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Western Congo Expedition - 8 Days

Western Congo Expedition Muanda Moanda DRC / Atlantic Coast
Western Congo Expedition
5499

This western Congo Expedition package brings you to the Democratic Republic of the Congo at the heart of Africa. From Kinshasa, head to the Bas Congo province reaching the Atlantic Coast. Enjoy the beautiful sights and landmarks. Most importantly, Zongo Falls on the Inkisi River, Inga Falls and Livingstone Falls south down the river are arguably more beautiful and moving than Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. Yet visited far less often making them more unique and attractive.

On this tour you will see the Congo River at its most powerful. Tour some of the most important commercial gateways to Africa and enjoy a sunset over the Atlantic Ocean from Muanda. The Mangroves National Park has your fill of mangrove forest, wildlife-watching, home to the rare manatee. Moreover, it does offer an incredible number of bird and fish species (many unidentified). This 8 day Western Congo Expedition is all you need for your next safari holiday.

Day 1
Pick up from the airport and transfer to your hotel | Friday or Saturday

You will be met at N’djili International Airport by Kwafrika Travel representative who will whisk you away to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day unwinding.

Diner and overnight at Hotel Royal Kinshasa or similar BB

Day 2
Lola Ya Bonobo and Parc de la vallée de Nsele

You will leave too early from your hotel, to reach the bonobos sanctuary at around 11 am. The Bonobos are our closest living relatives, with more than 99% identical DNA, are protected in a special preserve right outside Kinshasa. In the afternoon, proceed to Parc de la vallée de la N’sele. Parc de la vallée de la N’Sele is in the commune of Maluku, approximately 90 min from the city center Kinshasa. Not only it does offer conservation, but it also provides a space for relaxation and entertainment. The Park offers tourists fresh and pure air. It is being populated with more and more animals representing the biodiversity of the Congo. It contains lions, impalas, zebras, giraffes, buffaloes, hippos, rhinos, elephants. In addition, there are a lot of activities around the park. Cycling, kayaking, hiking or riding the Zip line.

Diner and overnight at Hotel Royal Kinshasa (Midrange) or Similar BB

Day 3
Kisantu and Zongo waterfalls experience

You will leave too early from your hotel in Kinshasa to Kisantu. It takes 3 to 4 hours to reach Kisantu in the Bas Congo where the Kisantu botanical garden and Zongo waterfall are located. Upon your arrival in Kisantu, you will stop at Kisantu Botanical garden. The Botanical Garden of Kisantu is the most beautiful botanical garden in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It was founded over a century ago by a missionary. Inside, you will find thousands of trees, thousands of plants, a school, and the best restaurant of Kisantu. While wandering around you will spot a crocodile and two monkeys. In the afternoon, proceed to Selli Safari Resort which provides a lovely setting & a spectacular scenery to the Zongo Waterfalls. The gorgeous Zongo falls are one of DRC’s most spectacular sights.

Day 4
Zongo falls - Matadi

You will leave Selli Safari Resort in the morning heading to Matadi, the chief port city of the DR Congo. Drive to the famed old Belgian city built on rocks. Accessible to the ocean and the major port linking the country to the rest of the world, Matadi is the main door of Kinshasa where most ships pass through. After a thorough tour of the city including climbing up the Belvedere for a panoramic view, passing by the monument to the bearer, the port and the historic village of Vivi. End the day at the mighty Livingstone Falls, check-in to your hotel and enjoy your evening free time.

Day 5
The Livingstone falls and Inga falls experience

After your morning breakfast, proceed to Inga Falls situated around 64 km away from Matadi. Cross the historic “Pont Marechal Bridge,” and drive to Inga to view the panorama of Africa’s mightiest dam and “Inga falls”. You will also spot the mesmerizing Livingstone falls. Inga Falls and Livingston falls south down the river are arguably more beautiful and moving than Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, yet visited far less often, a kind of experience that comes once in a lifetime. Continue to Boma and check in to your hotel.

Day 6
Boma – Congo River Islands – Mangroves National Park

Boma is a port town on the Congo River, some 100 km upstream from the Atlantic Ocean. The actual Boma is located in the former area occupied by the Songa Kingdom. Wake up to make a crash city tour of the historic Boma. Boma was the first capital city of DR Congo (then Belgian Congo, Free State of Congo). Pass by the residence of the First Governor General of Congo, visit the first two cars in the country and the Stanley Baobab in remembrance of the legendary explorer of colonial Africa (Henry Morton Stanley). Take a speedboat and cruise the Congo River to the ocean, make stops to visits islands, visits the Marine Park of Mangrove and the city of Muanda.

In the evening overnight at La Beviour Hotel (Luxury), or similar BB.

Day 7
Muanda – Kinshasa | Friday or Saturday

After a quick breakfast, go for an early visit including the markets, scenery, and city of Muanda. Learn and see Congolese people’s everyday lives; some modern, and some as they have been for hundreds of years. After the market, transfer to the airport for a flight back to Kinshasa and check in to your hotel for the final night. Later go for an optional nightlife tour, depending on the night enjoy a famous musician's show or Rumba concert.

Dinner and overnight Hotel Royal Kinshasa (Midrange) or similar BB

Day 8
Departure from Kinshasa

After breakfast, depending on your departure time, checkout from your hotel check-out, relish the highlights of your expedition and stop at local market, “Marche des Voleurs,” a craft market (Académie des beaux arts) and the Congolese Museum for last minute gifts. Enjoy your last meal 100% Congolese cuisine at Chez Flore Restaurant. In the evening, relish the city on a casual drive through town as you are transferred to the airport.

Inclusions

  • Professional guide
  • Private transportation 4WD Jeep
  • Half board accommodation, mix of midrange and luxury (Bed and breakfast)
  • Boat cruise fees
  • National Park permits

Exclusions

  • Domestic flight (Muanda – Kinshasa : 300$)
  • Airport taxes (60$ Kinshasa)
  • Covid19 related expenses
  • Tips and souvenirs
  • Gratuities
  • Alcoholic drinks (available on purchase)
  • Souvenir photos (available on purchase)
  • International flight
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FAQ

How to apply for a Congo travel a visa?

For you to apply for the Congolese Travel Visa you need to get an official invitation letter from a trusted tour operator or the company inviting you to the DRC. The invitation letter will cost you around 100$ and will help you complete your visa application with the Congolese embassy in your country. If you don’t have any Congolese representation in your country then you are eligible to the flying visa that can be found online through the EVISA RDC portal.

Is it safe to travel to Western Congo

The Democratic Republic of the Congo has been associated for decades to conflicts and crisis. The continent size country has been dealing with such issues in a region called Kivu (Eastern Congo). Western Congo is very safe for one to visit and has never had history of crisis or conflicts.

Entering Congo

After applying for the Congolese tourist visa and getting an approval, you will then have the chance to visit one of the least visited countries in Africa. Here are some of the conditions to enter DR Congo: You have got to have a passport valid for at least 6 months You have got to have a Yellow Fever vaccination card Currency declaration: Upon your arrival in DRC, you are required to declare cash of any currency equivalent to more than 10 000 USD. The same thing should be done as you leave the country. As you leave country, you are required to pay an airport infrastructure development fund tax (IDEF) of US $ 58.00 (rate subject to change without notice). This Tax is around 20$ when flying domestically in the DR Congo. Unfortunately, travelers to the DRC often experience difficulties at the airport and other points of entry.Arriving at Ndjili International Airport in Kinshasa can be chaotic. Be calm when dealing with security and immigration officers who sometimes may demand unofficial “special fees”.

Covid19 in DRC as of June 2021

Congo, like most African countries, has not had devastating Covid-19 cases like we have seen happening in Eurasia and America. As of late June 2021, Congo has about 33 577 recorded cases with more than 27 794 recoveries, 4 966 under treatment and 817 deaths. Thanks to early actions taken in March 2020 and a strict monitoring of the covid19 situation in the country by the government, the pandemic has been kept under control. The covid19 guidelines to enter the DR Congo (subject to constant change as the situation evolves) are as follows: Upon arrival in DR Congo, visitors are subject to a mandatory PCR covid19 test at their own expense (50$US). Results are expected after 24 hours. Before leaving the country, visitors are required to go for another mandatory PCR covid19 test.

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