The Great Ascent of the Congo and Sangha Rivers: From Brazzaville to Ouesso in 12 Days

Arrival in Brazzaville. Boarding the ship.

In the morning, we set out to explore the city and meet with La Sape – Society of Ambiance-Makers and Elegant People. Then begin the long journey up the Congo River through a landscape of green hills. Behind us, Brazzaville; ahead, the forest. We take advantage of the first miles to get to know our guides and learn about the history of Congo.

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, Ngalifourou. As the guardian of “Nkwembali,” the spiritual deity of the Batéké, she is the person authorised to transfer power to the new king, the Makoko. She holds significant influence in the Téké kingdom, one of the powerful kingdoms in the country. We witness a kébé kébé ritual. By the end of the day, we reach the estuary of the Lefini, which borders the kingdom. Hippopotamuses bask in the sun. We observe. 

The Congo River widens considerably (more than 10 km) and a maze of islands forms. Fishing villages are established here during the dry season. We arrive at the confluence of 5 rivers, in a vast marshland area. Dozens of bird species are visible. Further along, we observe hippopotamuses. We reach the fishing village of Mossaka, known throughout the country for its smoked fish. We discover remnants of the colonial era and we meet the village’s sages.

In the morning we reach the Likouala Aux Herbes estuary on launch boats to observe some of the most emblematic birds of the Congo Basin. The Congo Basin has more than 350 bird species  including the Black-chinned Weaver, and the Congo Wheatear. Also large enigmatic species such as the Black-bellied Bustard and the Senegal Bustard and favourite forest species such as the Gray Parrot and various species of hornbills and turacos, kingfishers. Following Joseph Conrad’s steps, we definitely leave the plains behind and enter the tropical forest!

In the morning, we cross the equator. We find ourselves in the heart of the vast tropical forest. It’s the baptism of the Line! Along the way, we stop at a fishing camp. We learn various fishing techniques, about the river’s fish, and the process of fish smoking. In the evening, we reach the village of Pikounda, where we meet the Chief of the Lands, the traditional leader of the Bongili people, who shares stories of the country.

In the early morning, we sail up the Mangui River on launch boats. The Mangui River makes the northern border of the Ntokou Pikounda National park which became famous when, 2015 WWF rediscovered a small red monkey called the Bouvier’s red colobus thought to be extinct. Though hard to see, other small monkeys may be observed such as the talapoin. There are also tales of a distant sighting of a dinosaur: the Mokele Mbembe.

We then visit Pikounda. The village was once a trading post that flourished with the activities of Mr. Truchot. We explore the different neighbourhoods, the old colonial buildings, and the process of cocoa transformation, from the pod to cocoa butter and the corn wine highly esteemed in the region.

Sailing towards Tokou. In the early hours of the day, navigation on the dark waters of the Ndoki and observation of majestic birds. We then meet the indigenous people (Pygmies). They are among the last hunter-gatherer groups in the world. In the forest, in small groups, we share their daily lives: gathering fruits and plants, collecting medicinal herbs, building a hut, making mats or baskets, and learning polyphonic singing. We experience their century-old way of life and discover their incredible symbiosis with the forest. Our visit concludes with a Ndzengi ceremony, where the Pygmies sing and dance.

Immersion in the Sangha Tri national
Situated in the north-western Congo Basin, where Cameroon, Central African Republic and Congo meet, the site encompasses three contiguous national parks totaling around 750,000 ha. Much of the site is unaffected by human activity and features a wide range of humid tropical forest ecosystems with rich flora and fauna, including Nile crocodiles and goliath tigerfish, a large predator. Forest clearings support herbaceous species and Sangha is home to considerable populations of forest elephants, critically endangered western lowland gorilla, and endangered chimpanzee. To be as discreet as possible, our group will be divided into three subgroups.

In the morning we reach Ouesso, the capital town of the Sangha District. We head towards Bayanga on launch boats. Along the way, we observe the many birds of the region and fishing camps along the river. We arrive in the afternoon at our lodge for a nice sundowner overlooking the Sangha.

Early in the morning we will visit the famous Dzangha Bai. Known as the Elephant Village, up to 150 elephants can be spotted in a day. Sitting high up in the trees we will have a chance to spot many animals including buffalos, bongos, sitatunga, cephalophus etc. We take the time to observe the animals from the platform before returning to our lodge.

Departure in the morning for the seven baïs called Hokous baïs. During these walks we have the chance to see a variety of animals including elephants, gorillas, cephalophores, forest hogs and many birds. During our walk, our BaAka trackers will find the groups Agile Mangabeys followed by the scientists. These silver-grey monkeys exhibit remarkable gracefulness as they navigate the forest canopy with ease, using their long limbs and prehensile tails. Agile Mangabeys are highly social creatures, often engaging in playful behaviours such as chasing each other, leaping through the trees, and engaging in mock battles. They communicate through a diverse range of vocalisations, including chirps, squeals, and grunts, which play a crucial role in maintaining social bonds and coordinating group activities. 

We return to the boat on launch boat. Based on weather conditions and time, we will visit the war monument at Mbiru where French and German fought for colonisation of the Congo during the Franco-Prussian war. We will then walk through the pristine primary forest with cathedral canopy, discover a variety of ecosystems and rejuvenated forest.

Sailing towards Ouesso. Disembarkation at 10 am to reach the airport and then fly to Brazzaville. Through the portholes, we see the canopy. Such a view of one of the largest forests in the world will stay in our memory forever. Departure in the evening by Air France flight to Paris, departure 7:25 pm.

Itineraries are subject to change.