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Congo (DRC) Tours & Holidays
Congo (DRC) trips take you somewhere few travellers ever reach — a vast, ancient river basin where the modern world has barely made an impression.
The Democratic Republic of Congo is the river. Everything else — the sprawling capital Kinshasa, the equatorial rainforest, the riverside communities that have traded on these banks for centuries — orbits around one of the world’s most powerful waterways. The Congo is not merely a geographical feature; it is the country’s spine, its supply chain, and its story. To travel here is to understand Africa on its own terms, not through the lens of a well-worn tourist trail.
For those planning congo tours, this is as far from a packaged safari as adventure travel gets. Your journey moves through Mbandaka, Lisala, Bumba, and Kisangani – river towns that see a handful of foreign visitors each year – while Kinshasa anchors the start and finish with its chaotic energy and the remarkable Lola Ya Bonobo bonobo sanctuary on its outskirts.
Organising a trip to the Congo requires local expertise, careful planning, and a tour operator with genuine on-the-ground experience in one of Africa’s least-visited countries. At Undiscovered Destinations, our itineraries follow the Congo River’s two main sections, allowing you to explore a single leg or undertake the full 1,000-kilometre expedition from Mbandaka to Kisangani. Routes through Yangambi Biosphere Reserve, the historic city of Kisangani, and the bustling river ports between Lisala and Bumba have been refined over multiple departures. All tours are led by an English-speaking guide and experienced river captain throughout. Our small-group departures are limited to 12 travellers, ensuring authentic encounters with riverside communities.
Congo (DRC) Tours Overview
1. Congo River Expedition
29 days | From £8,245 |
The full-length Congo River Expedition runs from Kinshasa to Mbandaka by domestic flight, then follows the river across two legs all the way to Kisangani — a 1,000-kilometre passage through the heart of Central Africa. Over 20 days on the water, you camp nightly on the riverbank, meeting communities that experience almost no outside contact, passing through Lisala (the hometown of former President Mobutu), then travelling the upper river past the vast floodplains around Bumba where the river stretches 20 kilometres wide. View full itinerary →
2. Congo River Journey – (Part 2) Lisala to Kisangani
16 days | From £6,595
Beginning in Kinshasa with a domestic flight to Lisala, this second-leg journey covers the upper stretch of the river through to Kisangani. Ten nights on the water take you through Yangambi Biosphere Reserve and past the wide open river sections near Bumba, before arriving in Kisangani to explore the Tshopo River Falls and the extraordinary Wagenia fisheries set into the rapids. The expedition closes back in Kinshasa with a guided city tour and a visit to Lola Ya Bonobo. View full itinerary →
3. Congo River Journey – (Part 1) Mbandaka to Lisala
29 days | From £6,395
This first-leg journey opens with two nights in Mbandaka — the river port founded by Stanley in 1883 and still one of the most important trading hubs between Kinshasa and Kisangani — before nine nights on the water heading upriver to Lisala. You travel through a region without roads or airports, where riverside communities live and trade in much the same way they always have. The expedition returns to Kinshasa for a city tour and the Lola Ya Bonobo sanctuary visit before departure. View full itinerary →
What to see on our Congo (DRC) Group Tours
Experienc the ultimate Congo adventure – an epic 1,000-kilometre voyage on the mighty Congo River. Or choose to do one of two short legs
Experience the different sights and sounds of the real Africa as you travel through a land few travellers have yet discovered
Discover remote villages, some of the country important historical sights, rainforests and of course a chance to meet the local people.
As featured in
With a 97% satisfaction rating from over 250 independent reviews on AITO, our travellers consistently praise the unique experiences and exceptional service provided by Undiscovered Destinations. From exploring the vibrant cultures of West Africa to uncovering hidden gems in the Caribbean, our carefully curated tours offer unforgettable adventures off the beaten path.
A wonderful opportunity to explore and experience a string of Caribbean islands. Although the pace of the trip was fast, we still managed to see behind the glitz and glamour of the holiday industry and get to grips with local history and culture.
Noggin
Simply amazing!
Congo trips start from £6,395 per person for the 29-day. For a full breakdown of what is included, and to discuss private or tailor-made pricing, visit the individual tour pages or get in touch with Undiscovered Destinations directly.
All Congo river departures currently run in July and August, which correspond to the DRC's dry season in the equatorial zone and offer the most reliable conditions for river travel. Departures are guaranteed from July 2026 through to August 2027.
British, US, and Australian nationals all require a visa to enter the DRC. You are responsible for securing your own visa before travel; however, once your balance payment has been received, Undiscovered Destinations can provide a letter of invitation to support your application. Always verify current requirements with your national government's travel advice service close to departure, as conditions can change.
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