CONGO BASIN 2025

An epic adventure to walk in the footsteps of the great explorers through the pristine rainforest of the Congo Basin, one of the last remote and pristine ecosystems in Africa—the second-largest rainforest in the world and one of Africa’s oldest national parks. Established in 1935, the Republic of the Congo is a tapestry of pristine forests, savannahs, rivers, and bais. It is the trans frontier park overlapping Gabon, Congo, and Cameroon, known as the left lung of the world. 

You will experience thrilling days of discoveries of rare and endangered wildlife with over 450 bird species and 100 mammal species. The basin is home to the Western Lowland Gorilla, chimpanzee, Forest elephants, bongo, colobus monkeys, dwarf forest buffalo, red river hogs, and one of the greatest flocks of African Grey Parrots. With only 75km of road in 1.4 million hectares, this safari is a true adventure that will take place by boat, kayak, on foot, and in private-use game drive vehicles where we can spend as much time out as we wish between sunrise and sundown!  

The spirit of the environment is found in the local communities. There will be opportunities to visit the local villages and communities, such as the Ba’Aka community, who live a hunter-gatherer lifestyle.  

If you want an adventure to experience one of the last remote, pristine, extraordinary, under-visited places left on earth, GRAB A SPOT QUICKLY!!!

Itinerary

Day 1 April 22, 2025- ARRIVAL BRAZZAVILLE

Located along the banks of the Congo River, the deepest in the world, the capital city is bustling with colorful markets, vibrant arts, and culture. Most surprisingly, Brazzaville is considered one of the safest cities in the world! After arrival at Maya-Maya International Airport, you will be collected by our representative and transferred privately to your hotel.

Accommodations: M’Bamou Palace Hotel (Radisson Blu)

Day 2 April 23, 2025- BRAZZAVILLE

Brazzaville is an endearing introduction to the culture and cuisine of the Republic of Congo. The vibrant street scene is a kaleidoscope of colors that includes Marche Plateo Ville, St Anne’s Basilica, and the famous Poto-Poto Textile Market. After a day of exploration, we will be treated to a special Sapeurs experience.  Known as dandies or fashionistas, the Sapeurs sophisticated eccentricity of dress began as an act of resistance, claiming ownership of what were originally colonial dress styles. We will enjoy dinner on the town enjoying the local cuisine

Accommodations: M’Bamou Palace Hotel (Radisson Blu) B

Day 3 – April 24, 2025

Rise early for breakfast and transfer to the airport to catch our flight to the Congo basin. Let the adventure begin! On arrival, we will be met by the team and safari through the park’s savanna and rainforest to our lodge.

Our lodge is a focal point for world-class primate research and unforgettable primate encounters. The research team has spent the past few decades in the forest, navigating its trails and understanding its rhythms. We will have the opportunity to share in their knowledge and experience this intact rainforest thriving with life.

In the early evening, we will gather around the fire for a conservation and gorilla track briefing to prepare us to set on foot early in the morning in search of the Western Lowland gorillas.

Day 4 – 6 – April 25 – 27, 2025

We will spend the next three days searching for the Western Low Land Gorillas in the forest. Trekking here is not difficult because we are on level ground.

Day 7 – 10 April 28 – May 1, 2025

We will rise slowly and enjoy a delicious breakfast before embarking on a road transfer through the park to our following location (2 hours).  This location is about getting up close with nature, walking in the footsteps of elephants on well-worn trails through streams, bays, and forests.  We can set off in Kayaks, get wet and muddy walking through steams on foot, or seek drier adventures in the forest surrounding the bai.

Our lodge, situated on the edge of Lango Bai, offers one of the most arresting views of any camp in Africa; wraparound walkways and elevated chalets maximize the views. Watch flocks of green pigeons coming to roost and forest buffalo grazing, and you may encounter an elusive bongo or forest elephant; you may also hear chimps call in the distance.

Day 11-12 May 2-4, 2025

After breakfast, we will safari to our last destination. Set along the Likeni River, which leads into a network of waterways with surrounding savannas, our lodge sits where the forest meets the savanna. Here, we will be doing boat safaris looking for colorful birdlife, forest elephants, buffalo, spotted hyenas, charismatic monkeys, and the shy bongo antelope. We can also enjoy walking safari or kayaking through some of the Congo Basin’s most beautiful habitats.

Day 13 May 5, 2025

After breakfast, we will safari through the savanna to the airstrip for our private flight back to Brazzaville to connect with our international flights. Dayrooms are included.

 

 

Important Details

  • The Price – Congo Expedition

    The price of this ultimate wildlife safari is $21,995.00 based on shared accommodations.

    Single accommodations may be available, are extremely limited, and cannot be confirmed until the trip is sold out. Priority will be given to the request in the order received on the registration form

    A USD $5,000.00 Non-refundable deposit is due at the time of registration to secure your spot. We stronglyrecommend purchasing travel insurance to cover your investment. Many travel insurance companies will allow you to purchase insurance to cover your deposit and increase the amount as you make payments.

    *** The cost of this safari is based on a minimum of 7 participants. If there are less than 7 participants, a fee of $1,295.00 will apply.

    Payment Terms

    • USD $5,000.00 non-refundable deposit to confirm your place on this expedition
      • 2nd payment of USD $7,500.00 + single supplement (if applicable) is due May 1, 2024
    • Final payment/balance is due August 30, 2024
      • We highly recommend trip and cancellation insurance.

     Included

    • 12 nights’ accommodations on a shared basis
    • Beverages, local spirits, wine, beer, laundry in all the camps
    • All meals staring on Day 3-12 and breakfast on day 2 and 13
    • 2 in-country character flights
    • 3 gorilla permits
    • Conservation, park and community fees
    • City tour and Sapeurs Expeirence
    • Letter of invitation
    • Airport transfers on arrival date and departure date
    • Medical Evacuation to the nearest city

    Not Included

    • International flights
    • Visa
    • Travel and Medical insurance
    • Personal purchases (including shopping, spirits, laundry, internet fees, phone calls, etc.)
    • Accommodations before or after the tour
    • Transportation before the arrival or departure date of the itinerary
    • REGISTRATION AND DEPOSIT

      If you are excited to join this safari, now is the time to secure your spot.  Use the buttons below to fill out your online e-registration form and to make your deposit. We must receive your completed registration form and deposit/s to confirm your spot.

      Registration form
      Please complete all the required fields. At the end of the form, you will be asked to confirm your email address, which will complete the registration. A copy of your registration will be emailed to you and Piper Mackay Photo Safaris.

      Deposit
      Click the deposit button under the registration button to make your deposit. You do not need a PayPal account to use this payment service. You may make more than one deposit at a time by changing the quantity on the purchase details that will come up once you click the deposit button.

Registration & Deposit

ONLY 1 SPOT LEFT

    Dates & Prices

  • Date(s): Apr 22nd - May 5th, 2025
  • Price: $21,995.00 USD
  • Tour Deposit: $5,000.00 USD
  • Participants: 6
Trip Leader: Piper Mackay

Accommodations

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Congo- River Experiences (12)
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