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Peregrine Travel Centre

The Great River Congo: Between Brazzaville and Oyo

The Great River Congo: Between Brazzaville and Oyo

From EUR €6,100

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Description

This 13-day Congo River expedition starts in Brazzaville, exploring the city before embarking on a scenic journey up the Congo River. Travelers visit historical sites like the Téké Kingdom, participate in traditional rituals, and encounter wildlife, including gorillas and hippos, in natural reserves. Along the way, they engage with local communities, learning about their culture, fishing practices, and palm wine production. The trip ends with a return to Brazzaville, with optional extensions to nearby cities and nature reserves.

Trip Name
The Great River Congo: Between Brazzaville and Oyo
Days
13
Overview
Vessel Type: River Expedition Vessel / Boutique Hotel Ship Length: 170 feet / 52 meters Passenger Capacity: 28 Built: 2017 This ship left a Belgian 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 2023, she is under refit 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 May 2024, when the refit will be completed, she will begin 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.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 - Arrival in Brazzaville
Arrival in Brazzaville. Boarding the ship.Night on board.
Day 2 - Day 2 - Visit of Brazzaville and beginning of the cruise
In the morning, we set out to explore the city, visiting the Congo Basin Museum, the Poto Poto School, and the Cathedral, finishing with the famous "La Sape" (Society of Ambiance-Makers and Elegant People).Then, we begin the long journey up the Congo River through a landscape of green hills. We take advantage of the first miles to get to know our guides and learn about the Congo.Night on board.
Day 3 - Day 3 - The Téké Kingdom and Kebe Kebe ritual
In the morning, we visit Ngabe, one of the ancient capitals of the Téké kingdom. We ascend through the village to visit the current queen. As the guardian of "Nkwembali," the spiritual deity of the Batéké, she is authorized to transfer power to the new king, the Makoko. She holds significant influence in the Téké kingdom.After lunch on board, we return to the village to witness a Kebe Kebe ritual, which includes a dance and an initiatory society. The dance resembles whirling dervishes wrapped in raffia robes, manipulating a puppet generally representing a painted Kayo head.Night on board.
Day 4 - Day 4 - The gorillas of Lesio Louna
We leave early in the morning on a 3-hour drive to the Lesio Louna reserve, part of the Congolese gorilla protection program (PPG). On a motorboat, we set off on the Louna River to reach the islands where rescued gorillas live during their adaptation period. Once they can feed themselves, they will be released into the park.We then continue down the Louna River to observe hippos. After spending time with these fascinating primates, we return to the ship by 4x4 for another 3-hour drive.Night on board.
Day 5 - Day 5 - The Lefini Estuary
In the morning, we reach the estuary of the Lefini River, a popular spot for hippos. We leave the ship on launch boats to observe these majestic mammals, return for lunch, and continue our ascent. The Congo River widens considerably, forming a maze of islands where fishing villages are established during the dry season.Night on board.
Day 6 - Day 6 - The Congo River's thousand islands and "whaleboats"
We explore the communities and villages along the river. Based on the day of the week, we can stroll through local markets to experience daily life.From the observation deck, we watch the fascinating whaleboats and flat-bottomed transport barges that travel along the Congo River, transporting goods, people, and livestock. These floating villages play a crucial role in the economy and life of the Congo River communities.If the weather allows, we may bivouac on a sandbank amidst the islands.Night on board.
Day 7 - Day 7 - The city of Mossaka and its famous salted fish
In the morning, we explore the city of Mossaka. Guided by Jean de Dieu, we visit remnants of the colonial era, a bustling local market, and alleys where salted fish dryers are installed, learning about the region's traditional fish preservation techniques.We return to the ship for lunch and continue navigating to Lukolela.Night on board.
Day 8 - Day 8 - The fairground market of Lukolela and the fishing village of Likendze
Today, we visit the fairground market of Lukolela, where villagers gather to trade their products. These markets are social gatherings where friends and families meet.We then navigate through marshes to reach Likendze village on the Sangha River. Here, we learn various fishing techniques, and those interested can try their hand at line fishing. The day ends with a traditional village dance performance.Night on board.
Day 9 - Day 9 - Kayaking on the famous Sangha River
In the morning, we leave on launch boats to observe hippos. In the afternoon, we explore the Sangha River on kayaks, passing fishing villages and ancient trees. Depending on the season, we may see emblematic birds like ospreys, fish eagles, and kingfishers.Night on board.
Day 10 - Day 10 - Palm wine, fish, and the Likouala people
We visit the camp of Mbam, a settlement where Rwandans, Zairians, and Congolese have made their home. We meet Mr. Mokole, who collects palm wine using gourds attached to palm trees, and taste it.Next, we visit the fishing camp of Ekouli Pouri on the Likouala Mossaka River, learning about the life of its few inhabitants, the Likoualas. We return to the ship and navigate towards the Alima River.In the evening, we meet the Moye people, who prepare a dance by the river.Night on board.
Day 11 - Day 11 - The Alima River and the Moye people
We continue navigating the Alima River, passing charming raffia villages. Later, we reach Mondongo, a village home to the Moye people. Gislain explains the local pharmacopoeia, and we learn how villagers use plants for traditional medicine.We reach the town of Oyo in the night.Night on board.
Day 12 - Day 12 - Return to Brazzaville
We disembark in the morning for a 6.5-hour bus journey back to Brazzaville. We arrive in the evening.Dinner and overnight in a 5-star hotel.
Day 13 - Day 13 - Departure
Transfer to the airport for departure. Option to extend the trip:Visit the coastal city of Pointe-Noire and the Tchimpounga chimpanzee sanctuary (2-3 nights).Track bonobos in Oyo (3 days).Visit Bai d'Imbalanga in the Odzala-Kokoua National Park (3-4 days).
Day 14 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
03-04-202515-04-2025EUR €6,100Deluxe Suite
03-04-202515-04-2025EUR €6,600Forward Master Suite
03-04-202515-04-2025EUR €6,600Master Suite
03-04-202515-04-2025EUR €6,900Superior Suite
03-04-202515-04-2025EUR €7,300Forward Superior Suite
03-04-202515-04-2025EUR €7,900Owner’s Suite
17-04-202529-04-2025EUR €7,300Forward Superior Suite
17-04-202529-04-2025EUR €7,900Owner’s Suite
17-04-202529-04-2025EUR €6,100Deluxe Suite
17-04-202529-04-2025EUR €6,600Forward Master Suite
17-04-202529-04-2025EUR €6,600Master Suite
17-04-202529-04-2025EUR €6,900Superior Suite
02-05-202514-05-2025EUR €6,100Deluxe Suite
02-05-202514-05-2025EUR €6,600Forward Master Suite
02-05-202514-05-2025EUR €6,600Master Suite
02-05-202514-05-2025EUR €6,900Superior Suite
02-05-202514-05-2025EUR €7,300Forward Superior Suite
02-05-202514-05-2025EUR €7,900Owner’s Suite
01-06-202513-06-2025EUR €6,100Deluxe Suite
01-06-202513-06-2025EUR €6,600Forward Master Suite
01-06-202513-06-2025EUR €6,600Master Suite
01-06-202513-06-2025EUR €6,900Superior Suite
01-06-202513-06-2025EUR €7,300Forward Superior Suite
01-06-202513-06-2025EUR €7,900Owner’s Suite
13-06-202525-06-2025EUR €6,100Deluxe Suite
13-06-202525-06-2025EUR €6,600Forward Master Suite
13-06-202525-06-2025EUR €6,600Master Suite
13-06-202525-06-2025EUR €6,900Superior Suite
13-06-202525-06-2025EUR €7,300Forward Superior Suite
13-06-202525-06-2025EUR €7,900Owner’s Suite
27-06-202509-07-2025EUR €6,100Deluxe Suite
27-06-202509-07-2025EUR €6,600Forward Master Suite
27-06-202509-07-2025EUR €6,600Master Suite
27-06-202509-07-2025EUR €6,900Superior Suite
27-06-202509-07-2025EUR €7,300Forward Superior Suite
27-06-202509-07-2025EUR €7,900Owner’s Suite
07-08-202519-08-2025EUR €7,000Deluxe Suite
07-08-202519-08-2025EUR €8,000Master Suite
07-08-202519-08-2025EUR €8,000Forward Master Suite
07-08-202519-08-2025EUR €9,000Forward Superior Suite
07-08-202519-08-2025EUR €9,600Owner’s Suite
26-12-202507-01-2026EUR €6,100Deluxe Suite
26-12-202507-01-2026EUR €6,600Forward Master Suite
26-12-202507-01-2026EUR €6,600Master Suite
26-12-202507-01-2026EUR €6,900Superior Suite
26-12-202507-01-2026EUR €7,300Forward Superior Suite
26-12-202507-01-2026EUR €7,900Owner’s Suite
08-01-202620-01-2026EUR €6,100Deluxe Suite
08-01-202620-01-2026EUR €6,600Forward Master Suite
08-01-202620-01-2026EUR €6,600Master Suite
08-01-202620-01-2026EUR €6,900Superior Suite
08-01-202620-01-2026EUR €7,300Forward Superior Suite
08-01-202620-01-2026EUR €7,900Owner’s Suite

Inclusions

    • Visit to the Lesio Louna reserve to see rescued gorillas.
    • Exploration of local culture and traditions, including the Kebe Kebe ritual.
    • Kayaking along the Sangha River, spotting hippos and rare birds.

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