Journey to the Heart of the Congo Basin
DEPARTING FROM:BrazzavilleFINAL DESTINATION:Brazzaville
DURATION:9 Days/ 8 NightsREGION:AfricaSHIP:Ducret Princesse Ngalessa
Departing from Brazzaville in the Republic of Congo, city of Rumba, sapeurs and the Poto-Poto art school, embark on a unique voyage on the Congo and Alima rivers, an unforgettable cruise. Over nearly 800 km, navigate from the green hills to the marshy forests of the basin to reach the forests of Alima. With our launch boat, we will go up tributaries, every day, in search of the nature and we will stop in village to discover the local life. In the evening, in the calm of our comfortable ship in the heart of the second largest lung on the planet, while sipping a glass of wine, we will address the major issues of the environment, the history of the Congo, the history of peoples…
Along the way back to Brazzaville we will discover the gorillas of the Lesio Louna reserve, the hippos and observe the birds of the region. The journey ends. What we have seen, probably few people have had the chance to see.
Aboard Ducret's fleet of excursion tenders you will explore up rarely-visited tributaries in search of the wonders of nature preserved out of sight. The peoples of the forest will be your guides. They will share their way of life and their unique knowledge transmitted for centuries. The Congo Basin is one of the most mysterious and least explored regions in the world. It is a gigantic territory, of forests and rivers, very sparsely populated.
We have multiple departure dates for this cruise. Select a year and month to view itineraries for alternative departure dates.
Ducret Princesse Ngalessa
Operated by: Expedition Ducret
Launched in 2017, the Princesse Ngalessa underwent a full refurbishment in 2023, allowing her to operate the first 4-star safari cruises on Africa's Congo and Sangha rivers. Accommodating no more than 28 travellers across five grades of accommodation, Ducret is a boutique ship designed to take you into the heart of the Congo Basin forest. Onboard the ship there is more than 600 square metres of public space including a dining room, observation deck and outdoor lounge. Each expedition cruise is accompanied by English and French speaking nature guides.
Key Facts
Your cruise price includes:
- All excursions while aboard Ducret Expeditions' Princesse Ngalessa
- The guidance and expertise of expedition staff
- Gorillas permits and park fees
- All on board ship accommodation with meals. Beer, wine and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner in a limited quantity
- All hotel nights and meals indicated in the day-by-day program.
Your cruise price does not include:
- International airfares
- Extra consumptions in bar
- Pre & Post cruisel hotel nights
- Transfers to and from the ship
- Travel Insurance - highly recommended, enquire for details
- Passport, visa, and immigration fees
- Letter of invitation to visit the Congo. Supplement of 60 € if required
- Items of a personal nature such as internet access, phone and laundry
- Massage
- Gratuities.
Book your next cruise
Please note: This cruise is sold in EUR
Please note: The itinerary is subject to change due to river levels, weather conditions and any other event that may affect the operation of the vessel. Wildlife viewing can not be guaranteed.
Some departures operate in the reverse direction; Oyo to Brazzaville. Enquire for details.
By completing this booking request you acknowledge that you have read and accept Expedition Cruise Specialists's and Expedition Ducret's terms and conditions.
A single supplement of 50% applies for sole use of a cabin.
Please note that certain vaccinations, including against Yellow Fever, may be required to enter Congo.
Images used are representative only and have been supplied by Expeditions Ducret. Credit to the following photographers; Nicolas Ducret, Scott Ramsay / WCS and Nuria Ortega.