River Expedition Mbandaka to Kisangani

River Expedition Mbandaka to Kisangani

Duration
29 days
Group Size
16 people
Price
From £8245
Region
Africa
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Overview

The ultimate Congo experience – a 1,000-kilometre voyage on the mighty Congo River from the city of Mbandaka to Kisangani or vice versa. Travel is split into two separate legs; Mbandaka to Lisala and Lisala to Kisangani, with the opportunity to do the complete trip. The expedition takes in remote villages, some of the country’s important historical sights, rain forests and of course a chance to meet the local people. Experience the different sights and sounds of the real Africa as you travel through a land so few travellers have yet discovered. We travel using our river cruiser, an 18-metre-long, wooden boat, equipped with two powerful outboard engines. The boat is further equipped with safety equipment, sanitary installation, a generator, lighting and freezers. It is operated by a licensed and experienced captain, a mechanic and a sailor. A cook and a tourist guide are present throughout. Evenings and nights are spent ashore, enabling cultural exchanges with the local population. This is an incredible journey through one of the world’s least explored areas – for us this is the very essence of adventure, and we are proud to offer this iconic trip to our clients.

Highlights

Included/Excluded

Arrival and departure transfers
Overland transport throughout with professional driver
Domestic flights as shown in the itinerary
All accommodation
Services of English-speaking guide / tour leader
Meals as listed B – BreakfastL – LunchD – Dinner
Entrance fees for sites listed as part of the itinerary
International flights (contact us for expert advice and a quote)
Any airport taxes (except when included with domestic airfares)
Travel Insurance
Visa – when required
Drinks
Items of personal nature
Tips (Discretionary)

Tour Ratings

Fitness: 3/5
Unexplored: 5/5
Culture: 5/5
History: 3/5
Wildlife: 2/5
Tour-pace: 3/5
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Map and Tour Itinerary

Arrive in Kinshasa before flying to Mbandaka, the gateway to an 11-day river journey aboard a traditional wooden boat. Travel upriver through remote villages, camping nightly along the Congo River. Encounter isolated communities with little contact with the outside world. After reaching Lisala, continue on a second 10-night leg to Kisangani, passing vast river landscapes and biodiversity hotspots like Yangambi Biosphere Reserve. Explore Kisangani before flying back to Kinshasa. The tour ends with a visit to Lola Ya Bonobo Sanctuary and a city tour of Kinshasa, a vibrant capital steeped in culture and history. Tour ends on Day 29.

Itinerary Highlights
Epic Congo River Journey

Travel over 20 days along one of the world’s greatest rivers, through regions with no roads or airports, encountering remote communities and pristine landscapes rarely seen by outsiders.

Authentic Village Encounters

Camp each night near riverside villages, meeting locals who have little contact with the outside world, offering a truly raw and immersive cultural experience.

Yangambi Biosphere Reserve

Cruise through this protected area, home to 32,000 tree species and rare wildlife like elephants and river hogs, showcasing the Congo’s ecological richness.

Historic Cities: Kinshasa & Kisangani

Discover the colonial legacy, chaotic energy, and cultural heart of the DRC in Kinshasa, plus visit Kisangani’s unique Wagenia fisheries and natural falls.

Lola Ya Bonobo Sanctuary

Visit this inspiring project rescuing endangered bonobos, offering close-up encounters and insight into vital conservation efforts.

Dates and Prices

Tours & Dates
Destination Tour Code Start End Trip Status Pricing
Per person
Congo River Expedition

CRE/010825 Aug 01, 2025

Friday
Aug 29, 2025

Friday
Please Contact Us for Availability £8,245.00 Contact Us
Congo River Expedition

CRE/310726 Jul 31, 2026

Friday
Aug 28, 2026

Friday
Guaranteed £8,245.00 Book Now

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