Central Africa Safari Tour: Cultural & Wildlife via RoC, DRC & CAR
11 DaysThe ROC, DRC & CAR, in the Congo Basin area is a transboundary ecological zone spanning three nations. Specifically, this region serves as the ultimate destination for a Central Africa Safari. Furthermore, this equatorial corridor contains the Dzanga-Sangha Protected Areas and the Bolobo Territory. Consequently, when exploring cultural encounters and wildlife across ROC, DRC & CAR, travelers engage directly with primate conservation.
Additionally, undertaking this transboundary expedition reveals profound ecological wonders hidden deep within the rainforest. Next, adventurers witness unparalleled biodiversity alongside ancient indigenous traditions preserved through generations. Therefore, our expert guides navigate these complex environments to guarantee an authentic, sustainable journey. Ultimately, this curated route transforms standard vacations into extraordinary explorations of the continent’s most guarded secrets.
Are visas required for the three countries?
You must secure individual visas for the Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo and Central African Republic. Kwafrika Travel processes your border permits efficiently at Sangha River checkpoints. Please always prepare multiple passport copies for regional administrative stops beforehand.
⚠️ Important Considerations for Cross-Border Transit
- Admittedly, clients face demanding multi-day overland transit options on the final expedition legs.
- Therefore, gorilla tracking and forest hiking require a moderate physical fitness level.
- Additionally, you will navigate remote areas presenting variable infrastructure and fluctuating domestic flight schedules.
Cancellation Policy
Any cancellation of a booking by a Client, shall be effective upon its acknowledged receipt by the company. The date on which the company receives the correspondence (Notification), will determine the cancellation charge, if any.
- 0% of total tour cost is forfeited for cancellation made 60 days or more before departure.
- 30% of total tour cost is forfeited for cancellations made between 30 and 59 days before departure.
- 70% of total tour cost is forfeited for cancellations made fewer (less than 30) days before departure.
It is important to note that the gorilla trekking permit is not refundable regardless of when the permit has been paid for.
Day 01 :
Arrival in Brazzaville
Upon your arrival in Brazzaville a Kwafrika Travel representative will pick you up from the airport to whisk you away to your hotel for overnight
Depending of your arrival time; city tour can be organized and sapeur show for welcome colour Brazzaville
Day 02 :
Day 2: Brazzaville - Mpouya (RoC) – Tchumbiri – Nkala Forest (DR Congo)
Upon Arrival in Mpouya, our team will board you into a speedboat or a large commercial boat that will transfer you to Tshumbiri on the side of DR Congo.
We’ll complete some further formalities before embarking a 4×4 for another 2h drive to reach our camp in Nkala.
Day 03 :
Day 3: Trekking Bonobos in the forest
Wake up early at around 5 a.m. to go for the bonobos trekking in the wild. You will bring your breakfast with you. Trek the Bonobos and return to the village at around 12 noon. After lunch, courtesy visit to the chiefdom and tour of the village as you encounter with the Téké people and discover their culture
Around 4:30 p.m. go for the nature walk, attend to a show with the famous folklore Ekoul balow.
Return to camp around 6.30 p.m. If interested, you could have a chat with the staff of the NGO doing bonobos conservation. Wake up early at around 5 a.m. to go for the bonobos trekking in the wild. You will bring your breakfast with you. Trek the Bonobos and return to the village at around 12 noon. After lunch, courtesy visit to the chiefdom and tour of the village as you encounter with the Téké people and discover their culture
Around 4:30 p.m. go for the nature walk, attend to a show with the famous folklore Ekoul balow.
Return to camp around 6.30 p.m. If interested, you could have a chat with the staff of the NGO doing bonobos conservation.
Day 04 :
Nkala – Tshumbiri – Mpouya – Gamboma / Oyo (depending to crossing back to Mpouya )
Early in the morning, you will be brought back to Tshumbiri from Nkala. Upon your arrival in Tshumbiri, cross the mighty Congo River to Mpouya. There, you will board a a car to whisk up to Gamboma for Dinner and overnight to Mombo beach Transfer you to your next destination.
Day 05 :
Gamboma to Ouesso
Following an early breakfast, you will embark on a full-day road expedition heading deep into the northern reaches of the Republic of Congo. This approximately 10-hour scenic transfer offers a wonderful look at the changing landscapes of the Congo Basin, with curated stopovers along the way to enjoy local forest views and a relaxed lunch. After navigating through local administrative checkpoints, you will arrive in the evening at the riverside town of Ouesso, a vital regional hub on the Sangha River, where you will enjoy dinner and a comfortable overnight stay at the Onanga Hotel.
Day 06 :
Following an early breakfast, you will embark on a full-day road expedition heading deep into the northern reaches of the Republic of Congo. This approximately 10-hour scenic transfer offers a wonderful look at the changing landscapes of the Congo Basin, with curated stopovers along the way to enjoy local forest views and a relaxed lunch. After navigating through local administrative checkpoints, you will arrive in the evening at the riverside town of Ouesso, a vital regional hub on the Sangha River, where you will enjoy dinner and a comfortable overnight stay at the Onanga Hotel.
The morning begins with border formalities before you board a private boat for a journey up the Sangha River toward the Central African Republic. As you navigate the pristine waters, you will make brief stops at immigration stations for necessary visa processing and security checks. By evening, you will reach the remote settlement of Bayanga, the essential gateway to the world-renowned Dzanga-Sangha Protected Areas. Upon arrival, you will settle into Doli Lodge for dinner and an overnight stay surrounded by the sounds of the jungle.
Day 07 :
Gorilla Trekking & Saline Tour
Your day is dedicated to a truly rare wildlife experience as you drive to Baï Hokou to trek the newly habituated NIMO group of Western Lowland Gorillas. This intimate encounter allows you to observe these magnificent primates in their natural, lush habitat under the guidance of expert trackers. Following the trek, you will enjoy a guided walk through the primary rainforest to visit a local "Saline," a natural forest clearing where various wildlife gather for essential minerals. You will return to the headquarters for a restful dinner and overnight at Doli Lodge.
Day 08 :
The Giants of Dzanga Bai & Ba’Aka Culture
After a short drive and a focused one-hour hike through the forest, you will arrive at the legendary Dzanga Baï. From the vantage point of a majestic wooden mirador, you will witness one of Africa’s greatest wildlife spectacles: dozens of forest elephants, buffaloes, bongos, and various antelope species congregating in the clearing below.
In the evening, the journey takes a cultural turn as you return to Bayanga for a traditional welcome and a captivating dance performance by the Ba’Aka community, providing deep insight into their ancient forest heritage before your overnight at Doli Lodge.
Day 09 :
Bayanga to Ouesso
This day you will board the boat for a return journey downriver, tracing your way backThis day you will board the boat for a return journey downriver, tracing your way back
Day 10 :
Ouesso to Brazzaville
The joueney will continue with a long-distance road transfer back toward the capital city of Brazzaville. A highlight the journey is a stop in Makoua to visit the Equator Line Monument, offering a unique opportunity to stand in both hemispheres and capture photos at this geographical milestone. As the shifts from deep forest to more urban surroundings, you will arrive in Brazzaville for a drop-off at your hotel and a relaxing evening await you.
Day 11 :
End of the Trip
On your final morning, enjoy a relaxed breakfast and a last look at the city before your private transfer to Maya-Maya International Airport. Our team will ensure you arrive in good time for your international flight, marking the conclusion of your 11-day adventure through the heart of the Congo Basin.
