We are proud to present this expedition, which is perfect for nature and animal lovers who would like to meet and photograph one of Africa’s most exclusive animals: the bonobo, which only lives in Congo. Most animal lovers and photographers are not aware that you can see bonobos in the wild and even track them, just like with gorilla tracking. We work with a small local initiative for this project and they have trackers who follow the bonobos on a daily basis, so there’s a guarantee you will see them, sometimes even up to 50 individuals. Our adventure starts from Kinshasa, from where we’ll embark a comfortable boat on the Congo River towards the camp. It’s a great way to get introduced to the beauty of Congo and to see the majestic Congo River. We will also explore the villages, the surrounding forest and enjoy the peace and tranquility.
Have a look at some of our videos:
During our stay we’ll sleep in basic, but correct chalets in the forest and also eat local meals. If you like to snack, it is not a bad idea to bring some back-up snacks. Do not forget all the obvious things such as a quick-drying towel, suitable clothing (quick-drying and against mosquitoes), hiking shoes, possibly also boots, slippers, swimming clothes, toiletries, sunglasses, cap, sun cream, mosquito repellent, a mosquito net, medicines, a flashlight, power bank, sufficient batteries, ..
Bonobos and chimpanzees are very similar, sharing 98.7% of their DNA with humans, making the two species our closest relatives. Bonobos are generally smaller and darker than chimpanzees. Bonobo groups are more peaceful and led by women. They are known to maintain relationships and resolve conflicts through sex. However, bonobo life is not completely free of violence; when two groups of bonobos come together, they sometimes can get into serious fights.
Wild bonobos can only be found in the area south of the Congo River in Congo- Kinshasa(DRC). Bonobos were not recognized as a separate species until 1929 and there is still a lot we don’t know about bonobos. Research over the past two decades has been hampered by the remoteness of the bonobo’s habitat, its patchy distribution, and years of civil unrest in Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Civil unrest and poverty in their area have contributed to poaching and deforestation. While the size of the bonobo population is largely unknown, it has likely declined over the past three decades and it will continue for the next 50 years due to the bonobo’s slow reproduction rate and increasing threats.
Be prepared for an exciting adventure to a unique place where very few tourists have ever been to come face to face with these beautiful animals. It’s also a great opportunity to learn about Congolese culture and explore Kinshasa. Please know that traveling in Congo requires patience and flexibility.
In the village you should not count on constant electricity (though there are solar panels) and running water, so be sure to bring enough power banks and batteries with you. No matter how well we prepare for our journey, always expect the unexpected: delays, downpours, blackouts, traffic jams … Be patient and don’t forget your flexibility and a dose of humor! We do our best to make everything run as smoothly as possible.
Day 1: Arrival in Kinshasa
We will pick you up at the airport and take you to your hotel.
Day 2: Lola ya bonobo
We will visit a successful small bonobo reserve just outside Kinshasa. Lola Ya Bonobo was established to rehabilitate injured bonobos or those whose parents have been poached and eventually are returned to the forest. We’ll start our tour with an introduction by the team and afterwards take a nice walk in the domain and get to see our first bonobos. (breakfast included)
Day 3: Up the Congo River
We’ll get on the boat and will travel half a day on the Congo River, enjoying the vistas. When we get on land we’ll go either by 4×4 or on the back of a motorbike. There is a high chance we’ll already encounter bonobos on our way to the camp.
Day 4 and 5: Looking for bonobos
We’ll spend the next two mornings looking for bonobos in the surrounding forest. In the afternoon we can explore the villages as well as some local projects. (breakfast included)
Day 6: Exploring the forest
We stay an extra day in the camp to explore the surrounding forest and the daily life of the villagers.
Day 7: Back to Kinshasa
We’ll leave after breakfast to arrive sometime in the afternoon, then switch to a car and drive on to Kinshasa. (breakfast included)
Day 8: Kinshasa City Tour
Today we are going to explore the capital of Congo. We’ll visit the rapids, the Académie des Beaux Arts, the cathedral and we also take a walk from the Mausoleum to the Central Station and get a taste of the local vibe. In the afternoon you can enjoy a local meal. (breakfast included)
Day 9: Return
Free day in Kinshasa, with the option to go to an outdoor swimming pool or visit the national museum and look for souvenirs. We’ll take you to the airport in the afternoon and make sure you’re checked in.
Including:
– Accommodation
– All activities and entrance fees according to the program
– Professional French speaking guide
– Transportation
Not included:
– Meals
– PCR test
– Airport Tax ($55, payable upon departure)
– Drink
From 4,199 usd per person (based on a group of 8 people)
We also offer this trip as a group tour:
Duration: 9 days
Date: June 1 to June 9, 2023
June 1 to June 9, 2024
Minimum of: six people
Price: 4,199 usd (shared) *** 190 usd single surcharge
Includes: Accommodation with breakfast in Kinshasa; full-board accommodation in the camp; transport; activities, professional French/Dutch speaking guide, letter of invitation, entrance fees to parks and sights.
Accommodation is in midrange accommodation. If you want to upgrade your hotel in Kinshasa, please, let us know. Be sure that you have been vaccinated against yellow fever and have your vaccination proof with you, have also been vaccinated against COVID and if necessary have the necessary PCR test results with you if requested by the airline. We recommend flying with Brussels Airlines and are not responsible for delayed or canceled flights. We try to follow the program as closely as possible, but keep in mind that this can always change and some flexibility is needed.
All prices are based on a shared room. If you want a single room, there will be an extra charge. Please note that apart from the lodges in Garamba and Virunga (with single beds) and Zongo it is not allowed to share a room with someone of the same sex in Congo. We are of course very sorry and do not agree with this, but have no influence on this. We are not responsible for the consequences if our customers do not comply with this.
Why choose Congo Voyages for this tour?
We are the only local agency with people who are actually on site, and apart from a “lost Belgian expat”, our team consists entirely of Congolese with years of experience in the field. We work closely with the authorities such as the Ministry of Tourism, ICCN, but also the military who help us to secure sensitive areas. Our tours will only take place if all safety conditions have been met and the necessary permissions have been granted and if we have been given the green light from the local authorities/chiefs if necessary.
