This can be an add on to our “Welcome to The Congo’ Trip or a stand alone mini break
cost – £1600 – £1900 per person depending how many people sign up
Day 1 ARRIVAL AT KINSHASA
Arrival in Kinshasa, capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is the fastest growing city in Africa, with nearly 20 million inhabitants. visit the sanctuary of the bonobos for the day
Day 2. Kinshasa-Kenge
After breakfast. We will leave Kinshasa. Our goal will be the highlands of the Kwango, territory of the Yaka people. Outside the city, we will stop for a brief visit to the “Mobutu pagoda style” farm, now in ruins. We will continue through a rough terrain to Kenge. Lunch and afternoon visit of a Yaka king in his village. The Yaka emigrated from Angola in the 16th century and settled under the control of the Kongo kingdom. In the 18th century, their lands were annexed by the Lunda people based in Angola, but in the 19th century, the Yaka had regained their independence. The tribe lives mainly from hunting, although subsidiary agriculture is undertaken by women. The Yaka artistic tradition is rich and varied and we will be able to see their art during a royal ceremony involving masked men and the dance of young insiders. After the ceremony, we will be blessed by His Royal Highness and then return to the hotel for dinner. Accommodation at the hotel.
Day 3: KENGE – KINSHASA
After breakfast, we will return to Kinshasa.
On the way back, we will visit another important cultural group in Congo, the powerful Kuba or Bakuba people. Their royal capital is in Mushenge, in the Province of Kasai but since the civil war that affected their territory, some Kuba groups have moved.
We will meet a Kuba chief, related to the royal family of Kasai and admire their unique art: masks, drums, and the famous royal raffia fabrics. After a visit to the village, we will talk to the chef and attend a traditional dance performed by the Kuba insiders. After the visit, we will return to Kinshasa. Lunch picnic along the way.
Accommodation at the hotel.
Day 4: KINSHASA – MBANZA NZAMBI – MBANZA NGUNGU (4h)
Early in the morning we will head to the small community of Mbanza Nzambi. In this remote rural area of the central province of Congo, we will find a religious group known as Tata Gonda, who lives isolated within a self-sufficient congregation. This Christian sect is inspired by the philosophy of Simon Kimbangu, a prophet who fought against European colonial oppression through a pan-African movement of Christian influence. In addition to the ethnographic and sociological interest, Tata Gonda’s followers have a unique aesthetic perspective, which makes the visit a unique experience. We will have lunch in the community and in the afternoon we will return to Kinshasa. Accommodation at the hotel.
Day 5. After breakfast, a full day exploring Kinshasa, transfer to beach for departure.
