- 18 Days
- Mar-Jul
- Availability: 32
- Minimum Group: 5
Venturing into the Remote and Untouched Ituri Forest
Descriptions
DR Congo is a real tourism scandal that fascinates the driest hearts. Varied and rich range, high-quality tourism, these are the characteristics of our product. Some species, such as Okapi, White Rhinoceros, Congolese Peacock, and Bonobo, are endemic. In their natural state, these species are only found in DR Congo.
Other species have always attracted the curiosity of thousands of tourists: the Giraffe, the Hippopotamus, the Mountain Gorilla. The primates of the genus Bonobo in Ecuador, have a lifestyle and reactions similar to those of humans.
Rare wildlife species are also found in Katanga, in Kudenlungu Park, the last refuge of the cheetah, the fastest animal in the world (120 km/h).
The mangroves of Moanda, in the Kongo-Central, are the preferred habitat of the Lamantin, an aquatic mammal herbivore with a massive body, reaching three meters and weighing up to 450 kg.
Included
- Meet & greet and all transfers
- Land transportation in 4WD all inclusive
- Water transportation by private powered boat from Kisangani to Mbandaka
- Domestic flight Mbandaka – Kinshasa
- All entries and visits as mentioned in the program
- Single accommodation in BB
- Meals on in the Ituri Forest and all through the way on the Congo River
- An English speaking guide
- Mineral water along the tour
Excluded
- International flight, visa and airport taxes, travel insurance
- Laundry
- Tips and gratuities
- All needs of personal nature not mentioned in the program
- Unforeseen circumstances/force majeure
- Other meals
From
€ 9,950
/ pp
*Indicative price
Send us an enquiry
Popular Spots
- Fort Portal: a town in Western Uganda known for its scenic views and rich history
- Ituri Forest: a lush tropical forest located in the heart of the Democratic Republic of Congo
- Pygmy Communities: the indigenous hunter-gatherers who live in the Ituri Forest
- Mbandaka: a city in the Democratic Republic of Congo located along the Congo River
- Lola Ya Bonobo sanctuary in Lukaya: a sanctuary for the endangered bonobo primate, only found in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
- Kisangani Zoo
Memorable Moments.
Witnessing the Rare Cultural Dance of the Pygmies
One of the most memorable moments of our journey into the remote Ituri Forest was witnessing the rare cultural dance of the Pygmies. We were lucky enough to be present when the Pygmy tribe performed their traditional dance to celebrate the arrival of a new member into the community. The dance was filled with energy, rhythm, and grace, as the Pygmies moved gracefully to the beat of the drum. The dance was accompanied by the mesmerizing sound of the flute and the deep vocalizations of the tribe. The Pygmies twirled and bounced around the clearing, surrounded by the lush greenery of the forest. It was a truly magical moment that left us in awe and inspired by the rich culture and traditions of the Pygmy tribe.
A Nighttime Campfire with the Pygmies
Another memorable moment from our journey into the Ituri Forest was a nighttime campfire with the Pygmies. We were invited to join the tribe around the campfire and share stories and songs with them. The Pygmies were incredibly welcoming, and we quickly bonded over the warmth of the fire and the laughter of the group. We were also treated to an impromptu performance by the Pygmies, who sang and danced to traditional tribal songs. The campfire was an unforgettable experience that provided us with an intimate and unique glimpse into the lives and culture of the Pygmy tribe.
Trip Schedule.
Arrival in Kampala
Arrival in KampalaUpon your arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be greeted by our representative and given a brief overview of your itinerary. From there, you will embark on a scenic drive to Fort Portal, passing through the towns of Mityana and Mubende. You will arrive at the Travelers Inn, a mid-range hotel that offers comfortable accommodation with amenities such as a self-contained room with hot shower and internet access.
Fort Portal – Uganda border – Beni
After an early breakfast, you will set off on a journey to the border of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Upon crossing the border, you will enter the town of Kasindi and proceed to Beni. You will spend the night at Albertin Hotel, a mid-range hotel that offers bed and breakfast accommodations, with a self-contained room with hot shower and internet access.
Beni – Epulu
After another early breakfast, you will embark on a journey to the heart of the Ituri Forest, Epulu. The drive will take you through the towns of Oicha, Komanda and Mambasa. Along the way, you will be treated to breathtaking views of the lush forest and diverse wildlife. Upon arrival at Epulu, you will check in to the Okapi Reserve Lodge, a budget-friendly option that offers bed and breakfast accommodation in a self-contained room without hot shower and internet access.
Beni – Komanda – Epulu
Today we will have the opportunity to visit the Pygmy communities who live in the surrounding forests of Epulu. These expert hunter-gatherers have a deep knowledge of the environment and specialize in unique hunting methods. We will learn about their way of life as they forage for food during the dry season, setting up nets and traps for game and constructing temporary houses from saplings, vine, and shingled tree leaves. We will also witness their conservation efforts, as they carefully leave the canopy forming trees intact to protect the forest and ensure it can return to its natural state once they leave.
Epulu
After an early breakfast, we will spend the whole day with the Pygmies, participating in traditional hunting activities. If we are lucky, we will also have the opportunity to watch the honey collection process. In the evening, we will sit around a fire and listen to the Pygmies’ stories, traditional songs, and dances. We will spend the night camping in the forest.
Ituri Forest– Epulu – Kisangani
Today we will take a walk back to Epulu before hitting the road to Kisangani. Along the way, we will pass through the towns of Nia Nia and Bafwasende, driving through the lush rainforest. We will arrive in Kisangani in the evening and spend the night at Ramela hotel, a mid-class accommodation with self-contained rooms, hot showers, and internet access.
Kisangani
After a leisurely breakfast, we embark on a journey to the famous Wagenia fishery, where traditional methods of fishing have been passed down for generations. We will witness the use of scaffolds, vine nets, and the impressive agility and daring of the local fishermen as they navigate the treacherous rapids of the Congo River. We will also take a pirogue to visit the Wagenia chief on an island in the river, where we will learn about their culture, history, and the story of how King Bauduin 1er settled in the area. We will even have the opportunity to see the house in which he lived. In the afternoon, we will visit the Kisangani Zoo. We will then return to the Ramela hotel for the evening.
Kisangani – Mbandaka
After an early breakfast, we will drive to the harbor and board a private boat to begin our journey from Kisangani to Mbandaka. Along the way, we will stop in various towns and villages such as Yankusu, Yangambi, Yanonge, Lokutu, Bumba, Lisala, and Makanza. Each evening, we will be accommodated in guesthouses. On the twelfth day, we will arrive in Mbandaka and spend the night at the Benghazi hotel (mid class based on bed and breakfast, self-contained one with boiled hot shower and internet included).
Mbandaka – Kinshasa
After breakfast, we will drive to the Mbandaka airstrip and take a domestic shared flight to Kinshasa. Upon arrival, we will check into the Ma Campagne Guest house (mid class based on bed and breakfast, self-contained one with hot shower and internet included) for the evening.
Kinshasa – Lola Ya Bonobo
We will embark on a journey to the Lola Ya Bonobo sanctuary in Lukaya. Here, we will have the opportunity to witness the unique behavior and social dynamics of the bonobo, an endangered primate that is only found in the Democratic Republic of Congo. After visiting the bonobos, we will take some time to relax and enjoy the serene surroundings of Lake de ma Vallee before spending the night in a budget-class guest house.
Lola Ya Bonobo – KinshasaDay
We will return to Kinshasa and spend the day exploring the city. This will include visiting the Kinsuka rapids, the Symphonies des arts, which houses an impressive collection of art, and the tomb of the late President Laurent Desire Kabila. We will also visit the Kinshasa zoo and botanical garden before returning to our accommodations for the night.
Kinshasa – Kinkole Nsele – Kinshasa
Will be spent exploring the village of Kinkole, where we will have the chance to observe the daily activities of local fishermen and other community members. We will then proceed to Nsele, a historical town where the late President Mobutu once gave a speech on the importance of fish in the country. Here, we will enjoy a traditional lunch while taking in the beautiful views of the Nsele river. In the evening, we will attend a folkloric dance performance before returning to Kinshasa for the night.
Kinshasa – Return flight
On our final day, we will have an early breakfast before driving to Ndjili International airport for our return flight home, marking the end of our journey.
