The Republic of Congo, also known as Congo-Brazzaville, is a hidden gem in Central Africa. It offers a unique and authentic experience for tourists with a diverse array of cultures and natural beauty. The capital city Brazzaville, is a small and quiet city with a laid-back atmosphere, not a typical tourist destination.
Visitors can discover the city’s rich history and culture by visiting its monuments and museums. The neighborhoods of Mungali Bakongo and Poto Poto are lively areas in Brazzaville with local markets, street vendors and local cuisines. Faignond Island located on the Congo River is a great place to relax and explore on foot or by bike. The Republic of Congo is also a great destination for adventure-seekers, with activities such as hiking, fishing and wildlife safaris. The country offers a wide range of accommodations, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly lodges. Congo-Brazzaville offers a unique and authentic travel experience, with its diverse culture, natural beauty and off-the-beaten-path destinations. It’s a perfect destination for travelers looking for something different
From
*Indicative price
Visit to Brazzaville Museum and Memorial dedicated to Count de Brazza
This visit will provide an opportunity to learn about the 19th century history of Brazzaville, which was founded by the Italian-born Count de Brazza for France and established French sovereignty over much of western Central Africa. The museum and memorial dedicated to him showcases his remains, as well as those of his wife and children, to commemorate its opening. The visit to the museum is a great way to learn about the city’s history, the character of Count de Brazza and the respect he still holds among the locals. It’s recommended to read Maria Petringa’s book « Brazza, A Life For Africa » before visiting Congo-Brazzaville as it provides a fascinating insight into French colonial times and is the only biography of de Brazza in English.
Gorilla Safari in Lésio-Luna
The Gorilla Safari in Lésio-Luna is the highlight of the itinerary and provides a once in a lifetime opportunity to see gorillas in their natural habitat. The Lésio-Luna Gorilla Sanctuary is home to more than 55 gorillas, split into families/quarters, under the guardianship of the local community and the support of NGOs and the Congolese government. Visitors will have a chance to visit the sanctuary and see the gorillas in the morning, and then take a pirogue ride on the Blue Lake, where they may spot other animals such as monkeys, antelopes, and hippopotamus, as well as various species of birds. The park is located about 3.5 hours from Brazzaville and is most accessible during the dry season. This will be a unique and unforgettable experience for all visitors.
Upon arrival at Maya-Maya airport, you will be greeted by your guide who will assist you with airport formalities and transfer you to your hotel, Mikhael Hotel or similar. Depending on your arrival time, you can either relax and unwind from your flight or take a evening sightseeing tour of Brazzaville.
Today you will have the opportunity to explore the city of Brazzaville, also known as « Brazza La Belle » by the locals. Your first stop will be the museum and memorial dedicated to the 19th century Italian-born Count de Brazza, who is credited with the founding of Brazzaville for France and establishing French sovereignty over much of western Central Africa. It’s worth noting that many newly independent countries changed the names of their cities that reflected their previous colonial masters, Brazzaville is one of the few that hasn’t, which speaks volumes about de Brazza’s character and the respect in which he is still held. De Brazza’s remains, as well as those of his wife and children, were moved to Brazzaville’s museum to commemorate its opening a few years ago. Before visiting Congo-Brazzaville, it’s highly recommended to read Maria Petringa’s acclaimed book called Brazza, A Life For Africa. It is the only biography of de Brazza in English and a fascinating read about French colonial times
Today we will leave the hotel and drive to Mami- Wata, where we will board a boat and embark on a day-long exploration of the majestic Congo River. Our voyage will include stops at a series of spectacular and exotic islands, including M’bamou Island surrounded by the famous Stanley Pool, Faignond Island, Falaise Du Douvre Island, and the shoreside village of Manguenguengue, time permitting.
We’ll spend the morning relaxing in the hotel or completing any highlights we missed in Brazzaville the day before. In the afternoon, we’ll leave the hotel for the airport and board a domestic flight to Pointe Noire, which takes about an hour. Upon arrival, your guide will meet you and drive you to your hotel for the night.
Today we’ll drive for about an hour to the Kouilou region. Here, you will visit the Diosso Gorges and the adjacent ethnographic museum. The gorges are stunning and consist of pink cliffs of dramatic ridges that can reach up to 50 meters high, all surrounded by a verdant forest full of birds, unfortunately suffering the bad effects of human activities.
Today, we’ll continue to explore the city of Pointe Noire, starting with a drive through the Grand Marché and stopping at landmarks such as the post office and the railway station. We’ll also visit the newly built African Circle Museum, which showcases antiques, authentic African artworks, and photography, as well as a collection of cultural and traditional objects. Afterwards, we’ll pay a visit to the St Pierre Cathedral before returning to the hotel for lunch. Later, we’ll leave the hotel for the airport and board a domestic flight back to Brazzaville, where we’ll be transferred to the hotel for the night.
We’ll depart early in the morning for Lésio-Luna Gorilla Sanctuary, a wildlife center located about 3.5 hours from Brazzaville. The road to the park is partially paved and is most accessible during the dry season. We’ll check-in and go for an afternoon Gorilla Safari in the park.
In the morning, we’ll visit the sanctuary and its more than 30 gorillas split into families/quarters. The sanctuary is home to a total of 55 gorillas that are under the guardianship of the local community and the support of NGOs and the Congolese government. Afterwards, we’ll take a pirogue ride on the Blue Lake, where we may spot some of the animals that live in the park, such as monkeys, antelopes, hippopotamus, and birds. In the mid-afternoon, we’ll drive back to Brazzaville, which takes about 3 hours.
We’ll leave the hotel a couple of hours before your connecting flight back home. Our guide will assist you with all airport formalities. End of the visit.
We are a unique adventure tour compagny, specialising in taking clients into little-known, but spectaculary beautiful locations in West and Central Africa.