DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, REPUBLIC OF CONGO, CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC, AND GABON
February 17 - March 04, 2026
Led by Local Guides
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 primarily inhabited by indigenous Bantu communities and the semi-nomadic Ba’aka (pygmy) tribes, who continue to practice many of their ancestral traditions. Explore the Congo Basin’s dense tropical rainforests—second only to the Amazon in size—and enjoy rare encounters with endangered species such as bonobos and forest elephants.
The tour begins in the Central African Republic (CAR), a country rich in cultural heritage and lush natural beauty. Journey through vibrant villages to the dramatic Boali Falls and cruise the Ubangi River for views across the border into the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In the Dzanga-Sangha Reserve, engage with the Ba’aka people and learn about their forest-based way of life. Highlights include gorilla trekking in Bai Hokou and observing forest elephants at Dzanga Bai.
Next, fly to Kinshasa, capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), home to the world’s only bonobo sanctuary. Here, bonobos rescued from the bushmeat trade are cared for in a semi-wild setting, offering an extraordinary opportunity to see these intelligent and endangered primates up close.
From Kinshasa, cross the mighty Congo River by boat to Brazzaville, the capital of the Republic of Congo. Explore key landmarks, browse vibrant markets, and admire the elegant fashion of the local Sapeurs. Take a boat ride on the Congo River to M’bamou Island, where you'll witness village life and enjoy a cultural performance along the riverbanks.
A short flight brings you to Libreville, capital of Gabon, known for its French colonial architecture and lively cultural scene. Venture into the interior to the historic town of Lambaréné, where you’ll visit the Albert Schweitzer Hospital and learn about the region’s spiritual and cultural traditions, including the Bwiti practice. Boat excursions on the Ogooué River and a visit to the Raponda Walker Arboretum round out your experience in this biodiverse and welcoming country.
Tour Cost(Land Only): $14,495.00
Per person sharing in double occupancy
Single Supplement: $1,995.00
Price based on group size minimum of 10 participants and maximum of 14 participants
Trip Grade: III Lodging Level: ***
Tour Includes
Airport/hotel/airport transfers.
Accommodation as mentioned from best available to superior 3-4*.
(twin rooms may not be available at some hotels).
Meals as mentioned in the itinerary (B: Breakfast, L: Lunch and D: Dinner).
Private light aircraft Bangui/Bayanga/Bangui.
A/C transportation in 4x4 vehicles and buses throughout the tour.
Visas approval letters (separate from actual visa cost).
Bottled water on touring days.
English speaking guides in each country.
All activities described in the tour and entrance fees to all sites mentioned and wildlife permits.
Port Noire-Libreville, Bangui - Kinshasa & Brazzaville - Libreville flights.
Escort of tour leader (provided minimum number of travelers is reached).
Gratuities to guides, drivers, and porters (provided minimum number of travelers is reached).
Tour Does Not Include
International flights USA - Bangui / Libreville - USA (best schedule is Air France from Paris).
Any additional flights are required in case of a change in the sequence of the itinerary.
Visa Fees: Gabon (Obtainable through Washington DC -$200), CAR (Obtainable on arrival- $150), DRC (Obtainable through Washington DC - $120) and Congo (Obtainable through Washington DC - $200) - all subject to change.
Beverages and alcoholic drinks with or without meals and meals not mentioned.
Any required PCR tests (for gorilla tracking or safaris).
Items of a personal nature (camera fees, laundry, excess luggage, etc.).
Transfers if not arriving/departing on tour dates.
Dayroom/overnights necessitated by changes in airline schedules or misconnections.
Trip surcharge to operate below required minimum participants.
Travel protection insurance (Highly Recommended).
Trip Grade:
III Challenging: Parts of the trip are physically challenging, involve hiking on rough terrain or in sand or at high altitudes. There may be very long drives on rough roads, weather conditions with high heat or humidity, and the presence of insects. You may have simple picnic lunches, primitive bathroom facilities along the road and remoteness from modern towns or cities.
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 if any 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.
