A trip off the tourist track, for real travellers
A trip to the Democratic Republic of Congo requires strong motivation and an excellent spirit of adaptation. The ethnographic treasures that this country holds are not easily accessible, the organisation and logistics are complex and often, to be repaid for the efforts made during the expedition, a pinch of luck will be required (trying as much as possible to meet isolated ethnic groups and to participate in spontaneous ceremonies).
Local companies will be used (those in the DR. Congo are all on the black list), there will be long transfers, we will often be travelling on uneven tracks, navigation on the river will be subject to bad weather (heat, humidity, sudden rains), food (special dietary needs cannot be guaranteed) and accommodation (in some cases, the only solution will be to pitch our own igloo tents) will be those available in these remote areas, we will have to wait patiently at the checkpoints, we will have to adapt to the inevitable changes in itinerary … in short, an experience for ‘real travellers’ who are not deterred by the complexity of the African reality, aware that the possibility of being able to spend a few hours in the remote camps of the Babongo Pygmies, or to meet the Walé women, are privileges reserved for the few, and precious gifts that will certainly make up for the hardships of the journey.
Single departure 2026 with Therese Redaelli.
Day 1: Friday 14 August 2026
Outward flight/Kinshasa (FIH)
Day 2: Saturday 15 August 2026
Kinshasa
The bonobo reserve and voodoo wrestling, a unique form of combat that combines physical strength, acrobatics, and the influence of voodoo rituals.
Day 3: Sunday 16 August 2026
Kinshasa/Kisantu/Mbanza-Ngungu
The Kisantu Botanical Garden and the colonial town of Mbanza-Ngungu, formerly Thysville.
Day 4: Monday 17 August 2026
Mbanza-Ngungu/Kinshasa
Meeting with the Tata Gonda sect, the “Franciscans of the Tropics.”
Day 5: Tuesday 18 August 2026
Kinshasa
The Ethnographic Museum, the Mobutu’s Palace-Pagoda, and the encounter with the sapeurs.
Day 6: Wednesday 19 August 2026
Kinshasa (FIH)/Flight/Mbandaka (MDK)
Religious ceremonies of the Nzambe Ya Bakoko cult, the “spirit of the ancestors.”
Day 7: Thursday 20 August 2026
Mbandaka/Navigation on the Congo river/Lolanga
Navigation on the Congo River and the Lokele fishing villages.
Day 8: Friday 21 August 2026
Lolanga/Navigation on the Congo river/Lompoko/Balumbe Forest
The Lompoko Kingdom of the Ngombe tribe, and trekking in the Balumbe Forest.
Day 9: Saturday 22 August 2026
Balumbe Forest
A day in the forest with the Balumbe, the “Pygmy sorcerers.”
Day 10: Sunday 23 August 2026
Balumbe Forest/Lompoko/Navigation on the Congo river/Mbandaka
Navigation on the Congo River back to Mbandaka.
Day 11: Monday 24 August 2026
Mbandaka/Mooto/Bikoro
Meeting with the Ntomba tribe and the mysterious Walé women.
Day 12: Tuesday 25 August 2026
Bikoro/Mbandaka
The Batwa Pygmy villages and the decaying colonial architecture of Mbandaka.
Day 13: Wednesday 26 August 2026
Mbandaka (MDK)/Flight/Kinshasa (FIH)
Return to the Congolese capital.
Day 14: Thursday 27 August 2026
Kinshasa (FIH)/Return flight
There are no extensions for this tour, please contact us at info@kanaga-at.com.
