cabins: 16
Crew: 21, including a cruise director and 3 guides
Length: 170 feet / 52 metres
Boat Type: River expedition Vessel
Engine: 2 Caterpillar 375 HP Marine Engines
Tender: Three auxiliary aluminum launch boats.
Cruising speed: 12 knots
Board basis: full board
Idea
Republic of Congo
Lowland Gorilla Trekking in the Congo Basin
Explore the wildlife riches hidden deep within the dense forests of the Odzala National Park. Track lowland gorillas and encounter forest elephants in a jungle wilderness that hides in the far north of Congo.
10 days from £13,495pp
Young male gorilla in tree, Ngaga Camp, Odzala, Rep of Cong
View Holiday Idea
Idea
Central African Republic
Central African Republic – Dzanga Sangha Adventure
Follow in the footsteps of Africa’s most illustrious explorers to the wilds of the Congo Basin, where lowland gorillas and forest elephants outnumber tourists, the dark forests are ablaze with giant butterflies and Ba’Aka tribes hunt and sing in the shadows.
8 days from £6,325pp
Bull elephants stand off, Dzanga Bai, Dzanga Sangha, Central African Republic
View Holiday Idea

Holiday Ideas

Combine this rivercruise with some time in the wild. Take a look through some of our suggested combinations below, then speak to our specialists to create a bespoke itinerary tailored entirely around your interests and style of travel.

Idea
Republic of Congo
Lowland Gorilla Trekking in the Congo Basin
Explore the wildlife riches hidden deep within the dense forests of the Odzala National Park. Track lowland gorillas and encounter forest elephants in a jungle wilderness that hides in the far north of Congo.
10 days from £13,495pp
Young male gorilla in tree, Ngaga Camp, Odzala, Rep of Cong
View Holiday Idea
Idea
Central African Republic
Central African Republic – Dzanga Sangha Adventure
Follow in the footsteps of Africa’s most illustrious explorers to the wilds of the Congo Basin, where lowland gorillas and forest elephants outnumber tourists, the dark forests are ablaze with giant butterflies and Ba’Aka tribes hunt and sing in the…
8 days from £6,325pp
Bull elephants stand off, Dzanga Bai, Dzanga Sangha, Central African Republic
View Holiday Idea
View all holiday ideas

Holiday Ideas

Combine this rivercruise with some time in the wild. Take a look through some of our suggested combinations below, then speak to our specialists to create a bespoke itinerary tailored entirely around your interests and style of travel.

Idea
Republic of Congo
Lowland Gorilla Trekking in the Congo Basin
Explore the wildlife riches hidden deep within the dense forests of the Odzala National Park. Track…
10 days from £13,495pp
Young male gorilla in tree, Ngaga Camp, Odzala, Rep of Cong
View Holiday Idea
Idea
Central African Republic
Central African Republic – Dzanga Sangha Adventure
Follow in the footsteps of Africa’s most illustrious explorers to the wilds of the Congo Basin,…
8 days from £6,325pp
Bull elephants stand off, Dzanga Bai, Dzanga Sangha, Central African Republic
View Holiday Idea

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Why Choose Steppes?

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Vessel Ice Rating Comparison Chart.

We use the Lloyd Register scale to signify the ice rating of our vessels but you can see how that scale aligns with other scales in the chart below.

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Finland / Sweden
Category II
IC
IB
IA
IA Super
Finland / Sweden
Category II
IC
IB
IA
IA Super
Finland / Sweden
Category II
IC
IB
IA
IA Super
Finland / Sweden
Category II
IC
IB
IA
IA Super
Finland / Sweden
Category II
IC
IB
IA
IA Super
Finland / Sweden
Category II
IC
IB
IA
IA Super
Finland / Sweden
Category II
IC
IB
IA
IA Super
01285 880 980