EXTENSIONS

EXTENSIONS
- Between 1 day and 5 days: in Pointe Noire, the DRC or the Central African Republic
CLIMATE
- Average temperature 26°C.
- Tropical rain and daily sunshine
- Time GMT+1
EXTENSIONS IN CONGO AND NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES
As a key operator of tourism in Congo, we can offer you the following extensions but also tailor-made programs in accordance with your expectations.
We also ensure the organization of expeditions in search of rare and endemic species of the region such as the red colobus of Bouvier, the golden-bellied mangabey, the Congo Peacock, the Pangolin, or for fishing enthusiasts, Benga fishing on the Congo River (Goliath Tiger Fish) or sea fishing.
- Bonobo tracking
- Whale watching at Pointe Noire (July to September)
- Chimpanzee watching at the Tchimpounga sanctuary
- Gorilla and hippo watching at the Lesio-Louna Gorilla Sanctuary
- Discovery of the Odzala-Kokoua Park in the Republic of Congo
- Discovering the Dzanga Sangha Park in the Central African Republic

Bonobo tracking in the DRC : 2 nights / 3 days extension
Bonobos are a rare and endemic species of chimpanzee from the DRC (Democratic Republic of the Congo). They are the genetically closest animal to humans, with genotypes that are 98.7% similar. Observing Bonobos in their natural environment is a particularly unique and rare experience.
Day 1 Transfer to Tshumbery
We leave Oyo early in the morning on 4×4 for a 3.5 hours drive to Mpouya (or 5 hours drive from Brazzaville). After completing the formalities on the Congo side, we embark on a large pirogue to cross the mighty Congo River to Tshumberi on the DRC side. We’ll complete some further formalities before mounting 4×4 for another 2h drive to reach our camp.
- Night at tented camp or site rooms
Day 2 Bonobo tracking
Early in the morning, we leave the camp and begin walking at 5 a.m. in the forest to witness the awakening of the semi-habituated bonobos. After our lunch at the campsite prepared by our cook, we’ll return tracking the bonobos as they move graciously from tree to tree. Following the locations of the Bonobos groups, the second tracking could be done in the afternoon of Day 1 or in the morning of Day 3.
- Night at tented camp or site rooms
Day 3 Transfer to Brazza or Oyo
After spending some memorable time tracking these fascinating apes, we’ll begin our journey back to Brazzaville by mounting 4×4 back to Tshumberi. We’ll cross the Congo River again and mount our 4×4 on the other side for a 5 hours drive to Brazzaville (or 3,5 hours drive to Oyo). We’ll arrive in Brazzaville in the late afternoon.
- Hotel and dinner not included. For best options, please contact us.

Humpback whale watching at Pointe Noire: one-day extension
A few kilometres from Pointe Noire, in the Atlantic Ocean, you can watch the ballet of humpback whales. Between July and September, the whales migrate from Antarctica to the warm waters of the Gulf of Guinea to give birth. Aboard a motorboat in the company of up to 6 passengers, you can watch the whales leap out of the water, shoot jets of water up to three metres or even females accompanied by their young. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to hear the whales singing… Some of them are 13 to 14 metres long and weigh almost 25 tonnes.

Chimpanzee watching at the Tchimpounga sanctuary: one-day extension
In the primate family, the chimpanzee Pan troglodytes is man’s closest relative: 98% of its genes are identical to our own. Capable of designing and using tools, and with a highly developed social life, it is one of the most intelligent animal species on our planet.
In Congolese, chimpanzee means ‘false man’.
Today, the chimpanzee is classified as ‘endangered’ by the IUCN. At the beginning of the 20th century, there were nearly 2 million chimpanzees, but today there are no more than 500,000.
The Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Centre is the largest sanctuary of its kind in Africa. Since it opened in 1992, more than two hundred chimpanzees have been cared for there. It offers refuge to orphaned primates, all victims of trafficking and illegal trade, whether in bushmeat or pets. It is run by the Jane Goodall Institute.
7.30am: Departure from Pointe Noire for a 1-hour drive to the Port du Bas Kouilou.
8.45am-9.45am: Travel up the Kouilou in a motorised pirogue through the forest towards the Tchimpounga sanctuary. Possibility of birdwatching along the way.
9.45am-11.45am: Chimpanzee feeding and observation: around ten individuals can be seen on the first island during the feeding. Depending on the time of year, a second group may be seen on another island.
11.45am-12.45pm: Return to the Port of Kouilou

Observation of Western Lowland Gorillas and Hippos at the Lésio Louna sanctuary: one-day extension
Founded in 1999 by the Aspinall Foundation, and part of the Congolese gorilla protection programme (PPG), Lésio Louna aims to save gorillas from wildlife trafficking or from zoos that can no longer look after them, and to reintroduce them into their natural environment.
From Brazzaville, we drive for 2 hours 15 minutes on a tarmac road before taking a hilly track for 45 minutes that takes us through magnificent landscapes of hills covered in savannah.
We then board a motorboat with the keepers and set off on the River Louna, which meanders through the forest. During the feeding, we stop on two islands where we can observe two different groups of gorillas in the process of adapting to their new lives.
The Western Lowland Gorilla is a species with a strong presence in the Republic of Congo, but is always difficult to see. In the magnificent landscape of this reserve, you can easily observe them without disturbing them.
As we drift along the river, we come across a group of hippos.
Timetable:
-9am: Departure from Brazzaville
-12.30pm: arrival Lesio-Louna reserve (Abio site)
-12:30-13:00: lunch on site
-13:00-16:30: Visit to the gorillas and hippo observation aboard an aluminium boat.
-16:30-19:30: Return to Brazzaville

Discovery of the Dzanga Sangha Park in the Central African Republic: 5 nights extension
Situated in the north-west of the Congo Basin, at the junction of Cameroon, the Central African Republic and Congo, the Sangha Tri-national, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, encompasses three contiguous national parks totalling around 750,000 ha. Much of the site is unaffected by human activity and features a wide range of tropical rainforest ecosystems with rich flora and fauna.
Day 1 – Transfer to Ouesso and flight over the evergreen rainforest
This morning we take a one-hour to 45-minute flight from Ouesso, or a 4-hour flight depending on the day of departure. Through the windows, we can see the entire primary forest. Such a view of one of the world’s largest primary forests will stay with us forever. On arrival, we check into our local hotel before strolling through the border town of Ouesso.
- Overnight in a local hotel.
Day 2 – The Sangha Tri-national
We travel up the upper reaches of the Sangha River towards Bayanga in the Central African Republic on a motorboat for a comfortable 7.5-hour journey through virgin forest. Along the way, we can see villages and local settlements. Depending on the time of year, we can see many birds or, if we’re lucky, some of the local monkeys. We arrive at our lodge in the afternoon for a pleasant aperitif at sunset with a view over the Sangha.
- Night at our lodge on the river
Day 3 – Baï Hokou and the Mangabeys
We leave in the morning for Baï Hokou (1h30 by Jeep). Once there, we meet our BaAka trackers with whom we will track the Mangabeys. These silvery-grey monkeys can be seen on the ground or in the trees, where they display remarkable grace, using their long limbs and prehensile tails. Agile Mangabeys are highly social creatures, often engaging in games such as chasing each other, jumping from tree to tree and simulating fights. Depending on our tracking, we may come across a group of over 100 individuals. We enjoy a picnic lunch at the base of Mangabey before returning to the lodge in the afternoon.
- Overnight at our lodge on the river.
Day 4 – Dzanga Baï: the elephant village
This morning we visit the famous Dzanga Baï. Known as the elephant village, up to 150 elephants can be seen here in a single day. Perched high in the trees, we’ll have the chance to spot a host of animals, including buffalo, bongo, sitatunga, colobus and duiker monkeys and more. We will take time to observe the animals from the platform before returning to our lodge. We will also have the opportunity to interact with the scientists on the platform.
- Overnight in a lodge on the river.
Day 5 – A day with the BaAka pygmies.
In the morning, we set off to immerse ourselves in the world of the BaAka and discover the traditions of this emblematic forest people. Depending on the season, you can take part in a traditional net hunt, discover plants used in traditional medicine, harvest honey or try your hand at basket fishing. All this in the ever cheerful atmosphere of the forest dwellers. Lunch at the lodge. In the afternoon, we’ll discover the fascinating BaAka water drumming. Striking the water with their flippers, the music sounds like a drum from another time. We stroll through Bayanga.
- Overnight in a riverside lodge.
Day 6 – Return to Ouesso or Bangui by plane
After spending the last three days in one of the least-visited parks on the planet, we return to Ouesso by canoe or to Bangui by plane.

Discovery of the Odzala-Kokoua Park in the Republic of Congo: 3 nights extension
If this extension is added to an upstream cruise, the programme below will be added at the end of the cruise. If this extension is added to a downstream cruise, the programme below will be added at the beginning of the cruise.
The Odzala-Kokoua National Park, located in the heart of the Congo Basin, is a vast and diverse wilderness covering some 13,500 square kilometres. Created in 1935, it is one of the oldest national parks in Africa and is a sanctuary for a wide variety of wildlife, particularly the critically endangered Western Lowland Gorilla, which is found here in some of the highest densities in the world. The park is also home to other important species, including forest elephants, chimpanzees and a variety of antelopes such as the sitatunga.
Day 1 – Imbalanga Baï
We leave Oyo in the morning by car for a 4-hour drive to Imbalanga or from Ouesso. After lunch in camp prepared by our cook, we walk to the observation platform about 500m from the camp. Situated to the north-east of Odzala Park, the Imbalanga bay is a favourite spot for gorillas because of its abundance of cyperaceae and grasses, which they love. From our platform, if they are there, we can observe them. The young are playing, the females are feeding and others are resting. The largest gorillas can measure up to 1.70 metres. Other animals such as colobus, duiker and sitatunga can also be seen.
- Overnight in camp.
Day 2 – Moba Pool
After spending the morning relaxing and observing the wildlife at the bai, we set off in the afternoon for Moba Pool (1? hours by jeep). This small, round clearing in the forest has a pond where forest elephants often come to cool off and recharge their batteries thanks to the mineral-rich soil. Bongos, bushpigs and gorillas can also be seen from the platform.
14h30 Departure for Moba pool (1h30 by car and 15mn walk)
17:30 departure for Imbalanga camp, arriving around 19:00
- Overnight at the camp.
Day 3 – The Mambili River and Lokoué camp
We get up early in the morning. After a cup of coffee, we make our way to the Moba Pool platform to observe. After breakfast on the platform, we continue our exploration on foot for a 2-3 hour hike through the rainforest to reach the Mambili River. We then board a motorboat to reach the Lokoué camp, where we have the chance to observe elephants, buffalo, monitor lizards, gavials and birds. After a refreshing dip in the river and a picnic lunch, we return quietly to the Imbalanga camp.
4:45 Leave the camp for the 1h30 drive to Moba Pool + 15-minute walk
6-8:30 Platform viewing and breakfast
8:30-11:30 Botanical and forest observation walk to the Mambili River
11:30-13 Boat trip on the Mambili River. Observation en route. If we are lucky: elephants, buffalo, monitor lizards, false gharial, birds (kingfisher, eagle).
13-14 Lunch and rest on the Lokoué platform. Possibility of swimming in the river.
15 Return to Camp Imbalanga (1h30 navigation and 1h30 drive).
- Overnight in camp.
Day 4 – Return
Morning transfer by car to Ouesso (approx. 2 hours), then return flight to Brazzaville or Oyo.
Lunch on your own

Croisière Safari dans le bassin du Congo
Un voyage au coeur de l’Afrique équatoriale, dans les dernières forêts sauvages de la Sangha.

Croisière Safari dans le bassin du Congo
Un voyage au coeur de l’Afrique équatoriale, dans les dernières forêts sauvages de la Sangha.

Croisière Safari dans le bassin du Congo
Un voyage au coeur de l’Afrique équatoriale, dans les dernières forêts sauvages de la Sangha.

Croisière Safari dans le bassin du Congo
Un voyage au coeur de l’Afrique équatoriale, dans les dernières forêts sauvages de la Sangha.
As a key operator of tourism in Congo, we can offer you the following extensions but also tailor-made programs in accordance with your expectations.
We also provide logistics for expeditions that wish to carry out exploration work in the field in search of Bouvier’s red colobus on the Bokiba River; the golden-bellied mangabey in the forests of the DRC; the Congo Peacock, Pangolins, or even fishing for the famous Benga (Goliath Tigerfish).
EXTENSIONS
- Between 1 day and 5 days: in Pointe Noire, the DRC or the Central African Republic
EXTENSIONS IN CONGO AND NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES
You can continue the adventure before or after the cruise.

- Bonobo tracking
Whale watching at Pointe Noire (July to September) - Chimpanzee watching at the Tchimpounga sanctuary
- Gorilla and hippo watching at the Lesio-Louna Gorilla Sanctuary
- Discover the Odzala-Kokoua Park in the Republic of Congo
- Discovering the Dzanga Sangha Park in the Central African Republic

Bonobo tracking in the DRC: Extension 2 nights / 3 days
Bonobos are a rare and endemic species of chimpanzee in the DRC (Democratic Republic of Congo). They are genetically the closest animal to humans, with 98.7% similar genotypes. Observing Bonobos in their natural environment is a particularly unique and rare experience.
Day 1 Transfer to Tshumbery
We set off early in the morning by 4×4 from Oyo for a 3? hour drive to Mpouya (or a 5 hour drive from Brazzaville). After completing the formalities on the Congo side, we board a large pirogue to cross the mighty Congo River to Tshumberi on the DRC side. We complete a few more formalities before climbing into a 4×4 for another 2-hour drive to our camp.
Overnight in camp (tent or single room).
Day 2 Bonobo tracking
Early in the morning, we leave the camp and start walking through the forest at 5am to watch the semi-habituated bonobos wake up. After lunch at the campsite, prepared by our cook, we return to follow the tracks of the bonobos as they move gracefully from tree to tree. Depending on the location of the bonobo groups, the second tracking session may take place in the afternoon of day 1 or in the morning of day 3.
Night in camp (tent or single room)
Day 3 Transfer to Brazza or Oyo
After a memorable time tracking these fascinating primates, we begin our journey back to Brazzaville by 4×4 to Tshumbery. We’ll cross the Congo River again and get back in our 4×4 on the other side for a 5-hour drive to Brazzaville or a 3.5-hour drive to Oyo. We arrive in the late afternoon.
Hotel and dinner not included. For the best options, please contact us.

Humpback whale watching at Pointe Noire: one-day extension
A few kilometres from Pointe Noire, in the Atlantic Ocean, you can watch the ballet of humpback whales. Between July and September, the whales migrate from Antarctica to the warm waters of the Gulf of Guinea to give birth. Aboard a motorboat in the company of up to 6 passengers, you can watch the whales leap out of the water, shoot jets of water up to three metres or even females accompanied by their young. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to hear the whales singing… Some of them are 13 to 14 metres long and weigh almost 25 tonnes.

Chimpanzee watching at the Tchimpounga sanctuary: one-day extension
In the primate family, the chimpanzee Pan troglodytes is man’s closest relative: 98% of its genes are identical to our own. Capable of designing and using tools, and with a highly developed social life, it is one of the most intelligent animal species on our planet.
In Congolese, chimpanzee means ‘false man’.
Today, the chimpanzee is classified as ‘endangered’ by the IUCN. At the beginning of the 20th century, there were nearly 2 million chimpanzees, but today there are no more than 500,000.
The Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Centre is the largest sanctuary of its kind in Africa. Since it opened in 1992, more than two hundred chimpanzees have been cared for there. It offers refuge to orphaned primates, all victims of trafficking and illegal trade, whether in bushmeat or pets. It is run by the Jane Goodall Institute.
7.30am: Departure from Pointe Noire for a 1-hour drive to the Port du Bas Kouilou.
8.45am-9.45am: Travel up the Kouilou in a motorised pirogue through the forest towards the Tchimpounga sanctuary. Possibility of birdwatching along the way.
9.45am-11.45am: Chimpanzee feeding and observation: around ten individuals can be seen on the first island during the feeding. Depending on the time of year, a second group may be seen on another island.
11.45am – 12.45pm: Return to the Port of Kouilou

Observation of Western Lowland Gorillas and Hippos at the Lésio Louna sanctuary: one-day extension
Founded in 1999 by the Aspinall Foundation, and part of the Congolese gorilla protection programme (PPG), Lésio Louna aims to save gorillas from wildlife trafficking or from zoos that can no longer look after them, and to reintroduce them into their natural environment.
From Brazzaville, we drive for 2 hours 15 minutes on a tarmac road before taking a hilly track for 45 minutes that takes us through magnificent landscapes of hills covered in savannah.
We then board a motorboat with the keepers and set off on the River Louna, which meanders through the forest. During the feeding, we stop on two islands where we can observe two different groups of gorillas in the process of adapting to their new lives.
The Western Lowland Gorilla is a species with a strong presence in the Republic of Congo, but is always difficult to see. In the magnificent landscape of this reserve, you can easily observe them without disturbing them.
As we drift along the river, we come across a group of hippos.
Timetable:
-9am: Departure from Brazzaville
-12.30pm: arrival Lesio-Louna reserve (Abio site)
-12:30-13:00: lunch on site
-13:00-16:30: Visit to the gorillas and hippo observation aboard an aluminium boat.
-16:30-19:30: Return to Brazzaville

Discover the Dzanga Sangha Park in the Central African Republic: 5 nights in the Dzanga-Sangha National Park
Situated in the north-west of the Congo Basin, at the junction of Cameroon, the Central African Republic and Congo, the Sangha Tri-national, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, encompasses three contiguous national parks totalling around 750,000 ha. Much of the site is unaffected by human activity and features a wide range of tropical rainforest ecosystems with rich flora and fauna.
Day 1 – Transfer to Ouesso and flight over the evergreen rainforest
This morning we take a one-hour to 45-minute flight from Ouesso, or a 4-hour flight depending on the day of departure. Through the windows, we can see the entire primary forest. Such a view of one of the world’s largest primary forests will stay with us forever. On arrival, we check into our local hotel before strolling through the border town of Ouesso.
- Overnight in a local hotel.
Day 2 – The Sangha Tri-national
We travel up the upper reaches of the Sangha River towards Bayanga in the Central African Republic on a motorboat for a comfortable 7.5-hour journey through virgin forest. Along the way, we can see villages and local settlements. Depending on the time of year, we can see many birds or, if we’re lucky, some of the local monkeys. We arrive at our lodge in the afternoon for a pleasant aperitif at sunset with a view over the Sangha.
- Night at our lodge on the river
Day 3 – Baï Hokou and the Mangabeys
We leave in the morning for Baï Hokou (1h30 by Jeep). Once there, we meet our BaAka trackers with whom we will track the Mangabeys. These silvery-grey monkeys can be seen on the ground or in the trees, where they display remarkable grace, using their long limbs and prehensile tails. Agile Mangabeys are highly social creatures, often engaging in games such as chasing each other, jumping from tree to tree and simulating fights. Depending on our tracking, we may come across a group of over 100 individuals. We enjoy a picnic lunch at the base of Mangabey before returning to the lodge in the afternoon.
- Overnight at our lodge on the river.
Day 4 – Dzanga Baï: the elephant village
This morning we visit the famous Dzanga Baï. Known as the elephant village, up to 150 elephants can be seen here in a single day. Perched high in the trees, we’ll have the chance to spot a host of animals, including buffalo, bongo, sitatunga, colobus and duiker monkeys and more. We will take time to observe the animals from the platform before returning to our lodge. We will also have the opportunity to interact with the scientists on the platform.
- Overnight in a lodge on the river.
Day 5 – A day with the BaAka pygmies.
In the morning, we set off to immerse ourselves in the world of the BaAka and discover the traditions of this emblematic forest people. Depending on the season, you can take part in a traditional net hunt, discover plants used in traditional medicine, harvest honey or try your hand at basket fishing. All this in the ever cheerful atmosphere of the forest dwellers. Lunch at the lodge. In the afternoon, we’ll discover the fascinating BaAka water drumming. Striking the water with their flippers, the music sounds like a drum from another time. We stroll through Bayanga.
- Overnight in a riverside lodge.
Day 6 – Return to Ouesso or Bangui by plane
After spending the last three days in one of the least-visited parks on the planet, we return to Ouesso by canoe or to Bangui by plane.

Discovery of the Odzala-Kokoua Park in the Republic of Congo: 4 days including 3 nights in the Odzala-Kokoua National Park
If this extension is added to an upstream cruise, the programme below will be added at the end of the cruise. If this extension is added to a downstream cruise, the programme below will be added at the beginning of the cruise.
The Odzala-Kokoua National Park, located in the heart of the Congo Basin, is a vast and diverse wilderness covering some 13,500 square kilometres. Created in 1935, it is one of the oldest national parks in Africa and is a sanctuary for a wide variety of wildlife, particularly the critically endangered Western Lowland Gorilla, which is found here in some of the highest densities in the world. The park is also home to other important species, including forest elephants, chimpanzees and a variety of antelopes such as the sitatunga.
Day 1 – Imbalanga Baï
We leave Oyo in the morning by car for a 4-hour drive to Imbalanga or from Ouesso. After lunch in camp prepared by our cook, we walk to the observation platform about 500m from the camp. Situated to the north-east of Odzala Park, the Imbalanga bay is a favourite spot for gorillas because of its abundance of cyperaceae and grasses, which they love. From our platform, if they are there, we can observe them. The young are playing, the females are feeding and others are resting. The largest gorillas can measure up to 1.70 metres. Other animals such as colobus, duiker and sitatunga can also be seen.
- Overnight in camp.
Day 2 – Moba Pool
After spending the morning relaxing and observing the wildlife at the bai, we set off in the afternoon for Moba Pool (1? hours by jeep). This small, round clearing in the forest has a pond where forest elephants often come to cool off and recharge their batteries thanks to the mineral-rich soil. Bongos, bushpigs and gorillas can also be seen from the platform.
14h30 Departure for Moba pool (1h30 by car and 15mn walk)
17:30 departure for Imbalanga camp, arriving around 19:00
- Overnight at the camp.
Day 3 – The Mambili River and Lokoué camp
We get up early in the morning. After a cup of coffee, we make our way to the Moba Pool platform to observe. After breakfast on the platform, we continue our exploration on foot for a 2-3 hour hike through the rainforest to reach the Mambili River. We then board a motorboat to reach the Lokoué camp, where we have the chance to observe elephants, buffalo, monitor lizards, gavials and birds. After a refreshing dip in the river and a picnic lunch, we return quietly to the Imbalanga camp.
4:45 Leave the camp for the 1h30 drive to Moba Pool + 15-minute walk
6-8:30 Platform viewing and breakfast
8:30-11:30 Botanical and forest observation walk to the Mambili River
11:30-13 Boat trip on the Mambili River. Observation en route. If we are lucky: elephants, buffalo, monitor lizards, false gharial, birds (kingfisher, eagle).
13-14 Lunch and rest on the Lokoué platform. Possibility of swimming in the river.
15 Return to Camp Imbalanga (1h30 navigation and 1h30 drive).
- Overnight in camp.
Day 4 – Return
Morning transfer by car to Ouesso (approx. 2 hours), then return flight to Brazzaville or Oyo.
Lunch on your own
CLIMATE
- Average temperature 26°C.
- Tropical rain and daily sunshine
- Time GMT+1

Croisière Safari dans le bassin du Congo
Un voyage au coeur de l’Afrique équatoriale, dans les dernières forêts sauvages de la Sangha.

Croisière Safari dans le bassin du Congo
Un voyage au coeur de l’Afrique équatoriale, dans les dernières forêts sauvages de la Sangha.

Croisière Safari dans le bassin du Congo
Un voyage au coeur de l’Afrique équatoriale, dans les dernières forêts sauvages de la Sangha.

Croisière Safari dans le bassin du Congo
Un voyage au coeur de l’Afrique équatoriale, dans les dernières forêts sauvages de la Sangha.
EXPLOREZ LE CONGO




Croisière Safari dans le Bassin du Congo
Un voyage au coeur de l'Afrique équatoriale, dans les dernières forêts sauvages de la Sangha.
12 nuits - A partir de 6 100 €