“"1 spot left”
GABON, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, REPUBLIC OF CONGO AND CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC
February 09 - February 23, 2024
Led by Tour Manager David William
Travel to some of Central Africa’s least explored countries including Gabon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Congo, and Central African Republic. This region is mostly inhabited by the Bantu people, an indigenous group belonging to the Niger-Congo family. Many still practice their traditional ways of life and fishing, farming, and herding are the major sources of income. This visit will offer a rare opportunity to learn the traditions of the different Bantu and Pygmy ethnic groups while exploring the verdant tropical rainforests of the Congo Basin, the second largest rainforests in the world after the Amazon.
Beginning in Libreville, Gabon, see some fine examples of French architecture and witness a traditional Bwiti spiritual ceremony. Explore the country’s beautiful lakes by boat and spend a few nights in Loango National Park to participate in exciting wildlife safaris to spot forest elephants and buffalos, monkeys, hippos, crocodiles, and many endemic birds. For those who would like to see the Western Lowland Gorillas up close, there will be an opportunity to spend the day tracking these majestic primates.
Venturing deeper into the Congo Basin, fly into Brazzaville, the capital city of the Republic of the Congo (Congo). The country was named after the Congo River, a name derived from the Kongo Bantu kingdom. A highlight of the city is the impressive art on display at the Art Market and the finely dressed Sapeurs. Take a boat ride on the Congo River, a great way to see local life along the river. Pass by villages and farms and see the fishermen hauling in their catch of the day.
From Brazzaville, cross the Congo River by local ferry to the intriguing and vibrant city of Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Once the site of fishing and trading villages, Kinshasa is now one of the largest cities in Africa. A short visit in the DRC allows the chance to see the highly endangered bonobos, known as the “pygmy chimpanzees.” These unique primates are the closest living relative to humans.
The tour ends in the Central African Republic (CAR), a country with impressive natural scenery. Pass through interesting villages to the spectacular Boali Falls and cruise on the Ubangi River to enjoy views of both sides of the DRC and CAR. Along the way, stop at Mongoumba village to learn about the Aka pygmy lifestyle and participate in a traditional dance performance by the tribe
Can be combined with Sao Tome tour (February 02 - February 08, 2024) AND Equatorial Guinea extension (February 24 - March 01, 2024)
Tour Cost(Land Only): $12,500.00
Per person sharing in double occupancy
Single Supplement: $1,750.00
Price based on group size minimum of 8 participants and maximum of 14 participants
Trip Grade: II Lodging Level: ***
Tour Includes
Airport/hotel/airport transfers.
Accommodation as mentioned from best available to superior 3-5* (twin rooms may not be available at some hotels).
Meals as mentioned in the itinerary (B: Breakfast, L: Lunch and D: Dinner).
A/C transportation in 4x4 vehicles and minibuses throughout the tour.
Visas Approvals (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.
Flight Libreville-Port Gentil-Libreville.
Escort of tour leader (provided minimum number of travelers is reached).
Flights Libreville - Brazaville and Brazaville - Bangui.
Gratuities to guides, drivers, and porters (provided minimum number of travelers is reached).
Tour Does Not Include
International flights USA - Bangui & Libreville - USA (best available is Air France).
Any additional flights required in case of a change in the sequence of the itinerary.
Visas Fees: Gabon ($84), and CAR ($150), both are upon arrival while DRC and Congo (requires double entry) are obtained in Washington DC).
Beverages and alcoholic drinks with or without meals and meals not mentioned.
Any required pre-arrival & pre-departure PCR tests (if still mandated).
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:
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. Twin rooms may not be available.
Air-conditioners in this part of the world do not cool a room to American standards of comfort.
Brownouts or blackouts may occur or there may be limited electricity available.
This trip involves long drives in hot weather over poorly maintained and bumpy roads.
There may be stops at police checkpoints.
Flights in-between countries can change without notice and may require amending the itinerary.
Ferry service between Brazzaville and Kinshasa may close without notice.
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 this country.
Travel protection insurance is highly recommended for this tour.
