How many travellers will be in my group?

Maximum 12 travellers — that's the cap on every Undiscovered Destinations small-group tour. Small enough to eat in a local family home; large enough to share the wonder with other like-minded travellers.

Yes — there's no compulsory single supplement on our small-group tours. You get your own room at no extra cost. About 60% of UD travellers come solo, so you'll be in good company.

How fit do I need to be?

Fitness requirements vary by itinerary, from gentle to demanding. The day-by-day tour dossier sets out walking distances, terrain and any altitude so you know what to expect. If you have specific concerns, speak to our team before booking — they can talk you through a typical day.

When are the next departures?

The next available departures are 30 July 2027. See the "Choose your departure" table further up the page for the full schedule and per-departure pricing.

What's included in the tour price?

Included items vary by tour — see the full list above. On this trip, expect: Arrival and departure transfers; Overland transport throughout with professional driver; Domestic flights as shown in the itinerary; and more. International flights and travel insurance are not included.

Where exactly does this trip go?

This tour visits Congo (DRC). Each destination has its own page with practical information, climate, and the attractions our specialists recommend — linked from the itinerary above.

Congo (DRC)17 daysMax 12 travellersSolo-friendly

Congo River Journey – (Part 1) Mbandaka to Lisala

A nine-night wooden boat expedition through roadless Congo rainforest, sleeping ashore in remote villages rarely reached by outsiders.

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About this journey

What to expect on this trip

The Congo River oozes an alluring mystery that few other places can equal. Explore its hidden secrets on a two-week Congo guided trip from Mbandaka to Lisala, passing villages that have little contact with the outside world and camping overnight on its banks. 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. There are few trips that can match this adventure.

The journey

Congo River Journey – (Part 1) Mbandaka to Lisala

What makes this trip special

Drawn from the full tour dossier — the standout days, encounters and views our specialists keep coming back to.

Your route

The highlights

Mbandaka – Stanley's River Port on the Equator
Mbandaka, formerly Coquilhatville, is the capital of Equator Province and the expedition's starting point. Founded by HM Stanley in 1883, the bustling river port retains a stone placed by Stanley to mark his equator crossing. The town connects the modern journey to the first charting of the Congo River.
Nine-Night Congo River Voyage by Wooden Boat
The expedition travels upriver through vast roadless territory aboard an 18-metre wooden boat equipped with outboard engines, safety gear, sanitary facilities, and a generator. An experienced captain, mechanic, cook, and English-speaking guide accompany travellers through remote areas with minimal outside contact. The Congo River measures nearly 3,000 miles and ranks as the second-most powerful and deepest river in the world.
Produce Trading and Community Encounters on the River
Along the river, travellers witness daily life largely untouched by tourism, including produce trading from small boats and spontaneous community encounters. The river serves as a vital lifeline through territory that has no roads, giving access to communities rarely visited by outsiders. These genuine interactions form the cultural core of the voyage.
Riverside Camping Near Remote Villages
Each night the group camps ashore near villages in large comfortable tents equipped with mattresses and pillows. Camping on the riverbank enables direct cultural exchanges with local communities. The remote setting places travellers far from any tourist infrastructure.
Lisala – Midpoint Town and Mobutu's Hometown
Lisala marks the journey's endpoint and lies at the midpoint between Mbandaka and Kisangani. The town is notable as the birthplace and hometown of former President Mobutu. Arrival in Lisala is followed by a transfer to the airport for a scheduled flight back to Kinshasa.
Lola Ya Bonobo Sanctuary, Kinshasa
On the penultimate day, travellers visit the Lola Ya Bonobo sanctuary outside Kinshasa, which rehabilitates up to 60 endangered bonobos rescued from poaching and the bushmeat trade. The sanctuary spans 75 acres of primary forest and runs award-winning educational programmes. The visit is followed by an exploration of Kinshasa's markets and buildings.

Full itinerary · 17 days

Free — no sign-up

Dates & prices

Choose your departure

Reserve your place with a £350 per-person deposit; the balance is due 70 days before departure. Prefer your own space? A single room is available on every departure.

Departs	Returns	Status	Price pp	Single supp.
30 Jul 2027	15 Aug 2027	Available	£6,395	—	Book now

Departure
30 Jul 2027 → 15 Aug 2027
Available
From
£6,395 pp
Book now

Can’t find the right fit?

Every one of our Congo (DRC) journeys can be rebuilt around your dates, pace and interests — or we’ll design something entirely new.

Tailor my trip

What's included

What your tour price covers

Included in the price

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
Entrance fees for sites listed as part of the itinerary

Budget separately for

International flights (, contact , us, for expert advice and a quote)
Any airport taxes (xcept when included with domestic airfares)
Travel Insurance
Visa – when required
Drinks
Items of personal nature
Tips (Discretionary)

Before you go

Essential information

Shared across all tours that visit this destination. Read alongside your individual tour dossier for trip-specific details.

Foreign Office travel advice

We monitor FCDO travel advice regularly and will inform clients of any relevant changes before departure. At the time of writing, the FCDO advises against travel to parts of eastern DRC; however, these areas are not included in our tours. Our routes operate along the Congo River between Kinshasa, Mbandaka, Lisala, Bumba and Kisangani. British travellers should check the latest Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) travel advice for the Democratic Republic of the Congo before departure, while nationals of other countries should consult the travel advice issued by their own government.

Voices from the road

What travellers say about us

Independently verified reviews from travellers who joined Congo River Journey – (Part 1) Mbandaka to Lisala. Rated 4.9 Excellent on AITO by 250+ reviewers.

“I liked out boat. I liked camping. I had a great time and I think the crew worked hard all the time and were attentive to our needs. Could the boat been a fancier boat? Sure. But I don't think I would have enjoyed it as much.”

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Janet Roton, UK

“Spending a couple of weeks on the Congo River was an amazing experience that has stayed with me for a long time after. Visiting places where few tourists ever come, meeting the local people, getting the feel of the river, experiencing a very different culture, helpful and enjoyable crew, and a very experienced tour leader - it all made it more than worthwhile.”

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Martin Anderson, UK

“Your partner did an admirable job in a very challenging environment. Accommodation was perfectly adequate or better. A lifelong memory. The transport was the destination. Your warnings & disclaimers helped to ground expectations. Delivered professionally. Without UD I would never have attempted such a trip so thank you! ”

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Ken Nathanson, Hong Kong

“The Congo river trip with your local partner can only be possible with the benefit of their long experience. A truly special experience within all the uncertainties and variables that the region will throw up - they are responsive, resourceful and resilient, allowing the client to relax and observe.”

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Martin Giles, UK

“Jason was very helpful and the booking process was quick and easy. UD offers itineraries that many competitors do not. I thoroughly enjoyed both trips I've taken with them. While they may not suit everyone, I have happily recommended the Senegal tour to fellow travellers.”

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Bernice Hird, UK

Helped by Jason van der Wath

“Excellent customer service, reliable itineraries and ability to solve local issues when they arise”

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Gustavo Musto, Uruguay

“I like the small size of groups, the range of destinations and excellent itineraries. This is my third holiday with your company and I have found your itineraries really good.”

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Traveller from the UK

“Excellent company to book with. Complex tour mostly delivered as per itinerary with professional and pleasant local representatives. ”

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Adam Choonara, UK

“I really appreciated Jason's help in answering all of my many questions re: Senegal trip in December 2025. I have a physical disability and I had a lot of accessibility questions for Jason! He was a true professional and was very supportive, warm and friendly and helped me a lot in making my decision to go ahead with the Senegal trip. I would like to thank Jason particularly for this service. I truly appreciate it and I am very thankful.”

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Ramnit Bassi, UK

Helped by Jason van der Wath

“Undiscovered Destinations is able to find wonderful support staff and will go to the far corners of the earth.”

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Patricia Taylor, UK

Want to customise this tour?

Make Congo River Journey – (Part 1) Mbandaka to Lisala your own — adjust the route, dates, pace or who travels, or start from a blank page with a specialist. We'll bring the details of this trip straight into your enquiry.

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More to explore

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Congo River Journey – (Part 2) Lisala to Kisangani

Congo River Journey – (Part 2) Lisala to Kisangani

The ultimate Congo experience – a voyage on the mighty Congo River from the city of Lisala to Kisangani. 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 small group Congo (DRC) tour to our clients.

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Congo River Expedition

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 Congo (DRC) trip to our clients.

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