Ethnic expedition along iconic Congo River: to Balumbe Pygmies, Wale women and religious sects of Equateur, Kuba Kingdom traditional dances, Trash artists of Kinshasa and Sapeurs of Brazzaville
DR CONGO + CONGO BRAZZAVILLE
June 1 – 12, 2026
Tour
Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo
June 1 – 12, 2026
Tour
Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo
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Embark on a unique ethnic expedition that combines two Congos in a single journey! This is a profound immersion into the heart of Africa, starting in the rainforests of the Equateur Province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo — one of the last places on Earth where small tribes of Pygmies still survive. We will meet the hunter-gatherer Balumbe people, who collect wild honey, and explore the culture of the Wale women and the intriguing religious sect "God of Our Ancestors."
We will follow the legendary waters of the Congo River, which inspired Joseph Conrad's "Heart of Darkness", through landscapes that have remained almost unchanged since the days of colonial explorers. We will find ourselves in a region that was known, until the mid-20th century, as the last stronghold of cannibalism in Africa.
Then, after just a 5-minute private speedboat crossing, we will find ourselves in another country — the Republic of Congo, in its elegant capital, Brazzaville, where a spectacular show by the legendary dandies of the African slums, the Sapeurs, awaits us. In Kinshasa, we will encounter astonishing "trash artists" who create masterpieces from waste and witness the ritual dances of the traditional African Kingdom of Kuba.
Led by Dmitry Yankovsky—an amateur ethnographer and photographer.
We will follow the legendary waters of the Congo River, which inspired Joseph Conrad's "Heart of Darkness", through landscapes that have remained almost unchanged since the days of colonial explorers. We will find ourselves in a region that was known, until the mid-20th century, as the last stronghold of cannibalism in Africa.
Then, after just a 5-minute private speedboat crossing, we will find ourselves in another country — the Republic of Congo, in its elegant capital, Brazzaville, where a spectacular show by the legendary dandies of the African slums, the Sapeurs, awaits us. In Kinshasa, we will encounter astonishing "trash artists" who create masterpieces from waste and witness the ritual dances of the traditional African Kingdom of Kuba.
Led by Dmitry Yankovsky—an amateur ethnographer and photographer.
tour to Congo DRC Ethnic expedition to Balumbe nomadic Pygmies, tribes of Equateur and Sapeurs of Kinshasa
tour to Congo, tours to Africa,
Photos: Alex Kolbov, Dmitry Yankovsky, Carol Beckwith, Angela Fisher, Jordi Zaragozà Anglès, Ramdas Iyer
SCHEDULE AND COST:
Dates: June 1 – 12, 2026
Duration: 12 days / 11 nights
Number of participants: 7 – 12
Cost per person:
• 4 350 USD subject to 12 participants,
• 4 490 USD subject to 11 participants,
• 4 690 USD subject to 10 participants,
• 4 890 USD subject to 9 participants,
• 5 150 USD subject to 8 participants,
• 5 390 USD subject to 7 participants.
10% early booking discount (in case you book before February 1, 2026)
Everything is included except for:
- international flight to Kinshasa and back from Brazzaville,
- international medical insurance,
- DR Congo visa (to be obtained in advance in the DRC embassy in your country, on your own, at some 150 USD. We provide for Invitation letter and immigration paper that accompanies invitation letter. Cost may change),
- Republic of Congo visa (to be obtained in advance in the Republic of Congo embassy in your country, on your own, at some 150 USD. We provide for Invitation letter and immigration paper that accompanies invitation letter. Cost may change),
Estimated cost of flight Moscow – Kinshasa and Brazzaville – Moscow: USD 1200 – 1400 (Usually bought on your own, we consult you).
Estimated cost of flight Istanbul – Kinshasa and Brazzaville – Istanbul: from USD 900 (Usually bought on your own, we consult you).
Single supplement: provided by default (single supplement can be provided not throughout the entire itinerary).
TRAVEL PROGRAM: tour to DRC Congo and Congo Brazzaville
Day 1. June 1, 2026 (Monday). ARRIVAL IN KINSHASA
Arrive in Kinshasa, DR Congo's capital and the fastest growing city in Africa with almost 20 million residents. Transfer to the Hotel Ixoras. Check-in, free time and dinner in Kinshasa.
* Recommended flight:
- any flight with arrival in Kinshasa any time on June 1 or in the night from June 1 to 2.
Meals included: dinner
Accommodation included: Hotel Ixoras or similar
Day 2. June 2, 2026 (Tuesday). KINSHASA – MBANDAKA
After breakfast, transfer to N'djili airport for 1 hour regular domestic flight to Mbandaka. Mbandaka city, formerly Equateurville, was founded by Henry Morton Stanley in 1883.
Around 11 am arrival in Mbandaka, capital of the province of Equateur, the city located at the crossroads of the Congo River and the Ruki River. Transfer to the Nina River hotel to settle in and have lunch.
Around 2 p.m. we will visit Ethnographic Museum, the Botanical Garden of Eala and end of the day at the amazing sect called Nzambe ya Bakoko (God of Our Ancestors) who have their own king and their own militia dressed up in the unique uniform made of… plastic sacks.
Return to the hotel for dinner.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included : Nina River hotel
Day 3. June 3, 2026 (Wednesday). MBANDAKA – LOLANGA – IKANZA (7 – 8 hours by boat)
After breakfast, we quickly reach the Mbandaka port and take a wooden motor boat upstream the mighty Congo River and its beautiful branch Lolanga (about 7-8 hours by boat based on weather conditions) to meet with Ngombe people. These people know how to live in the forest, hunting game and gathering edible snails and caterpillars to supplement their diet. They also harvest firewood, rattan vines, and several palm-tree products to use and to take to market. Small gardens provide yams and plantains for household use.
We arrive around 2-3 pm, meet with the local chief and later we attend series of Ngombe traditional rituals, initiations and ceremonies. In the past, the Ngombe instilled terror in white colonizers with their gruesome traditions, and we will learn about this in all its details.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: tents
Day 4. June 4, 2026 (Thursday). NGOMBE PEOPLE IN IKANZA — LOPOKO
Today, after early breakfast, we’re attending the last of activities in the village before departing towards Mabako via Lopoko village, where live one of the last traditional Pygmies in the western part of DR Congo, the Balumbe. Arrival at the Lopoko village around 5 p.m. Visit the local church. Night in tents nearby the church.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: tents
Day 5. June 5, 2026 (Friday). LOPOKO – MABAKO VILLAGE (BALUMBE PYGMIES)
After breakfast, we leave the boat and we take the traditional canoe for an hour of navigation, then we will walk some 30-40minutes to reach the Balumbe Pygmies village where we will stay one night.
Upon arrival, a welcome dance by the Balumbe Pygmies followed by a presentation of notables from the community and then a break. Around 2 p.m. after lunch, visit of the school, tour of the village and adult dance. Evening around the fire animated by children under 7 years old with the famous Isankele dance. Night in tents.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: tents
Day 6. June 76 2026 (Saturday). MABAKO VILLAGE (BALUMBE PYGMIES) – LOPOKO – MBANDAKA
The Balumbe are a hunting and gathering pygmy tribe living in the primary forest of DR Congo. Nowadays, they are also dependent on fishing and some farming.
After breakfast, we go out into the forest with Pygmies in order to observe hunting and traditional collecting wild bees' honey from the high trees, and also to discover Balumbe’s knowledge of medicinal plants.
Say goodbye to Balumbe and return to Lopoko village. Take the boat back to Mbandaka downstream Lolanga and Congo rivers. Arrival late in the evening. Night at our Nina River hotel.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: Nina River hotel
Day 7. June 7, 2026 (Sunday). MBANDAKA – LOKELE VILLAGES – EQUATOR LINE – MOOTO
After breakfast, if weather conditions and time permit, we optionally visit two Lokele villages to meet the tattooed old women. The visit may last up to three hours, before crossing back to Mbandaka and take the road to the south of the city for the Mooto village with a stopover at the crossing of the Equator line.
Mooto is an old Catholic mission, founded back in 1960. After setting up our tents, we will visit the mission itself and its cathedral. Then, in the Mooto area, we will meet another traditional tribe of Pygmies — the Babongo. We will talk with the chief of their village, and in the evening, around the campfire, the locals will tell us about the culture of using the hallucinogenic plant iboga and the ancient rituals associated with it.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: tents
Day 8. June 8, 2026 (Monday). MOOTO VILLAGE – IYEMBE (WALE WOMEN) – MBANDAKA
After breakfast, we take the vehicle to go to the Iyembe village. On this day, we will visit the Ekonda tribe, where we will learn about their unusual traditions related to wale — women who have given birth to their first child. According to tradition, such a woman lives separately from everyone (including her husband) with her child for two years. After this period, she solemnly ends her seclusion with a large ceremonial celebration, which we will have the opportunity to witness.
Return to Mbandaka.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: Nina River hotel
Day 9. June 9, 2026 (Tuesday). MBANDAKA – KINSHASA
If the flight departs for Kinshasa at 4.10 pm as usual, the program may look as follows. If visit to Lokele villages was not done on Day 8, after breakfast, we visit the 2 villages to meet the tattooed old women. The visit may last up to three hours before crossing back to Mbandaka for lunch.
In the afternoon (12.45 pm or so), transfer to Mbandaka airport. 1 hour flight to Kinshasa with scheduled flight.
Transfer to Hotel Ixoras. Evening and dinner in Kinshasa.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: Hotel Ixoras or similar
Day 10. June 10, 2026 (Wednesday). KINSHASA: KUBA KINGDOM TRADITIONAL DANCE AND TRASH ARTISTS
Today, after breakfast, we will be introduced to the traditional dances of the Kuba Kingdom. This group, based in Kinshasa, is dedicated to preserving the traditions of the ancient kingdom within their community, which lives far from its historic capital, Mushenge. Under the leadership of the chief, the artists will perform for nearly an hour and showcase several mask dances.
Visit the national museum with interesting works of traditional Congolese art.
After lunch, we will drive to The KIN ACT artists, who are famous for their costumes made from garbage. After a walk demonstration in the street with a series of photographs, we’ll share a hot evening of live music in their workshop.
Visit artisanal market. One of the best market in Africa, where we can buy almost any mask you may look for.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: Hotel Ixoras or similar
Day 11. June 11, 2026 (Thursday). KINSHASA – BRAZZAVILLE (REPUBLIC OF CONGO)
After an early morning breakfast, we drive to the Port Beach Ngobila for private speedboat at 07.00 am crossing Congo river to Brazzaville, capital of Republic of Congo. The crossing lasts 5 minutes. It is here we can find two the world’s closely located capitals of two different countries.
Upon arrival in Brazzaville, we’re going to make a city tour: Basilique Sainte-Anne, Ecole de Peinture de Poto-Poto, Congo river rapids, Central station and a private show with Brazzaville Sapeurs. These guys deserve special attention. SAPE (Societe des Ambianceurs et des Personnes Elegantes) means “society of advanced and elegant people”. Brazza Sapeurs will definitely do their best in order to prove that it’s true. These representatives of unique subculture appear in the slams of Kinshasa and Brazzaville only and in fact they are not rich at all.
Transfer to our La Roche hotel. Dinner in Brazzaville city.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: La Roche hotel 4* or similar
Day 12. June 12, 2026 (Friday). BRAZZAVILLE – RETURN FLIGHT
After breakfast, transfer to Maya International Airport and flight back from Brazzaville.
Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation included: no
* Recommended flight:
— any other flight with departure from Kinshasa any time on June 12.
Duration: 12 days / 11 nights
Number of participants: 7 – 12
Cost per person:
• 4 350 USD subject to 12 participants,
• 4 490 USD subject to 11 participants,
• 4 690 USD subject to 10 participants,
• 4 890 USD subject to 9 participants,
• 5 150 USD subject to 8 participants,
• 5 390 USD subject to 7 participants.
10% early booking discount (in case you book before February 1, 2026)
Everything is included except for:
- international flight to Kinshasa and back from Brazzaville,
- international medical insurance,
- DR Congo visa (to be obtained in advance in the DRC embassy in your country, on your own, at some 150 USD. We provide for Invitation letter and immigration paper that accompanies invitation letter. Cost may change),
- Republic of Congo visa (to be obtained in advance in the Republic of Congo embassy in your country, on your own, at some 150 USD. We provide for Invitation letter and immigration paper that accompanies invitation letter. Cost may change),
Estimated cost of flight Moscow – Kinshasa and Brazzaville – Moscow: USD 1200 – 1400 (Usually bought on your own, we consult you).
Estimated cost of flight Istanbul – Kinshasa and Brazzaville – Istanbul: from USD 900 (Usually bought on your own, we consult you).
Single supplement: provided by default (single supplement can be provided not throughout the entire itinerary).
TRAVEL PROGRAM: tour to DRC Congo and Congo Brazzaville
Day 1. June 1, 2026 (Monday). ARRIVAL IN KINSHASA
Arrive in Kinshasa, DR Congo's capital and the fastest growing city in Africa with almost 20 million residents. Transfer to the Hotel Ixoras. Check-in, free time and dinner in Kinshasa.
* Recommended flight:
- any flight with arrival in Kinshasa any time on June 1 or in the night from June 1 to 2.
Meals included: dinner
Accommodation included: Hotel Ixoras or similar
Day 2. June 2, 2026 (Tuesday). KINSHASA – MBANDAKA
After breakfast, transfer to N'djili airport for 1 hour regular domestic flight to Mbandaka. Mbandaka city, formerly Equateurville, was founded by Henry Morton Stanley in 1883.
Around 11 am arrival in Mbandaka, capital of the province of Equateur, the city located at the crossroads of the Congo River and the Ruki River. Transfer to the Nina River hotel to settle in and have lunch.
Around 2 p.m. we will visit Ethnographic Museum, the Botanical Garden of Eala and end of the day at the amazing sect called Nzambe ya Bakoko (God of Our Ancestors) who have their own king and their own militia dressed up in the unique uniform made of… plastic sacks.
Return to the hotel for dinner.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included : Nina River hotel
Day 3. June 3, 2026 (Wednesday). MBANDAKA – LOLANGA – IKANZA (7 – 8 hours by boat)
After breakfast, we quickly reach the Mbandaka port and take a wooden motor boat upstream the mighty Congo River and its beautiful branch Lolanga (about 7-8 hours by boat based on weather conditions) to meet with Ngombe people. These people know how to live in the forest, hunting game and gathering edible snails and caterpillars to supplement their diet. They also harvest firewood, rattan vines, and several palm-tree products to use and to take to market. Small gardens provide yams and plantains for household use.
We arrive around 2-3 pm, meet with the local chief and later we attend series of Ngombe traditional rituals, initiations and ceremonies. In the past, the Ngombe instilled terror in white colonizers with their gruesome traditions, and we will learn about this in all its details.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: tents
Day 4. June 4, 2026 (Thursday). NGOMBE PEOPLE IN IKANZA — LOPOKO
Today, after early breakfast, we’re attending the last of activities in the village before departing towards Mabako via Lopoko village, where live one of the last traditional Pygmies in the western part of DR Congo, the Balumbe. Arrival at the Lopoko village around 5 p.m. Visit the local church. Night in tents nearby the church.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: tents
Day 5. June 5, 2026 (Friday). LOPOKO – MABAKO VILLAGE (BALUMBE PYGMIES)
After breakfast, we leave the boat and we take the traditional canoe for an hour of navigation, then we will walk some 30-40minutes to reach the Balumbe Pygmies village where we will stay one night.
Upon arrival, a welcome dance by the Balumbe Pygmies followed by a presentation of notables from the community and then a break. Around 2 p.m. after lunch, visit of the school, tour of the village and adult dance. Evening around the fire animated by children under 7 years old with the famous Isankele dance. Night in tents.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: tents
Day 6. June 76 2026 (Saturday). MABAKO VILLAGE (BALUMBE PYGMIES) – LOPOKO – MBANDAKA
The Balumbe are a hunting and gathering pygmy tribe living in the primary forest of DR Congo. Nowadays, they are also dependent on fishing and some farming.
After breakfast, we go out into the forest with Pygmies in order to observe hunting and traditional collecting wild bees' honey from the high trees, and also to discover Balumbe’s knowledge of medicinal plants.
Say goodbye to Balumbe and return to Lopoko village. Take the boat back to Mbandaka downstream Lolanga and Congo rivers. Arrival late in the evening. Night at our Nina River hotel.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: Nina River hotel
Day 7. June 7, 2026 (Sunday). MBANDAKA – LOKELE VILLAGES – EQUATOR LINE – MOOTO
After breakfast, if weather conditions and time permit, we optionally visit two Lokele villages to meet the tattooed old women. The visit may last up to three hours, before crossing back to Mbandaka and take the road to the south of the city for the Mooto village with a stopover at the crossing of the Equator line.
Mooto is an old Catholic mission, founded back in 1960. After setting up our tents, we will visit the mission itself and its cathedral. Then, in the Mooto area, we will meet another traditional tribe of Pygmies — the Babongo. We will talk with the chief of their village, and in the evening, around the campfire, the locals will tell us about the culture of using the hallucinogenic plant iboga and the ancient rituals associated with it.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: tents
Day 8. June 8, 2026 (Monday). MOOTO VILLAGE – IYEMBE (WALE WOMEN) – MBANDAKA
After breakfast, we take the vehicle to go to the Iyembe village. On this day, we will visit the Ekonda tribe, where we will learn about their unusual traditions related to wale — women who have given birth to their first child. According to tradition, such a woman lives separately from everyone (including her husband) with her child for two years. After this period, she solemnly ends her seclusion with a large ceremonial celebration, which we will have the opportunity to witness.
Return to Mbandaka.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: Nina River hotel
Day 9. June 9, 2026 (Tuesday). MBANDAKA – KINSHASA
If the flight departs for Kinshasa at 4.10 pm as usual, the program may look as follows. If visit to Lokele villages was not done on Day 8, after breakfast, we visit the 2 villages to meet the tattooed old women. The visit may last up to three hours before crossing back to Mbandaka for lunch.
In the afternoon (12.45 pm or so), transfer to Mbandaka airport. 1 hour flight to Kinshasa with scheduled flight.
Transfer to Hotel Ixoras. Evening and dinner in Kinshasa.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: Hotel Ixoras or similar
Day 10. June 10, 2026 (Wednesday). KINSHASA: KUBA KINGDOM TRADITIONAL DANCE AND TRASH ARTISTS
Today, after breakfast, we will be introduced to the traditional dances of the Kuba Kingdom. This group, based in Kinshasa, is dedicated to preserving the traditions of the ancient kingdom within their community, which lives far from its historic capital, Mushenge. Under the leadership of the chief, the artists will perform for nearly an hour and showcase several mask dances.
Visit the national museum with interesting works of traditional Congolese art.
After lunch, we will drive to The KIN ACT artists, who are famous for their costumes made from garbage. After a walk demonstration in the street with a series of photographs, we’ll share a hot evening of live music in their workshop.
Visit artisanal market. One of the best market in Africa, where we can buy almost any mask you may look for.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: Hotel Ixoras or similar
Day 11. June 11, 2026 (Thursday). KINSHASA – BRAZZAVILLE (REPUBLIC OF CONGO)
After an early morning breakfast, we drive to the Port Beach Ngobila for private speedboat at 07.00 am crossing Congo river to Brazzaville, capital of Republic of Congo. The crossing lasts 5 minutes. It is here we can find two the world’s closely located capitals of two different countries.
Upon arrival in Brazzaville, we’re going to make a city tour: Basilique Sainte-Anne, Ecole de Peinture de Poto-Poto, Congo river rapids, Central station and a private show with Brazzaville Sapeurs. These guys deserve special attention. SAPE (Societe des Ambianceurs et des Personnes Elegantes) means “society of advanced and elegant people”. Brazza Sapeurs will definitely do their best in order to prove that it’s true. These representatives of unique subculture appear in the slams of Kinshasa and Brazzaville only and in fact they are not rich at all.
Transfer to our La Roche hotel. Dinner in Brazzaville city.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation included: La Roche hotel 4* or similar
Day 12. June 12, 2026 (Friday). BRAZZAVILLE – RETURN FLIGHT
After breakfast, transfer to Maya International Airport and flight back from Brazzaville.
Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation included: no
* Recommended flight:
— any other flight with departure from Kinshasa any time on June 12.
- The tour operator accepts no responsibility for any changes to local airline schedules that may occur after booking. We will do our best to mitigate any violation of the approved itinerary, but cannot be held responsible for any loss of funds, bookings, missed connections or other chargeable services. The itinerary is subject to change due to schedules and availability of domestic flights. Travel insurance is highly recommended.
Cost includes:
• Domestic flights Kinshasa – Mbandaka – Kinshasa
• accommodation in hotels (3-4* in Kinshasa and Brazzaville, and 2-3* in small cities) based on single rooms (DBL for family couples)
• accommodation in camping based on single
• camping equipment: tents, mattresses, furniture, cooking stuff, dishware, cutlery
• full board meals (3 times a day) along the route
• unlimited drinking mineral water along the route
• Transport: minibus or Toyota Coaster bus in Kinshasa, Brazzaville and Central DRC, 4x4 jeep vehicles (3 participants in each car maximum) in Equateur province, all with AC and experienced drivers,
• all airport transfers
• all boats along the route
• all permits, all activities, visits and entrance fees along the route
• governmental taxes
• financial support of local communities/tribes
• photo- and video shooting allowance
• experienced English speaking professional guide along the whole route
• Russian-speaking and English-speaking team leader amateur ethnographer and photographer
Cost excludes (additionally paid):
• international flight to Kinshasa and back from Brazzaville, airport taxes
• international medical insurance
• visa of DR Congo and Republic of Congo (to be obtained in advance in the embassy in your country, on your own, at some 150 USD each. We provide for Invitation letter and immigration paper that accompanies invitation letter. Cost may change)
• tips
• optional activities in the program
• alcohol, soft drinks and personal expenses
• single accommodation in hotels
To take with:
- sets of clothes suitable for the weather conditions, including lightweight clothes (shorts, T-shorts), and one set of warm clothes (hoody or light jacket), long sleeve clothes
- sun hat/panama
- swimwear
- raincoat
- comfortable trekking footwear, light footwear (sneakers)
- sleeping bag for warm weather
- mosquito net for sleeping place (is a must!)
- personal hygiene items (towel, wet tissues, soap)
- individual medical kit (analgesics, antiseptic, antibiotic, antiviral, intestinal, multivitamins, rehydration, court plaster, your personal medications)
- anti malaria prevention pills (up to you to decide but recommended)
- yellow fever certificate (is a must!)
- COVID vaccination certificate or certificate with negative result of PCR coronavirus test (to be verified before the trip)
- sunblock set (cream, spray)
- various repellents (is a must!)
- sunglasses
- big backpack for stuff (up to 70 l)
- small backpack for radial walks (25 – 30 l)
- head torch
- favorite meals (chocolate, nuts)
- photo and video camera, tripod
- power bank, batteries
• accommodation in hotels (3-4* in Kinshasa and Brazzaville, and 2-3* in small cities) based on single rooms (DBL for family couples)
• accommodation in camping based on single
• camping equipment: tents, mattresses, furniture, cooking stuff, dishware, cutlery
• full board meals (3 times a day) along the route
• unlimited drinking mineral water along the route
• Transport: minibus or Toyota Coaster bus in Kinshasa, Brazzaville and Central DRC, 4x4 jeep vehicles (3 participants in each car maximum) in Equateur province, all with AC and experienced drivers,
• all airport transfers
• all boats along the route
• all permits, all activities, visits and entrance fees along the route
• governmental taxes
• financial support of local communities/tribes
• photo- and video shooting allowance
• experienced English speaking professional guide along the whole route
• Russian-speaking and English-speaking team leader amateur ethnographer and photographer
Cost excludes (additionally paid):
• international flight to Kinshasa and back from Brazzaville, airport taxes
• international medical insurance
• visa of DR Congo and Republic of Congo (to be obtained in advance in the embassy in your country, on your own, at some 150 USD each. We provide for Invitation letter and immigration paper that accompanies invitation letter. Cost may change)
• tips
• optional activities in the program
• alcohol, soft drinks and personal expenses
• single accommodation in hotels
To take with:
- sets of clothes suitable for the weather conditions, including lightweight clothes (shorts, T-shorts), and one set of warm clothes (hoody or light jacket), long sleeve clothes
- sun hat/panama
- swimwear
- raincoat
- comfortable trekking footwear, light footwear (sneakers)
- sleeping bag for warm weather
- mosquito net for sleeping place (is a must!)
- personal hygiene items (towel, wet tissues, soap)
- individual medical kit (analgesics, antiseptic, antibiotic, antiviral, intestinal, multivitamins, rehydration, court plaster, your personal medications)
- anti malaria prevention pills (up to you to decide but recommended)
- yellow fever certificate (is a must!)
- COVID vaccination certificate or certificate with negative result of PCR coronavirus test (to be verified before the trip)
- sunblock set (cream, spray)
- various repellents (is a must!)
- sunglasses
- big backpack for stuff (up to 70 l)
- small backpack for radial walks (25 – 30 l)
- head torch
- favorite meals (chocolate, nuts)
- photo and video camera, tripod
- power bank, batteries
KEY FEATURES:
Tour
THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO AND THE REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO
THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO AND THE REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO
- Journey Along the Legendary Congo River: We will travel the very waters that inspired Joseph Conrad to write his iconic novel "Heart of Darkness." You will witness landscapes that have remained virtually unchanged since the era of colonial explorers—the most beautiful and wild part of the great river.
- Where Time Stands Still: Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of pre-colonial Africa. Here, there are no big hotels or souvenir shops. There is only pristine nature, majestic forests, and the life of tribes flowing according to their ancient laws.
- Encounter with the most authentic Pygmy tribes: We will visit remote communities of the Balumbe Pygmies—one of the world's most mysterious and least studied peoples. This is a unique opportunity to learn about their culture, traditions, and way of life firsthand.
- Immersion in History and Mystery: You will find yourself in a region that was known as the last stronghold of cannibalism in Africa until the mid-20th century. These are places with a heavy, yet incredibly captivating history, full of secrets and mystique.
Why with MZUNGU EXPEDITIONS?
- UNIQUENESS
We find the most astonishing places on Earth and speed up to reach them. Our motto is to go ahead of road roller, touch the unique and unknown, before it disappears. - ADVENTURISM
Wherever we go, we look for challenging activities and adventures, filling the journey with absolutely different spirit and emotions. That is why people join us over and over again. - SAFETY
In our trips we pay special attention to safety. All our travels are based on personal experience, equipped with the best gear, involving proved providers and experienced local guides who perfectly know local features. - EXPERIENCE
We have a unique experience of the most offbeat expeditions and ascents, deep knowledge of countries and peoples, and are ready to share it with you. All the expeditions and climbings are guided by Mzungu himself, guaranteeing exciting traveling and your comfort. - REASONABLE PRICE
All our trips are reach in adventures, with high quality accommodation, transportation and meals included. We do not save on it. Thanks to solid contacts with reliable providers we offer really good prices and high quality.
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