Affordable Congo River Cruise

Duration
9 days
Price from
£3,813 pp.
Location
Republic of the Congo, Africa
Princess N Galessa ship in the water

Trip Highlights

  • Sail the Congo River
  • Visit remote indigenous villages
  • Trek Congo’s jungles to see gorillas

What's Included

  • Expert local guides
  • Daily excursions
  • 8 nights accommodation

Congo river journey

Discover the magic of the Congo as you witness ancient ceremonies, explore floating villages, and encounter gorillas in their natural habitat at the Lésio Louna Sanctuary.

This unforgettable journey takes you deep into the heart of the Congo, where ancient traditions and untouched landscapes await. Start in Brazzaville with a guided city tour, before setting off on a river cruise through one of Africa’s most remote regions. Along the way, experience different local cultures, from the Téké Kingdom’s rituals to the fishing traditions of Mossaka.

As you sail upstream, enjoy opportunities to spot incredible wildlife, including hippos and diverse birdlife, and take part in unique experiences such as crocodile hunting and a visit to the Lésio Louna Gorilla Sanctuary. This trip offers a perfect blend of cultural exploration and wildlife adventure, making it the ultimate Congo River experience.


Trip Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival in Brazzaville

Upon arrival in Brazzaville, meet your guide at the airport for a transfer to the boat. Settle into your cabin and get acquainted with the ship’s amenities as you prepare for the journey ahead. Enjoy your first evening on board, taking in the atmosphere of the Congo River.

Overnight on board.

Day 2 Arrival and Boarding

Poto Poto Congo

Start the day with a guided tour of Brazzaville, visiting the Congo Basin Museum, the Poto Poto School of Art, and the city's grand Cathedral. On your return, experience the culture of the Société des Ambianceurs et des Personnes Élégantes (SAPE), a movement celebrating style and elegance. In the afternoon, embark on your journey up the Congo River, passing rich green hills while getting to know your guides and learning more about the region.

Overnight on board.

Day 3 Téké Kingdom & Kebe Kebe Ritual

Day 4 Islands & Floating Villages

Day 5 Mossaka & Fishing Traditions

Day 6 Alima River & Moye People

Day 7 Traditional Medicine & Crocodile Hunting

Day 8 Lésio Louna Gorilla Sanctuary

Day 9 Departure

Speak to a Republic of the Congo expert today

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Alistair

Republic of the Congo Expert

When to go to the Republic of Congo

A month by month guide of when to visit the Republic of Congo

  • Best
  • Good
  • Mixed
  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

January

Hot and humid, January offers ideal conditions for travellers seeking adventure and wildlife encounters in the Republic of Congo. The equatorial north remains warm and muggy, while the centre-south experiences tropical warmth with occasional light rain. The lively landscapes make it perfect for gorilla trekking and river safaris along the Congo River. Days are often sunny, providing great photography opportunities, and the national parks are less crowded, ensuring an exclusive wildlife experience.

February

Warm and humid, February is ideal for gorilla trekking, wildlife safaris, and exploring national parks. The north remains equatorial, while the centre-south stays tropical with occasional rains. The trails are easier to navigate, and animals are active around rivers and waterholes. Clear skies make February perfect for photography and scenic boat trips along the Congo River. Birdwatchers will find a variety of species to spot, adding to the wildlife experience.

March

As the rainy season begins, March becomes wetter, with vivid greenery covering the landscapes. The equatorial north remains hot and humid, while the centre-south stays warm, making this an ideal time for nature enthusiasts. Birdwatchers can enjoy spotting migratory species, while gorilla trekking is still possible. The rivers become fuller, allowing for adventurous boat safaris, and fewer crowds make it a great time for wildlife exploration and photography.

April

As the rainy season begins, March becomes wetter, transforming the landscapes into a blooming paradise. The equatorial north remains hot and humid, while the centre-south stays warm, making this an ideal time for those who appreciate the outdoors. Birdwatchers can enjoy spotting migratory species, while gorilla trekking is still possible. The rivers become fuller, allowing for adventurous boat safaris, and fewer crowds make it a great time for wildlife exploration and photography.

May

As the rainy season continues, May is perfect for adventure travellers and nature enthusiasts. The equatorial north remains hot and humid, while the centre-south transitions towards the dry season. It’s a rewarding time for wildlife viewing, as animals move through dense vegetation. Birdwatchers can spot many nesting species, and the waterfalls are stunning, offering an immersive experience in vibrant landscapes, ideal for those who enjoy lively scenery.

June

As the rainy season ends, June offers a blend of green landscapes and fewer crowds. Temperatures cool down in the centre-south, especially along the coast, while the north stays equatorial. It’s a great time for birdwatchers, with various species present, and the rivers are ideal for scenic boat trips. Wildlife remains active, and gorilla trekking is still possible, making June an excellent choice for experiencing the Republic of Congo’s natural beauty.

July

July marks the peak of the dry season in the centre and south, with warm, sunny weather making it one of the best months to visit. The north remains humid and warm, typical of the equatorial climate. It is an ideal time for gorilla trekking, wildlife safaris, and exploring national parks. Trails become more accessible, and wildlife is easier to spot around water sources. The beaches along the Atlantic coast are perfect for relaxation, offering a mix of adventure and tranquillity.

August

August continues with warm, sunny weather in the centre and south, but temperatures are cooler than in July. This is a great month for outdoor activities like gorilla trekking, safaris, and exploring the Congo's beaches. The dry season persists, while the north stays equatorial and humid. Wildlife is abundant, with animals gathering around water sources, creating ideal conditions for safaris. Clear skies are perfect for photography, and birdwatchers can still spot a variety of species, making it a balanced month for adventure and relaxation.

September

September marks the end of the dry season in the centre and south, with weather becoming rainier and hotter. The north remains equatorial, with consistently warm and humid conditions. It’s a great time for trekking, wildlife safaris, and river adventures, as gorillas are still easier to spot. The greenery from earlier rains offers stunning photography backdrops, and fewer tourists make it ideal for those seeking quieter exploration.

October

October sees the return of the rainy season, bringing heavy rains and humid conditions, especially in the north. The centre and south also become rainier, but the beautiful landscapes begin to bloom once more. This month is perfect for jungle trekking, gorilla spotting, and enjoying rising river levels, ideal for scenic boat trips. It’s an excellent time for nature enthusiasts, with fewer tourists and plenty of wildlife activity.

November

November continues with tropical rainstorms, contrasting with sunny and warm periods, especially in the equatorial north. The landscapes remain rich and colourful, making it a great month for gorilla trekking, river safaris, and jungle adventures. Wildlife stays active, and the waterfalls are impressive. Birdwatching is rewarding, with many species visible. Despite the rains, warm temperatures make it a fantastic month for those seeking exciting, adventurous holiday experiences.

December

Warm and wet, December is part of the rainy season, transforming the Republic of Congo into a verdant paradise. Rainforests thrive with life, making gorilla trekking and jungle safaris thrilling. Rising river levels allow for scenic boat trips and wildlife viewing. This month offers a mix of adventure and serenity, making it ideal for travellers seeking an exotic holiday destination with unique experiences in both equatorial and tropical climates.

Shirley Newman

What can I say….my son and myself had the most wonderful time in Kenya thanks to the first-class itinerary that Ben and Louise put together for us. We spoke with Ben many times to ensure he ‘got it right’. This was our 2nd visit to Kenya, and it certainly lived up to our expectations and memories. We stayed in four locations, firstly at the wonderful El Karama Lodge, Laikipia Wildlife Conservancy, where we even had a visit from Ruth from Far and Wild! Then, for a return visit, to Saruni Samburu, which is absolutely stunning and still one of our favourite places in the world. Next came Basecamp Mara Camp, where we saw our first Cheetah, the only animal we didn’t see on our first visit. After that, onto the wonderful Leopards Hill in the Naiboisho Conservancy, what a way to spend the last four days of this trip. Here we finally spent many hours with a beautiful leopard. Throughout our time in Kenya, we saw many lions, giraffes, elephants, ostriches, hyenas, cheetahs, and leopards, to name just a few. Nothing was too much trouble for all the staff; we cannot have been looked after any better. Since our return again Ben phoned to see how it went in addition to emails. I would highly recommend Far and Wild; they are so knowledgeable and have personally visited the lodges and areas. We are already planning another visit, and we cannot wait.

16 Aug 2025
Elizabeth Spells

I have just returned from the most amazing trip to Tanzania, booked with Far & Wild. Everything went so smoothly from the first time I spoke with them. The planning was great, the itinerary was perfect for us, and the lodges were amazing. We spent 10 nights with an amazing guide, travelling through Northern Tanzania and even got to see the migration, which was a lifetime ambition of mine. This wasn't our first safari, so we were nervous as to how it would compare, but it was spot on. We're particularly grateful that she suggested a private 'bush lunch' in the Ngorongoro Crater as the public picnic spot was very busy! I will certainly be using them again to book our next trip....we're thinking of a relaxing beach stay next time to get over the excitement of safari!

17 Sept 2025
Orla Rhodes

Just back from another amazing F&W organised trip to Namibia with the family (8 adults). Having been there before, Alistair tailored our trip to include our favourite locations and added a new one for us, Okonjima Plains camp, which we loved.The quality of accommodation and guiding, activities, food and drinks was exceptional throughout. Although not inexpensive I felt it was good value for the level of luxury we had. Kwessi Dunes, Shipwreck lodge, Ongava, Okonjima with pit stops Windhoek (city tour recommended ), Swakopmund (Sandwich Harbour and Walvis Bay tour) and Grootberg lodge (best sundowner drive )

31 Jul 2024
Arnhild Schia

We had a wonderful trip to São Tomé and Príncipe - a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea with paradise (almost empty) beaches and jungle forest. It was all well organised by Far and Wild and we stayed at Omali lodge at Sao Tome, then on Roca Sundy, and Sunday Praia at Principe - a great combination of different types of resorts/hotels. Omali is close to Sao Tome town with its colonial buildings, markets, hustle and bustle. Roca Sunday gives an old plantation experience and Sundy Praia a luxury beach experience. Very friendly (from time to time a bit slow) service, great fresh food, specifically if you like fish/seafood, vegetables and fruits (almost all sourced locally). Nice temperature between 23 and 30 degrees Celsius, nice swimming conditions. We really recommend this for those who want to experience a pristine destination with few other tourists and friendly and welcoming people. The islands also feel (and I believe are) very safe. At Principe, there are no dangerous animals, snakes or whatever, and it was great to be able to hike in the jungle without being very conscious of where to put your hands and feet. Go before everyone else does!

3 Jul 2024
Henri Papenfus

Back home again, basking in the joys of a superb safari. Every aspect you arranged for us, including linking up with Mack Air and Wild Horizons locally to transport us. The choice of camps, Camp Hwange in Zimbabwe and Muchenenje Safari Lodge in Botswana, was spot on and exactly what we had hoped for - ideally situated, comfortable, in good surroundings, and with excellent wildlife on the doorstep and throughout the wider country. The service staff in each looked after us very well, catering was excellent, and the game guides were professional, knowledgeable and helpful. The weather was, as usual for that part of the world, also good at the time of our visit. Blue skies and stunning sunsets. Warm but not too hot during the day, although quite cold at sunrise when viewing game. The viewing started. You made us happy, and we recommend you to similar safari enthusiasts with confidence.

28 Jun 2024
AC

Far and Wild went above and beyond to make sure my trip to Zambia was special. I would definitely recommend them and their services to anyone wanting to travel to Africa.

5 Jun 2024
Tiny

Lovely holiday at the amazing Almanara on Galu beach, a beach like no other. Far and Wild excelled themselves from beginning to end of our holiday in beautiful Kenya.... What a country!,

5 Jun 2024
Stodge

Wow! These guys are amazing. Can’t recommend them highly enough. Friendly AND efficient! Sorted out our trip (last minute and lots of different family member needs, sorry!) in record time and everything worked like clockwork. Trip of a lifetime to the Masai Mara. Will be back (and use F&W again!)!

5 Jun 2024
Fiona C

It was a dreamy holiday on the Kenyan Coast - Far and Wild, their efficiency and professionalism allowed us to relax and be the happiest family alive !! We cannot fault them, their care and understanding of what we wanted from a holiday ensured we had the most memorable trip. We will be booking with them again for sure!

5 Jun 2024

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