Kinshasa Fleuve Congo Hotel

Upon arrival at Ndjili International airport, you will be greeted by our representative who will assist with airport formalities and customs clearance. Once you have collected your luggage, you will be escorted to your private vehicle for the transfer to the hotel, which may take approximately one hour depending on traffic. After checking in at the Fleuve Congo Hotel, you will receive a briefing on the itinerary for the following day, followed by dinner and overnight stay.

Kinshasa Kin Plaza Arjaan

After breakfast, we will depart from Kinshasa and head north to the home of the Bonobos, also known as the Pygmy Chimpanzees, at the northern part of the city. The sanctuary, known as « Lola Ya Bonobo » or « The Bonobo Paradise, » houses a large group of these endangered primates. The Bonobos are known for their high levels of sexual behavior which is used for conflict resolution, affection, social status, and stress reduction. After visiting the sanctuary, we will stop by the nearby Lukaya Ma Vallée Lake before returning to Kinshasa for lunch.

Kinshasa – Zongo Seli Safari Lodge

Today, we will head to the Zongo waterfalls, located near the city of Kisantu, approximately 140km from Kinshasa. The falls, which reach a height of 65m, offer a spectacular cascade and are a popular tourist attraction. Along the way, we will pass through picturesque landscapes and encounter various cultures and habitats with opportunities for photographs. We will arrive at the Seli Safari Lodge in the late morning/early afternoon, and check-in for lunch and overnight stay.

Zongo – Kisantu – Kinshasa Hotel du Fleuve Congo

After an early morning visit to the Zongo waterfalls, we depart from the Seli Safari Lodge and head towards the picturesque town of Kisantu, located approximately 70km away. The drive to Kisantu will take us through unpaved, but well-maintained roads, and offers scenic views of the local habitats and cultures. Upon arrival in Kisantu, we will take a tour of the town, which is known for its colonial past and numerous Belgian-colonial style buildings made of metallic armature or baked earth bricks. One of the main highlights of Kisantu is the impressive cathedral, which is built in the old Roman style and sits on a hilltop. We will also visit the fresh food market, where you can see a variety of tropical fruits grown locally.

We will then drive to the Insinki River, which is the opening mouth of the Congo River, and visit the hydroelectric dam and the famous Botanical Garden of Kisantu. The garden, which was founded in 1900 by Jesuit Brother Reverend Gullet, is home to over 200 species of plants, both endemic and non-endemic. After spending the morning exploring Kisantu, we will return to Kinshasa, which is about 3-4 hours drive from Kisantu.

Kinshasa – Mbamou Island – Kinshasa Hotel du Fleuve Congo

After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, we will embark on a journey to the port of Kinkole, located about 22km east of Kinshasa. Here, we will board a motorized boat for a breathtaking ride over the majestic Congo River. The river is the second largest in Africa and the deepest in the world, providing an awe-inspiring experience.

As we cruise along the river, we will have the opportunity to visit the famous Kinkole fish market, renowned for its wide variety of slow-water fish species. The market offers an abundance of fresh, smoked, cooked, fried, and salted fish, providing a unique and delicious culinary experience. Visitors can sample a variety of fish dishes and explore the vibrant market atmosphere.

During the boat ride, we will also have the chance to visit the fishermen villages that line the banks of the river and explore the series of islets dotted along the river, including the Mbamou Island. The island is known for its rich biodiversity and cultural heritage, offering a glimpse into the traditional way of life of the local communities. Visitors can learn about the local customs, culture, and traditions and may even participate in local activities such as fishing or canoeing.