7-Day Congo Visiting the Bonobos

7-Day Congo Tour: Visiting the Bonobos

7-Day Congo Tour Visiting the Bonobos. Explore the incredible wildlife of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on a 7-day tour, with a special focus on seeing bonobos. These unique great apes are only found in the rainforests of the Congo. This tour lets you observe them in the wild and visit a sanctuary that helps protect and rehabilitate them.

Day 1: Arrival in Kinshasa

• Arrive in Kinshasa: You’ll land in Kinshasa, the capital of the DRC. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted and taken to your hotel.
• Hotel check-in: Relax at a comfortable hotel like the Fleuve Congo Hotel or Pullman Kinshasa Grand Hotel, both with views of the Congo River.
• Briefing: Meet your guide for a briefing on your tour, including details about the bonobo visit.
• Explore Kinshasa (optional): If you arrive early, take some time to explore local markets or enjoy a boat ride on the Congo River.

Overnight: Kinshasa.

Day 2: Visit Lola Ya Bonobo Sanctuary

• Lola Ya Bonobo Sanctuary: Head to Lola ya Bonobo, a sanctuary just outside Kinshasa. This sanctuary rescues orphaned bonobos and works to release them back into the wild.
• Tour of the sanctuary: Take a guided tour to learn about bonobo behavior, their family structure, and the efforts being made to protect them.
• Lunch: Enjoy lunch surrounded by nature at the sanctuary.
• Return to Kinshasa: After a day with the bonobos, return to your hotel in Kinshasa.

Overnight: Kinshasa.

Day 3: Kinshasa to Mbandaka

• Fly to Mbandaka: Take a domestic flight to Mbandaka, a city in the Congo Basin, known for its lush rainforests.
• Congo River boat tour: After landing, enjoy a boat ride along the Congo River. Visit local fishing villages and learn about life along the riverbanks.
• Cultural experience: In the evening, meet local tribes and discover their customs, traditions, and ways of life.

Overnight: Mbandaka.

Day 4: Bonobo Tracking in the Equateur Province

• Bonobo tracking: Venture into the Congo rainforest to track wild bonobos. Guided by experts, you’ll hike through the jungle, following the signs and sounds of these elusive great apes.
• Observe bonobos in the wild: Spend time watching bonobos in their natural habitat. This is a rare chance to see them in the wild, unlike the rescued bonobos at the sanctuary.
• Camp or eco-lodge stay: After the trek, either camp in the forest or stay at a nearby eco-lodge.

Overnight: Forest camp or eco-lodge near Mbandaka.

Day 5: Explore the Congo Rainforest

• Hike the rainforest: Spend the day exploring the dense rainforest, home to many species including monkeys, birds, and other wildlife.
• Visit a local community: Meet people from nearby villages and learn about their lives in the rainforest. See how they coexist with nature and the challenges they face in protecting their environment.
• Relaxing evening: Return to your camp or lodge for a peaceful night in the heart of the forest.

Overnight: Forest camp or eco-lodge near Mbandaka.

Day 6: Return to Mbandaka and Fly to Kinshasa

• Morning forest walk: Take one last walk in the forest, perhaps seeing more wildlife or bonobos.
• Back to Mbandaka: Return to Mbandaka and fly back to Kinshasa in the afternoon.
• Free evening: Spend your last evening in Kinshasa at your leisure. You can relax or explore the city’s restaurants and shops.

Overnight: Kinshasa.

Day 7: Departure

• Last day in Kinshasa: Depending on your flight time, enjoy a relaxed morning. You may choose to visit the National Museum of the DRC or shop for souvenirs.
• Airport transfer: Your guide will take you to N’Djili International Airport for your departure.

Tour Inclusions

• Accommodations: Luxury hotels in Kinshasa, eco-lodges or camps in the rainforest.
• Meals: Full board meals during the tour.
• Transport: Domestic flights, private transfers, and boat trips.
• Guides: Professional guides for bonobo tracking, rainforest tours, and cultural visits.
• Permits: Bonobo sanctuary entry and wild bonobo tracking permits.

Cost

Expect to pay between $5,000 and $10,000 per person for this 7-day tour. The price depends on the level of accommodation and transportation options (including possible helicopter transfers).

Conclusion

This 7-day tour is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the endangered bonobos up close, while also exploring the rich culture and breathtaking rainforests of the Congo. It’s an unforgettable trip for nature lovers and adventurers alike.