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)29 daysMax 12 travellersSolo-friendly

Congo River Expedition

A 29-day, 1,000-kilometre wooden-boat voyage deep into the roadless heart of the Congo, from Mbandaka to Kisangani.

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About this journey

What to expect on this trip

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.

The journey

Congo River Expedition

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: Gateway to the River
Founded by explorer H.M. Stanley in 1883, Mbandaka is the most important city between Kinshasa and Kisangani and the launching point for the expedition. The team boards the 18-metre wooden boat here, equipped with twin outboard engines, safety gear, a generator, and freezers, before heading upriver into terrain without roads or airports.
Congo River First Leg: Village Life Along the Banks
The nine-night upriver journey from Mbandaka to Lisala passes through remote communities where people buy and sell produce from small boats that criss-cross the river. Each night camp is set up ashore close to a village, where fresh provisions are purchased and dinner prepared in tented camps two metres in height.
Lisala: Midpoint and Mobutu's Hometown
Lisala marks the expedition's midpoint and is the former hometown of President Mobutu. It serves as a natural pause where some travellers depart while others continue on the second leg of the voyage.
Bumba and the River at Its Widest
Passing through Bumba on the second leg, the Congo River stretches to its greatest breadth — some 20 kilometres across — covered with water hyacinths. This stretch of the river offers a striking sense of the waterway's enormous scale.
Yangambi Biosphere Reserve
The route passes Yangambi, an important Biosphere Reserve that hosts 32,000 tree species. Wildlife in the reserve includes elephant, river hog, and monkeys, providing a rare encounter with the Congo Basin's extraordinary biodiversity.
Kisangani: Tshopo Falls and Wagenia Fisheries
Kisangani's historic attractions include the Tshopo River Falls and the Wagenia fisheries, set up in the middle of the rapids. Fishing is carried out by means of a complex structure of wooden frames set amongst the rocks to trap the fish — a tradition unique to this stretch of the Congo.

Full itinerary · 29 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	27 Aug 2027	Guaranteed	£8,245	—	Book now

Departure
30 Jul 2027 → 27 Aug 2027
Guaranteed
From
£8,245 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 (except included with any 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 Expedition. 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 Expedition 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.

Customise this tour

More to explore

More tours in Congo (DRC)

Congo River Journey – (Part 1) Mbandaka to Lisala

Congo River Journey – (Part 1) Mbandaka to Lisala

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.

From

£6,395

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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