Intimate Encounters
Follow researchers and BaAka trackers deep into pristine rainforest to observe remarkable wildlife, from gorillas to bongo antelope.
The Great Congo Basin Expedition
Discover community and wildlife while connecting with Central Africa’s heartbeat through an expeditionary river cruise.
| Start date | End date | Days |
Prices from
ex. flights |
Tour Expert | Group Size | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 05/12/27 | 20/12/27 | 16 days | £12,250 pp | Local Guides | 23 Max | AVAILABLE | Reserve place |
Journey into the heart of one of the world’s last great wildernesses on an extraordinary group expedition through the Congo Basin, accompanied by adventurer and storyteller Tim Butcher, acclaimed author of Blood River. Cruise the mighty Congo River and its tributaries, venturing deep into ancient rainforest teeming with remarkable wildlife and exploring landscapes that remain among the most untouched on Earth.
Discover some of the least visited places on Earth, where gorillas, bonobos and forest elephants thrive. If you’re drawn to authentic adventure and in-depth exploration, this trip was made for you.
Key Highlights of this Itinerary
The Elephant Forest
Visit the famous Dzangha Bai, known as the Elephant Village, where up to 150 elephants can be spotted in a day.
Brazzaville
Spend time with The Sapeurs of Brazzaville who transform colourful tailoring into a celebration of identity and cultural pride.
Expert Led
Led by Tim Butcher, acclaimed author of the bestselling Blood River, whose firsthand journey through the Congo brings unique insight.
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Day 1
Brazzaville
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Day 2
Brazzaville - Ouesso
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Day 3
Ouesso - Dzanga Sangha
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Day 4 - 7
Dzanga Sangha National Park
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Day 8
Ouesso
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Day 9
Ouesso - Oyo
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Day 10
The Alima River
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Day 11
The Alima River
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Day 12
The Congo River
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Day 13- 14
Nkala
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Day 15
Ngabe
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Day 16
Brazzaville
Day 1
Brazzaville
Arrive into Brazzaville, Maya Maya airport.
Day 2
Brazzaville - Ouesso
Transfer to Ouesso on a 70 seat jet. Afternoon visit to the war memorial at Mbiru.
Day 3
Ouesso - Dzanga Sangha
Sail up the Sangha River to Dzanga Sangha national park. Along the way, you can see local settlements, a variety of birdlife and monkeys of the region.
Day 4 - 7
Dzanga Sangha National Park
Spend the next four days immersed in the jungle. Track gorillas and bonobos, spend time in the tree tops observing forest elephants and spend time with the BaAka community, learning about ancient traditions.
Day 8
Ouesso
Return to Ouesso after spending time in some of the least visited places on Earth.
Day 9
Ouesso - Oyo
A six hour journey today as you make your way to Oyo, where you will embark onto your luxury riverboat.
Day 10
The Alima River
Cruise the Alima river and discover the hidden world of the rainforest. The afternoon will be spend visiting the local village of Mondongo where a local guide will introduce you to the way of life there.
Day 11
The Alima River
Continue your cruise along the river to more local villages. Wander through bustling markets and discover the history of these settlements, exploring the remains of its colonial past.
Day 12
The Congo River
Now on the mighty Congo river, you will continue to discover more of the secrets of this vast place, including traditional fishing techniques in the village of Likendze.
Day 13- 14
Nkala
Arrive at Bonobo Camp, where the next couple of days will be spent in the DRC, witnessing our closest living relatives.
Day 15
Ngabe
Today, visit one of the ancient capitals of the Teke Kingdom, where you will meet Queen Ngalifourou, the spiritual guardian of Nkwembali, the sacred deity of the Bateke people, and the custodian of the tradition that confers authority upon the Makoko, the Teke king.
Day 16
Brazzaville
Back to Brazzaville where you journey ends. Before you fly home, you will have the opporunity to meet the colourful Sapeurs, a society whose colourful style and flair have become an iconic expression of Congolese culture.
Gorilla Tracking
At dawn, guided by skilled BaAka trackers, venture quietly into the forest in search of a family of western lowland gorillas. Moving quietly beneath the trees, observe the dynamics of a gorilla family, watching as the young play and females feed. Feel the gaze of a silverback gorilla. Spending time in their presence offers an extraordinary insight into their behaviour and the delicate balance of their forest home.
River Communities
Discover the diverse cultures of the Republic of the Congo through visits to riverside communities including Mondongo, Mossaka and Likendze, where traditional fishing, raffia weaving and the use of medicinal plants remain central to daily life. You will also spend time with the Ba’Aka, one of Central Africa’s forest communities, gaining an insight into their deep connection with the rainforest and experiencing their distinctive water drumming, an expression of a rich and enduring cultural heritage.
Bonobo Tracking
Tracking bonobos is one of Africa’s rarest wildlife experiences. Found only in the forests of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, these remarkable great apes share almost 99% of our DNA and are renowned for their peaceful, cooperative social behaviour. Following them through the rainforest offers a fascinating insight into their complex family relationships as they feed, groom, play and communicate. Observing bonobos in their natural habitat is both an extraordinary privilege and a profoundly moving encounter.
What is the protocol for destinations where the FCDO advises against travel?
Please note the UK FCDO advises against all travel to parts of Central African Republic. Please look at the FCDO website for more information. As you would expect, we have had numerous conversations with our partners on the ground about security in Central African Republic and will be happy to discuss this with you if you are considering joining our tour.
What are the entry requirements?
A multiple entry visa for the Republic of Congo will be required, please allow at least one month for processing through your local consulate or embassy. Your travel expert will talk you through all the entry requirements and the letters of invitation needed are already included in the cost.
Should I bring cash?
Yes, card payments are not accepted so please bring enough EUROS to cover any additional drinks or additional services such as laundry and massage treatments. We recommend getting cash out before you arrive however there is an ATM at the airport in Brazzaville.
Is there air conditioning available?
In the local hotels and on the boat, you will find air conditioning. At the Lodges in the Dzanga Sangha and in the camps though, there is no air conditioning. The rooms are very airy and the outside air make the nights comfortable.
Are mosquito nets provided?
Yes, mosquito nets are provided either over the beds or built into the windows of the rooms.
Will I be able to connect to Wi-Fi?
Wi-Fi will be available in the Lodges but everywhere else is unreliable, including on the boat. Power shortages can be frequent. We advise purchasing an e-sim prior to your journey.
Are binoculars provided?
No, we advise you to bring your own binoculars.
Are there laundry services available?
There is a laundry service available at the Lodges and on the boat but this will be at an extra cost. Please note that the drying time will take longer in the given climate.
How fit do I need to be?
This is an active expedition where hours of walking will be required through dense forest, in hot and humid conditions. A good level of fitness would be needed. Please chat to your consultant if you have any worries.
What vaccinations are required for this trip?
Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required to enter the Republic of Congo. Vaccinations against Polio, Measles and COVID-19 are mandatory for tracking gorillas (COVD-19 tests will be provided on the day). Please chat to your GP before this trip.
Is the water safe to drink?
It is advisable to drink bottled water. Water will be readily available throughout your stay and a water fountain exists onboard your expedition vessel.
Should I bring insect repellent?
Yes, we recommend bringing insect repellent that contains DEET. Please chat to your GP should you wish to consider preventative antimalarial treatment as malaria is present in the Republic of Congo.
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Includes / Excludes
Important Information
Activity Level
Active
What is included
- Gorilla permits and park fees
- All excursions and guidance from expedition staff
- Full board on vessel and in hotels. Beer, wine, and soft drinks served in a limited quantity with lunch and dinner; not included in Dzanga-Sangha
- Group transfers to and from the airport on Day 1 and Day 16 (as per flight schedules mentioned)
- Plastic boots and raincoats on board
- Wi-Fi where Congo telecom network is available
- Permits and letters of invitation
What is excluded
- Drinks at Dzanga Sangha
- Additional hotel nights and transfers for arrivals or departures outside of the scheduled programme dates
- Additional drinks at the bar
- Lunch and dinner in Brazzaville on Day 1 and dinner in Brazzaville on Day 16
- Massage treatments, laundry services and any other items of personal nature
- Gratuities
- International flights
- Early check in or check outs
- Visas
Other available dates
For further information about any of these tours please call 01285 880 980
| Start date | End date | Days |
Prices from
ex. flights |
Tour Expert | Group Size | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 05/12/27 | 20/12/27 | 16 days | £12,250 pp | Local Guides | 23 Max | AVAILABLE | Reserve place |
Reserve your place on this group tour
Our travel experts have a wealth of first-hand knowledge, so if you have any questions about this expert-led group tour, please get in touch. They would love to help. We hope you can join us on this tour.
01285 880 980Send us an enquiry
Send us a message and one of our travel experts
will get right back to you.
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