Congo is a huge country with many breathtaking locations, sights, profound parks and forests and unique experiences and encounters that await you. However, a trip to this beautiful country is not so obvious. Regions such as Ituri and Kivu often experience violence, corruption is widespread and there is very poor or even no infrastructure in many parts of the country. This makes traveling to Congo very difficult and also very expensive. It is therefore important to choose a good travel agency that has a good knowledge of the terrain; maintains good contacts all over the country; and knows how to deal with all these factors.
Unfortunately, there are a lot of scammers on the internet or people who claim that they can put together or guide a trip for you. Sometimes these people are not visible upon arrival at the airport or sometimes the trips turn out to be a complete disaster, with safety being endangered. We see this especially with so-called agencies from Uganda and Rwanda (and even Spain) that have little or no experience and knowledge of the country. We notice a lot that our programs are copied by these people and are offered at unrealistic prices.
So why choose Congo Voyages?
1. We are locals and live and work in Congo.
Our team consists of locals and one lost Belgian. Whatsapp will always happen with a +243 or a +32 – number. We all live and work in Congo and especially in Kinshasa, Pointe-Noire and Lubumbashi. Since we work together with the Ministry of Tourism and travel a lot in Congo, over the years we have also developed a network of local teams, fixers and guides in the two countries such as Brazzaville, Ouesso, Dolésie, Oyo, Muanda, Boma, Kisangani, Kananga, Mbandaka, Mbuji-Mayi, Goma, Matadi, Bukavu and befriended park management and village chiefs in far away locations. In addition to a close collaboration, we also have excellent relations with the governor of Tshopo and Equateur, the Belgian embassy, the Garde Républicaine, ANR, and with the people of ICCN.
2. We have a good knowledge of the terrain and extensive experience across the territory.
Because some of our team members have to carry out many assignments for the government, we have been to many places in the DRC, often to take pictures or shoot a documentary. In addition to travelling, we have conducted many expeditions and assisted film crews and journalists in various remote places and parks in Congo-Kinshasa, Congo-Brazzaville and The Central African Republic: including the isolated Lac Télé in northern Congo-Brazzaville and Salonga Park in Congo-Kinshasa. Furthermore, we also provided logistics to Alphabet-X in very remote places in both countries for a number of years and we helped, among other things, with setting up an internet connection between Brazzaville and Kinshasa:
We also have experience in chartering private planes where we provide a real VIP service where we wait for our customers with a luxury SUV on the tarmac with an armed escort. We are working together with the DGM (immigration), ANR, GR and airport authorities and have already done this in the following airports: Kinshasa, Kisangani, Mbandaka, Kindu, Goma, Bukavu, Mbuji-Mayi, Kananga and Lubumbashi.
We have also arranged permits for filming and photography and armed escorts for high-risk areas in both Congos. Journalists and documentary makers would do well to turn to us for all their questions and needs.
Over the years we also have excellent links with the management of parks and sites such as Kahuzi Biega, Virunga, Parc Marin Des Mangroves, Bombo Lumene, Kimpese, Zongo, Kundelungu, Salonga, Odzala, Conkouati, Dzanga Sangha and with the lodges of Garamba, Virunga and Sangha Lodge. We are currently looking into whether there is a possibility to restart tourism in Réserve de faune à okapis together with the government.
3. We are genuinely passionate about our job.
“Mwana Mboka – l’enfant du pays” (child of the country): that’s what you could call us. We are all united by our love for Congo and despite the difficult conditions on the ground, we are all hopeful. We get great satisfaction from showing this beautiful country to people from outside and are all very enthusiastic about intercultural exchange.
4. We work closely with the Congolese government.
We work with the Ministry of Tourism on an almost daily basis and have already done many assignments with them. For expeditions in isolated parks we have often worked together with the WWF, ICCN and we also often work together with the Congolese army, and immigration for various assignments.
5. Safety is our priority.
We only work with good experienced drivers and ensure that the cars are tip-top. We never take risks to save or gain time and only do missions where we feel comfortable and the safety of the customers and our staff is guaranteed. We also work with hotels and lodges that we know and know are reliable. Where necessary, we hire a guard, police officer or soldier.
6. Traveling with us is fun.
Photo 827 We are all passionate about Congo and traveling. Every tour is always a pleasure for us. Our team members are spontaneous, smiley and have a good, positive attitude. We make sure everyone feels good and get the most out of every experience.
7. We pay everyone a fair salary.
It is a misconception that central Africa is cheap. Congo is one of the most expensive destinations in the world and setting up travel in Congo is only for a handful of people. There is a lot going on behind the scene and a lot of people are involved. We ensure that everyone receives good compensation and that our drivers and guides receive a comfortable bed and food in addition to a good wage.
