Welcome To The Congo
6th -16th June 2025 – 10 nights £2600 per person excluding flights
TRIP CONFIRMED – LAST PLACES AVAILABLE
Join Viktor Wynd on an expedition to The fabled Congo – travel deep into the world’s second largest rainforest in search of Forest Elephants, Gorillas, Chimpanzees, Hippos, Crocodiles and much more, spend time with The Sapeurs in Brazzaville
The Republic of the Congo – or Congo Brazzaville (not to be confused with it’s neighbour The DRC) is a vast country the size of Germany but with a population of just six million, blessed with great oil wealth the majority of it’s population of just six million live in just two cities – Pointe Noire & Brazzaville. This will be the first time Viktor Wynd has taken a group to one of his favourite countries
6th June – fly into Brazzaville, spend night at hotel
7th -9th June – – Transfer to the 440km2 Lesio Louna Gorilla Reserve for two nights to support the ecotourism initiative of the The Aspinall Foundation who, since 1999 have reintroduced over 60 gorillas – including ones born in UK Zoos. We will find learn about the project and spend time observing gorillas being prepared for release in semi captivity on large islands in the river, take boat rides along the Louna River to look for hippos, crocodiles and other wildlife, visit the fabled blue lake and climb Mt. Ngaki for spectacular views
9th June return to Brazzaville and Take the Jungle Express Night train to Pointe Noire. If the schedule doesn’t allow we will fly to Pointe Noire
10th – 14th June Transfer by 4×4 to the vast 7,900km2 Conkouati-Douli National Park, despite being home to large populations of forest elephants, gorillas, chimpanzees, buffalo, leopards. Mandrills and much more it receives less than 300 tourists a year. We will stay at HELP Congo’s scientific research camp with the primatologists who have successfully returned over 100 Chimpanzees to the wild, we will be introduced to chimpanzees being prepared for release on huge islands in the mangroves, and then enjoy many activities such as guided nature walks & boat rides including
boat tour and Kayak: we leave in the morning by boat to the totally protected area of the park. After crossing the lagoon we navigate on the forest where we can spot many birds and sometimes other species like cercopithecus monkeys, mangabeys, wild chimpanzees or elephants. Arrived at our research camp, people can choose to hop on a kayak and follow a member on our team for a nice cruise down on the river but this time enjoying the full sound of nature and be more discreet to spot wildlife. After 45min of kayak the boat picks us up and we go back to the camp for lunch time.
Lagoon mouth: The boat takes us where the lagoon meets the ocean. We can walk on the beach, swim in the lagoon, rest on the sand. It is possible to have a picnic lunch there.
– We will drive and trek through the Savanna – looking out for elephants, gorillas, & buffalos to Mvanji a fishing village on the coast and enjoy local food prepared especially for us on the beach swim in the lagoon
– Hike to The Sacred Lake : According to local belief, the lake is inhabited by Mami Wata, a mysterious and mystical creature who must not be disturbed for fear of attracting torment. The lake is therefore left in complete tranquillity.
After being dropped off by boat at Nzambi, we walk through bush and forest to reach this magical landscape where we have a pre-packed lunch.
The return journey takes a slightly different route and we return from Nzambi by boat.
14th June return to Pointe Noire and visit the museum and artisanal market
15th June fly to Brazzaville for a city tour, visit of the rapids and an evening hopefully with the Sapeurs – the Société des Ambianceurs et des Personnes Élégantes
16th June leave for home
Wildlife in Central Africa
Please note that wildlife in Central Africa can be hard to see and can be very good at hiding. We hope to see as much of it as is possible but nothing is guaranteed – wish us luck!
Optional Extension – there will be an optional 4 – 5 day extension – more details closer to the time
Price £2650 excluding flights
