DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, REPUBLIC OF CONGO, CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC, AND GABON
February 03 - February 17, 2025
Led by Tour Manager, Yasser Eskander

Travel to some of Central Africa’s least explored countries, including the Central African Republic, the Republic of Congo, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Gabon. This region is mainly inhabited by the indigenous Bantu ethnic groups and a small population of pygmy tribes that often still practice their traditional ways of life. Discover the verdant tropical rainforests of the Congo Basin, the second largest rainforests in the world after the Amazon and appreciate close encounters with an array of protected endangered wildlife, such as bonobos and vulnerable species, including the African elephant and white rhinos. 

The tour begins in the Central African Republic (CAR), a country rich in cultural traditions and impressive natural scenery. Pass through interesting villages to the spectacular Boali Falls and cruise on the Ubangi River for stunning views of both sides of the DRC and CAR. Learn about the Aka pygmy lifestyle and participate in a traditional dance performance by the tribe.

Next, fly to Kinshasa, the largest city in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). It is also home to the world’s only bonobo sanctuary, and this unforgettable visit offers the rare chance to see these highly endangered primates nearby. Young bonobos confiscated from the bushmeat trade are brought to this sanctuary, where they can live out the rest of their days in an environment similar to the wild.

From Kinshasa, cross the Congo River to the vibrant capital city of Brazzaville in the Republic of Congo (DRC). On a city tour, see some impressive art on display at the Art Market and the finely dressed Sapeurs. A highlight of your visit will be a boat ride on the Congo River, a great way to capture Congolese life. Pass by villages and farms and see fishermen hauling in their catch of the day. Witness an exciting cultural show performed by the locals at M’bamou Island.

A nonstop flight takes you to Libreville in Gabon, which features some fine examples of French architecture. Explore the country’s beautiful lakes by boat and attend a traditional Bwiti ceremony, a spiritual practice of the Panu and Mitsogo people. Spend a few nights in Loango National to participate in exciting wildlife safaris. For those who are fit enough and would like to see the Western Lowland Gorillas up close, there will be an opportunity to track these magnificent primates.

Can be combined with São Tomé tour (January 27 - February 02, 2025) AND Equatorial Guinea extension (February 17 - February 21, 2025)

Trip Grade:
II Active: Some hikes, slightly more demanding walks at or to sites, few elevations, comfortable, but busy schedule. Roads throughout this part of Africa are often poorly maintained and driving distances are long.

Lodging Level:
***-***** Superior: Lodges and hotels with additional amenities, refined service, and comfort level acceptable to western standards (3 to 5 stars).

Special Tour Remarks:

• Tourist infrastructure and facilities outside the cities are very limited & often quite primitive.

• Hotels may change at the last minute without prior notice due to reasons beyond our control.

• In the more remote areas, hotels may be basic with few amenities and possible equipment failure such as no hot water, broken faucets, clogged drains, etc. Twin rooms may not be available.

• Air-conditioners do not cool a room to American standards of comfort.

• Pack light! Porterage is not available, and you will be expected to handle your own luggage.

• Brownouts or blackouts may occur or there may be limited electricity available.

• This trip involves long drives in hot weather over poorly maintained and very bumpy roads. Those with bad spines, knees or other medical conditions may find the drives uncomfortable.

• Flights in-between countries can change without notice and may require amending the itinerary.

• Boat service between Kinshasa and Brazzaville may close without notice.

• The group will not be able to participate in any wildlife activities even if only one participant tests positive for Covid.

• There are a lack of modern medical facilities and chronic health problems should be discussed with your physician before joining this tour.

• A high level of flexibility, tolerance, respect, open-mindedness, sense of adventure, and willingness to go with the flow if things change is expected while visiting these counties.

• For those joining the pre tour to Sao Tome, the flight is scheduled to arrive in the evening of Feb. 02. As a result, an extra hotel night needs to be booked separately (not included in the cost).

• We recommend arriving in Bangui on Air France at 5:30pm.

• We recommend departing from Libreville on Air France at 10:30pm.