The Great River Congo: Between Brazzaville and Oyo

Transfer to the airport for departure. Option to extend the trip:

Coastal city of Pointe-Noire and the Tchimpounga chimpanzee sanctuary (3 days)  
Track bonobos from Oyo (3 days).
Odzala-Kokoua National Park (4 days).

We disembark in the morning for a 6.5-hour bus journey back to Brazzaville. We arrive in the evening.
Dinner and overnight in a 5-star hotel.

We continue navigating the Alima River, passing charming raffia villages. Later, we reach Mondongo, a village home to the Moye people. Gislain explains the local pharmacopoeia, and we learn how villagers use plants for traditional medicine.
We reach the town of Oyo in the night.
Night on board.

We visit the camp of Mbam, a settlement where Rwandans, Zairians, and Congolese have made their home. We meet Mr. Mokole, who collects palm wine using gourds attached to palm trees, and taste it.

Next, we visit the fishing camp of Ekouli Pouri on the Likouala Mossaka River, learning about the life of its few inhabitants, the Likoualas. We return to the ship and navigate towards the Alima River.

In the evening, we meet the Moye people, who prepare a dance by the river.
Night on board.

In the morning, we leave on launch boats to observe hippos. In the afternoon, we explore the Sangha River on kayaks, passing fishing villages and ancient trees. Depending on the season, we may see emblematic birds like ospreys, fish eagles, and kingfishers.
Night on board.

Today, we visit the fairground market of Lukolela, where villagers gather to trade their products. These markets are social gatherings where friends and families meet.
We then navigate through marshes to reach Likendze village on the Sangha River. Here, we learn various fishing techniques, and those interested can try their hand at line fishing. The day ends with a traditional village dance performance.
Night on board.

In the morning, we explore the city of Mossaka. Guided by Jean de Dieu, we visit remnants of the colonial era, a bustling local market, and alleys where salted fish dryers are installed, learning about the region's traditional fish preservation techniques.
We return to the ship for lunch and continue navigating to Lukolela.
Night on board.

We explore the communities and villages along the river. Based on the day of the week, we can stroll through local markets to experience daily life.
From the observation deck, we watch the fascinating whaleboats and flat-bottomed transport barges that travel along the Congo River, transporting goods, people, and livestock. These floating villages play a crucial role in the economy and life of the Congo River communities.
If the weather allows, we may bivouac on a sandbank amidst the islands.
Night on board.

In the morning, we reach the estuary of the Lefini River, a popular spot for hippos. We leave the ship on launch boats to observe these majestic mammals, return for lunch, and continue our ascent. The Congo River widens considerably, forming a maze of islands where fishing villages are established during the dry season.
Night on board.

We leave early in the morning on a 3-hour drive to the Lesio Louna reserve, part of the Congolese gorilla protection program (PPG). On a motorboat, we set off on the Louna River to reach the islands where rescued gorillas live during their adaptation period. Once they can feed themselves, they will be released into the park.
We then continue down the Louna River to observe hippos. After spending time with these fascinating primates, we return to the ship by 4x4 for another 3-hour drive.
Night on board.

In the morning, we visit Ngabe, one of the ancient capitals of the Téké kingdom. We ascend through the village to visit the current queen. As the guardian of "Nkwembali," the spiritual deity of the Batéké, she is authorized to transfer power to the new king, the Makoko. She holds significant influence in the Téké kingdom.
After lunch on board, we return to the village to witness a Kebe Kebe ritual, which includes a dance and an initiatory society. The dance resembles whirling dervishes wrapped in raffia robes, manipulating a puppet generally representing a painted Kayo head.
Night on board.

In the morning, we set out to explore the city, visiting the Congo Basin Museum, the Poto Poto School, and the Cathedral, finishing with the famous "La Sape" (Society of Ambiance-Makers and Elegant People).
Then, we begin the long journey up the Congo River through a landscape of green hills. We take advantage of the first miles to get to know our guides and learn about the Congo.
Night on board.