17 days Congo river tour Itinerary

17 Days Congo River Tour Itinerary – Day by Day

Day 1: Arrival in Kinshasa – DRC

Your journey begins upon arrival at N’djili International Airport in Kinshasa, the capital city of the Democratic Republic of Congo. You will be met by a representative from Monumental Expeditions and Safaris, who will transfer you to your reserved hotel in the city.

Depending on your arrival time, you can choose an optional Kinshasa city tour (extra cost), which may include:

Visit to the National Museum of Congo
Local art markets and cultural centers
Congo River beaches
Historic landmarks
Local cuisine tasting

Overnight: Hotel in Kinshasa
🍽 Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Flight from Kinshasa to Mbandaka

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your 90-minute domestic flight to Mbandaka. This scenic flight gives you a breathtaking aerial view of the endless Congolese rainforest—one of the largest carbon sinks in the world.

Mbandaka is a crucial gateway town located along the Congo River. Upon arrival, your guide will brief you about the next phase of the journey—deep into the wilderness.

Overnight: Guesthouse in Mbandaka
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3 – 7: Congo River & Maringa River Exploration

These five days form the most adventurous part of your 17-day Congo River expedition.

You will travel by:

Small motorized boat
Traditional dugout canoes
Kayaks

Each night you will either:

Set up your own riverside bush camps
Stay with Batwa (Pygmy) communities in the forest

This phase grants you deep cultural immersion, where you get to observe indigenous practices such as:

Traditional fishing
Forest hunting
Herbal medicine gathering
Fruit and root harvesting
Fire-making and storytelling

You will finally reach the Lomako Forest Base Camp, the headquarters for bonobo research and conservation.

This region is remote, unexplored, and rich in biodiversity.

Accommodation: Tents / Community huts
🍽 Meals: All provided in the wild

Day 8 – 11: Bonobo Trekking in Lomako Forest Reserve

These days are dedicated to bonobo trekking, one of the rarest wildlife experiences on Earth. Bonobos (also known as pygmy chimpanzees) exist ONLY in the Congo Basin and are considered our closest living relatives along with chimpanzees.

With expert trackers and research guides, you will walk through thick jungle in search of bonobo families.

During your trek, you may observe:

Bonobos grooming each other
Nest building
Fruit and herb feeding
Social activities and communication
Playful group interactions

Other rare wildlife you might encounter include:

Red River Hog
Black Mangabey
Bongo Antelope
Forest Elephant
White-Bellied Pangolin
Leopard
Unique insects & rare bird species

This is an unmatched primate tracking experience, comparable to gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda.

For gorilla trekking alternatives visit

Accommodation: Forest camp
🍽 Meals: All included

Day 12 – 15: Kayaking Back to Mbandaka

On this leg of the expedition, you will slowly paddle your way back to civilization using kayaks and small boats along the Congo and Maringa Rivers.

This part of your journey allows for:

Reflection and photography
Birdwatching opportunities
Sunset and sunrise views on the river
Swimming (safe zones)
Fishing with local communities

The silence, combined with the sounds of the forest and flowing water, creates a meditative and unforgettable environment.

Overnight: Riverside camps / Mbandaka Guesthouse
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 16: Flight to Kinshasa

You will board a small charter plane from Mbandaka back to Kinshasa. On arrival, you may enjoy a relaxed evening with optional shopping, dining, or riverfront walks.

Your guide will assist you with any last-minute arrangements.

Overnight: Hotel in Kinshasa
🍽 Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 17: Departure – Flight Back Home

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the international airport in Kinshasa for your departure flight back home.

This marks the end of your 17 days Congo River expedition, one of the most remote and extraordinary adventures in Africa.

🍽 Meal: Breakfast

Best Time for a Congo River Tour

The best time to take a Congo River expedition is during the dry seasons:

June – September
December – February

These months offer better river navigation, easier trekking conditions, and improved wildlife viewing.

What to Pack for a Congo River Tour

Lightweight waterproof clothing
Long-sleeved shirts & trousers
Jungle boots
Rain jacket
Insect repellent
Sleeping bag
First-aid kit
Camera & binoculars
Water purification tablets
Headlamp / Torch

Why Book with Monumental Expeditions and Safaris?

Monumental Expeditions and Safaris is a leading East & Central Africa tour company specializing in:

✔ Congo River expeditions
✔ Gorilla trekking in Uganda & Rwanda
✔ Chimpanzee tracking
✔ African wildlife safaris
✔ Cultural & eco tours

The team offers:

Experienced jungle guides
Full safety coordination
Permit processing
High-quality equipment
Ethical tourism practices